We have a niece who will be 2 in February. This is an amazing age as she tries to put all her worldly knowledge into place. Learning letters, numbers and, most fun of all, names with faces. From the beginning, she has called my husband Mike, Pop Pop. We think it’s a short version for Grandpa. He takes it in... READ MORE >
I have mixed feelings this time of year. My Facebook feed is full of amazing “hunting” poses that make me both sad and proud at the same time. I felt this way as a child too. My parents hosted several hunters during deer season. There would be hunters sleeping on our floor most weekends and it was not unusual to... READ MORE >
Last week I woke to the smell of baking cinnamon rolls while staying with my parents in Schroeder. I was cozy and warm under my weighted blanket and looking forward to a warm cup of blueberry tea with my breakfast of warm bread when it suddenly occurred to me I really like the feel of warmth. Is there anything better... READ MORE >
Recently I had my first visit to Door County in Wisconsin. I had a woman’s wellness get away weekend with my mom, her sister, my cousin and our good friend. The five of us enjoyed a condo in Egg Harbor. Unbeknownst to us it was the annual Pumpkin Festival. There were pumpkins everywhere yet no pumpkin pie to be found.... READ MORE >
Some of my friends are already aware of a recent tragic mistake I made while arranging my china cabinet. I was placing two sets of wedding china on the top shelf and it was too heavy. This error in judgment led to the shelf breaking along with the other two shelves in the cabinet. I have to tell you it... READ MORE >
This is my favorite time of year. The smell in the air is crisp and fresh. Sweatshirt weather without snow boots. It is perfect but it is short. One day all the leaves are green then you blink and it is a sea of orange, red, gold and yellow. And it is the best time of year for eating! Gardens... READ MORE >
I was recently part of a beautiful Annandale community dinner called Field to Feast. The idea behind these popular dinners is to bring attention to local food growers. This includes local berries, vegetables, dairy, grains and meats. Hopefully people will try these items (prepared to perfection) and think “I could make this at home” and therefore buy from local producers.... READ MORE >
It is that time of year when the excitement of back to school is in the air. I remember the feeling so well. I would babysit all summer to make money for new school clothes. One day trip to Duluth would usually eat up every dime. I loved bringing the clothes home and laying out possible outfits for the first... READ MORE >
When we first moved to Annandale 14 years ago, we had a 9-year-old daughter, a 9-year-old son and a 2-yearold son. I was a full-time stay-at-home mom with only one friend in the area and she worked full-time. My husband traveled a lot so I was really on my own. I realized this in week one when my sweet 2-yearold... READ MORE >
I strongly believe in fantasy and playtime. There is a great value in using your imagination. Now some of that has gone viral and you can use your phone to play fantasy games like Pokémon Go. I will admit I have played this game with my nephew and I thought it was fun. As we were outside playing this game... READ MORE >
