We’ve been blessed by two perigee-syzygy Super Moons this summer and are looking forward to one more on September 9th. We live in a valley surrounded by trees, so the moon loses most of its...
Steamboat a’Coming
Who could read Mark Twain’s Huck Finn or Life on the Mississippi and not dream of boating down the Mississippi? As ten and eleven year olds, my sister, brother and I were so inspired by...
Wildflower Bouquets and the Infamous Chigger Incident
farm flowers
Throughout the seasons, my sister gathers flowers and botanicals from her property to make fantastic arrangements. In the spring there are sweet nosegays of Trout Lilies, Virginia Bluebells, Dutchman Breeches and Jack-in-the Pulpit on her...
Water in Dry Land
Desert Conversation
A blue birdbath near my kitchen window draws my attention when I’m working at the sink. The color itself is refreshing and the small ripples from passing breezes are a shorthand for larger bodies of water that...
Frittering Away
zucchini bounty
Dad goes to the public library numerous times a week. Mom said the librarians are probably happy to see him as he runs up their patron numbers, but Dad says they are happy to see him because...
The Butterflies Are Back In Town
butterfly on purple coneflower
We’ve been chasing around our yards, camera in hand, to snap photos of the butterflies making their August appearance. Chasing is the operative word. Butterflies just don’t listen when you tell them to sit still...
Tastes Like Peapods
common purslane
Why are there weedy looking plants growing in my vegetable garden? To me they are not weeds but edible volunteer greens. The botanical name for this family of plants is Portulacaceae, but I call it...
Saying Goodbye to Black Beauty
Chevelle SS 396 emblem
Recently we said good-bye to our 1966 black Chevelle SS 396 L78. It found a new home with Carl in Manhattan. Carl bought it in memory of his older brother who drove its doppelganger before...
Lakeside Luncheon Shared with Friend Betsy M.
shoreline luncheon
When doing lunch at a restaurant becomes a ho-hum habit, we suggest packing up a bit of crystal and a light lunch and heading to the water side. Whether poolside or lakeside, shimmering water makes...
Almost Time to Hooley
Pipers at the Amphitheater
The Annual Dubuque Irish Hooley is marked on our calendar for August 23rd and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are making a return appearance. They were a real hoot last year. I was quite anxious...
Hand Stitched Bracelets for the Nieces
pink bracelet for Nova
My darling nieces should soon receive a package in the mail. I made bracelets for all three in the colors they requested. Nova wanted something dressy in shades of pink, Lorelei wanted blue to go...
Fishermen’s Grub (not grubby fishermen)
Fishermen's Grub
On most Friday evenings during the summer, we enjoy pontoon’n with family and neighbors. Generally, the gals sit in the back on the comfy sofa (and close to liquid refreshments). After appetizers and...