Christmas morning 2017 dawned crisp and icy in Indy. (Our little convertible looked more than ready to head South the next day!) But inside we were toasty warm and happy. And after the family opened all of their gifts, they scattered to the far corners of their house. And I was left in the peace […]
Meemaw’s Super Bowl Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms – A Game Day Touchdown
If you’re headed for a party on Super Bowl Sunday consider taking along a plate of these Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms and I can almost guarantee they’ll be gone before kick-off! Just be sure to refrigerate the prepared mushrooms until ready to bake and refrigerate the leftovers…if there are any. But trust me…I wouldn’t hold my […]
Super Bowl Spinach Artichoke Dip – A Cheesy Touchdown Appetizer
The Super Bowl is almost here. And many people think more about the commercials and the party foods than the game itself. (Including ME!) Our son Nick created an appetizer that would be perfect to take to a Super Bowl party. Now keep in mind, Nick cooks like I do. He finds a recipe […]
Carmel Christkindlmarkt – A New Holiday Family Tradition
Have you ever heard of a Christkindlmarkt? I guess my German ancestors knew a thing or two about winter celebrations, and the city of Carmel, Indiana held their first ever event last December. I had no idea what it was, or what to expect, so I did a little research before we hopped in the car […]
Eggs Benedict Casserole…With A Sausage “Twist”
Our Indy son Nick is a great cook, but when I arrive for a visit I like to give him a break in the kitchen. But as hard as I tried, one morning several days before Christmas he beat me to the kitchen and he served up a creation that will become a “go to” […]
December In Iowa…Filled With JOY But A Few Tears Too…
December is a month filled with transitions. It’s a time to celebrate my birthday…for another year. (Thank God.) And it’s time to pack for winter adventures. But it’s also time to say goodbye to our Iowa grandkids for our long absence. And that is a bitter pill to swallow. Don’t get me wrong. We LOVE […]
Stringtown Grocery – Kalona, Iowa – An Amish Convenience Store
Before we left Iowa for our winter snowbird nest, I made one last trip to Stringtown Grocery, a popular Amish store near Kalona, Iowa. I went to Stringtown to buy two totally unrelated items. Gruyere cheese…and popcorn! I love to browse the aisles in that unusual store. You’ll find everything from canning jars to pots […]
The Crowded Closet – A Thrift Store With A Mission
I’m a thrift store fanatic, and The Crowded Closet in Iowa City is near and dear to my heart. Not only is that store stuffed with bargains, but it’s super neat and clean. This Mennonite sponsored thrift store is staffed by volunteers with mile-wide smiles and “Iowa Nice” personalities. Do you want proof? Come along […]
Why I Write This Blog…And What It Means To Me
(Written January 16, 2018) Every Day Is A Gift The older I get, the faster each year seems to pass. And the more grateful I am for each and every day. In fact, my blog has become even more important to me with every passing year. And after losing a dear friend in a tragic […]
Life Is Not A Dress Rehearsal…A Firsthand Reminder
Life has a way of reminding us how fragile and precious it is. Two days ago one of our best friends arrived from the frigid North and we were so glad to welcome her back to our Florida paradise once again. Linda has been a fixture here forever! You see, HER parents bought a condo […]