When I was young, my parents took us through Canada to see Niagara Falls. The only flash of memory I retained from the trip is stepping out of a dressing room to model a cute Canadian dress that Mom had me try on. Though I generally hated dresses, I loved that one; perhaps because it felt a little less like a dress and a little more like a costume. She bought it. I … [Read more...]
Food on Fridays: Festival Spillage
Here at the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—it doesn’t have to be a recipe. Food on Fridays Participants 1. N is for Nutrition@ frugalcrunchychristy' s2. April@ The 21st Century Housewife (White Chocolate and Macadamia Cookies)3. Marinara Sauce Crockpot Style4. Giveaway to Enhance Food5. Prudent & Practical {Pancakes}6. … [Read more...]
Festival of Faith & Writing: Festival Fun
Some random documentation of my trip to the Festival of Faith & Writing begins with this evidence of my crossing the state line.Calvin College's campus is colorful.Ran into my friend Stacy Morgan the very first thing. I registered, slipped my name tag on, set my bag down next to a chair, flipped through the packet, looked up and saw Stacy sitting on the couch next to … [Read more...]
Disney Survivor
We waited 16 years to take the plunge.We put it off mostly because it's the opposite of everything I would ask for in a vacation destination. And, to be honest, I wasn't sure this slow-craving, introvertive mom could survive it. But it occurred to us one cold winter evening that we only have a few more trips with our almost-16-year-old daughter before she heads off to … [Read more...]
Sunset Kids
(location: Muskegon State Park, Michigan) … [Read more...]
Make-Do Mondays: Slow Setting for a Slow-Down Book
see below for alternative buttonAt Make-Do Mondays, we discuss how we’re simplifying, downsizing, repurposing, buying used, and using what we’ve got.It’s a carnival celebrating creative problem-solving, contentment, patience and ingenuity. To participate, share your own make-do solution in the comments or write up a Make-Do Mondays post at your blog, then return here to … [Read more...]
Make-Do Mondays: Campsite Creativity
see below for alternative buttonAt Make-Do Mondays, we discuss how we’re simplifying, downsizing, repurposing, buying used, and using what we’ve got.It’s a carnival celebrating creative problem-solving, contentment, patience and ingenuity. To participate, share your own make-do solution in the comments or write up a Make-Do Mondays post at your blog, then return here to … [Read more...]
Rip Current Hero
This man, Garrett, brought his son and a friend along for a few days at the beach. We noticed him because he was the only one on the beach with a surfboard. Actually, he rented two: a large one for himself and a smaller one for his son. A novice, Garrett told us he has only been out surfboarding four times. He was taking a break on the beach, chatting with his … [Read more...]
Florida Flora & Fauna (and Traveling Mercies)
I wasn't trying to keep our vacation a secret. I intended to post the story as it unfolded, but limited Internet access foiled my plan.Before I left, I managed to schedule a Make-Do Mondays. Other than that, I was only able to compose that short Food on Fridays on Thursday night, right after we ate the meal I photographed. We found a spot on our way back to the campground … [Read more...]
Make-Do Mondays: Campsite Coffee
see below for alternative buttonAt Make-Do Mondays, we discuss how we’re simplifying, downsizing, repurposing, buying used, and using what we’ve got.It’s a carnival celebrating creative problem-solving, contentment, patience and ingenuity. To participate, share your own make-do solution in the comments or write up a Make-Do Mondays post at your blog, then return here to … [Read more...]
Photo Tour of D.C.
Learning to navigate the Metro was a new experience for suburban kids.I think we were near the Post Office. While walking up to the see the White House, several police officers whizzed around on bikes, others blocked off streets. We assumed the president was on his way, so we stayed to watch. They found something that would concern me, if I were in charge of security—a … [Read more...]
Calvin College & Grand Rapids
Greetings from Grand Rapids!We're on a short trip to Grand Rapids to visit the Belgian Wonder's nephew, who is attending Calvin College. I meant to tell you on Thursday, but instead I pulled together a Food on Fridays post, packed, and hopped in the car to drive up here.Here's a little photo log of our visit thus far.On the bridge that passes over a four-lane highway, I … [Read more...]
USA: Apparently We're Awesome
The past two weeks have been full.First there's been the wonderful blessing of chaos brought on by the privilege of having some much-needed work done to our home. It was completed last week, and my main job now is to sort through clutter we unearthed in the process. I left it sitting in the family room, to force me to deal with it. For the record, I am so grateful! I … [Read more...]
Lake Michigan!
When I sat on the sand and watched the water crash against those rocks and send up that spray, I thought, "Why, this could almost be California!" Yet, we only had to drive a few hours to enjoy this Lake Michigan beach.I guess I was surprised that the lake was able to offer such an ocean-like display of power.But when on the drive home I phoned my parents and mentioned the … [Read more...]
Guess Where This Photo Was Taken
Go ahead. Try to guess.I'll give you the answer in the next post. … [Read more...]