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Saturday, May 31, 2025

Unforgettable Bites and Hidden Gems

 We tried two new restaurants last week. We had brunch at The Tangled Root Brewery. It's on the square in Washington, IL. We ate in the first floor dining room, but went up to the rooftop bar to see the view. Nice.




Breakfast Tacos


Cheesecake French Toast

We last ate Indian cuisine during our Dallas years, so we chose to dine at Indian Tadka in Peoria. I tried the Kashmiri Murg (chicken). Very good!





We also made a return visit to Kuchie's on the Water




Till next time ...


Sunday, May 25, 2025

Five Things to Improve My Day

1. There's nothing like starting the day sipping a hot cup of coffee in the early morning light, while listening to the sweet symphony of birds singing the day awake. This peaceful ritual not only soothes the soul but sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead.

Painted Bunting


2. Peeling the sticker off something in one clean swipe! It's the little victories. We bought a new mug from a restaurant we found in Wyoming and I went in with for a fingernail expecting a battle, and—voila—the sticker peeled off in one smooth tug. I felt powerful! Like I could finally open a pickle jar on the first try. 



 3. When the Wi-Fi connects instantly and doesn't cut out while trying to log on. And then you find a text from your Hubs, who is sitting in the next room, that ends with "I love you!"


4. There's a quiet magic in the crunch of gravel beneath tires, where dusty backroads lead to moments of pure wonder. With camera in hand, I set out on winding paths, searching for the fleeting beauty of a colorful bird I haven't seen through my lens before, or a deer gracefully leaping through tall grass, or the curious scamper of countless critters. The road is often framed by wildflowers and tall oak trees. Each drive is a treasure hunt, where nature unveils its artistry. 


5. Last, but most important, spending time with family, especially our older relatives, is a precious opportunity. As time moves forward, the moments we share with our grandparents, parents, or elderly aunts and uncles become invaluable memories. These interactions not only strengthen family bonds but also allow us to learn from their wisdom and experiences.

Taking a moment to sit down with an older relative can open up a treasure trove of stories. Whether it’s hearing about their childhood, learning about family traditions, or simply laughing over a shared meal, these moments create connections that last a lifetime. Engaging in simple activities like playing a board game, looking through old photos, or even just having a heartfelt conversation can mean the world to them—and to you.

Life is fleeting, and our older loved ones won’t be with us forever. Prioritizing time with them now ensures we carry their love, lessons, and legacy forward. So, make that call, plan that visit, or share that cup of coffee. Those small gestures can make a big difference.

Miss you Mom.

This is merely a few of the things I thought of today. None of these are life-altering. They don't solve climate change, cure heartbreak, or explain how people can afford a $7.00 smoothie every day. But in the middle of chaos, they give me a spark of irrational joy—and honestly, I'll take it.




Saturday, May 24, 2025

National Wyoming Day

Today, May 24, 2025, is National Wyoming Day, a time to honor the rugged beauty and rich history of the Cowboy State! Wyoming is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Teton Range to the sprawling plains of the Great Basin. Yellowstone National Park provides geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife to impress its visitors. Devils Tower holds a special place in our hearts. It is near Sundance, where Hubs and I were married in the Crook County Courthouse. It's the same courthouse where The Sundance Kid, Harry Longabaugh, was tried for being a horse thief in 1887.

Grand Tetons


View from the Wyoming Welcome Center

The Sundance Kid outside of the Crook County Courthouse

Angry buffalo. Glad I had a good zoom camera.


My favorite shot of Devils Tower




Friday, May 23, 2025

Hummingbirds

 We miss seeing hummingbirds. I hung our feeder up in April, and the waiting game is dragging on way too long! We haven’t seen one yet. Sure hope they find us soon! The first picture is from the backyard of the Toledo house. The rest are from the back porch in Oklahoma.






Monday, May 19, 2025

May Birds - 1-19

I haven't blogged for a while but not everyone is on Facebook, so decided to dip my toe back into the water. We moved from Oklahoma to the north central part of Illinois. We finally found some areas conducive to stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures. Here are the birds I found so far this month.

Warbling Vireo

Canadian Geese


Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Common Grackle

Baltimore Oriole

Mute Swan
Trumpeter Swan

Bald Eagle

Eastern Kingbird

American Goldfinch

American Robin

Red-winged Blackbird

Blue Heron

House Sparrow