Biscuits and Biplanes? Please allow me to explain that unlikely combination. A rainy morning is the PERFECT time to stay in bed, but my, how times have changed. Kids no longer grab a comic book or watch cartoons in their pajamas. They are now glued to their electronic devices! And biplanes were the farthest thing […]
Let The FUN Begin! GrandCamp 2018 Is In Full Swing
Fun is the name of the game at our house. But before the organized chaos of GrandCamp begins…I always take a few minutes the day before to anticipate the memories that are yet to be made. (And some red wine and dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either!) Peepaw and our son Nick have this Indy Girl […]
It’s Almost Time Again – GrandCamp 2018
It’s almost time…for GrandCamp! If you’re a long time follower of this blog you’ve probably noticed I’ve been somewhat lax in my usual three times weekly publishing schedule. There are some really good reasons for my lack of writing. You see, we’ve been out of town all but one weekend since we got home from […]
Easter Bonnet Memories…When Hats Were A Fashion Necessity
Hats and Easter went hand in hand when I was a child. And wearing my new, carefully coordinated Easter outfit almost always meant a photo op with my big brother. Here we are, heading to Mass on Easter morning. (My big brother Tommy even has his prayer book in hand.) My little purse most definitely […]
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 […]
A Bird’s Eye View In Iowa City – VUE Rooftop Restaurant and Outdoor Patio
VUE. Sometimes a name says it all. The best city view in downtown Iowa City is easy to come by. Just head to the 12th floor of the beautiful new Hilton Garden Inn, and when those elevator doors open you’ll find yourself at VUE. It’s the newest, most amazing restaurant and cocktail lounge in Iowa […]
Hilton Garden Inn – A Hotel Gem In Downtown Iowa City, Iowa
Travel has been in my blood since I was a child, and as a travel agent I had many opportunities to explore hotels in many worldwide destinations. So I was anxious to see how the brand new Hilton Garden Inn in Iowa City measures up. (Disclosure: Thank you to Kinseth Hospitality Companies and the Hilton […]
A Day Spent With My Foodie Friend…And Our Five Course Autumn Harvest Dinner
A Five Course Autumn Harvest Dinner? No sweat! I simply joined forces with a great “Foodie Friend” to make it happen. And boy…did it happen! Earlier this Autumn I had the privilege of spending a day cooking with Jim in his well equipped kitchen in Kalona, Iowa. (I was like a kid in a candy […]