Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest Part II
August 11, 2025
Mesa Verde, Capitol Reef & Bryce Canyon National Parks, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Natural Bridges National Monument As we continued our journey through the Southwest, our next stop brought together two of my great loves, history and natural beauty at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. Here, an ancient window into the past flings wide open, offering visitors like me a rare opportunity to peer inside. What little I knew of this ancient place came from my childhood View-Master reels. I remember eagerly clicking through the 1960s edition of Mesa Verde, longing for the day I’d witness its wonders in person. Decades later, that dream became a reality. Though I had only a basic understanding of its story, I was eager to learn more. I discovered that the Pueblo people lived in the region for over 700 years, from 550 to 1300 CE. Just imagine, they had migrated away over 725 years ago, and yet so much remains to tell their story. It was after 1150 that they began constructing the now-iconic cliff dwellings, and I was awestruck by how well-preserved and sophisticated they still are. Learn More
Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest
June 23, 2025
Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest It’s recently come to my attention that I might be a bit fickle in love—not in the romantic sense, but in my love for nature. Last year, I was utterly smitten after visiting Glacier National Park. I returned home convinced that no other place on Earth could possibly rival its awe-inspiring grandeur. I even said so right here in print. Well, I was wrong. So very wrong. This year, our vacation adventure took us to the Southwest, specifically, the Four Corners region, where the borders of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico converge. We explored five national parks, one state park, a Navajo tribal park, and cruised two of the most scenic drives in the country, racking up 1,100 miles across vast, rugged terrain. Our journey would take us from the snow-capped skyline of Salt Lake City to the fiery red rock landscapes of Utah, and beyond. The adventure began as our plane approached Salt Lake City. Peeking out the window, I was stunned. I had pictured a flat, desert-like backdrop. Instead, the city was encased in snow-covered mountains. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Learn More
Wanderlust in the Hudson Valley: A Mother-Daughter Adventure
May 27, 2025
As our children grow into adults with lives of their own, it becomes increasingly difficult to find quality time together. So, when my daughter Joy and I discovered we each had a free weekend, we seized the opportunity to spend time together. Already afflicted with a serious case of wanderlust, I was thrilled to share an adventure with her in New York’s Hudson River Valley. The two-hour drive from Joy’s home in Philadelphia flew by as we chatted nonstop, catching up on life and laughing at old memories. We arrived in Nyack, New York, just in time for dinner. Our home base was a quaint bed and breakfast perched high above town. With its winding streets and hills, Nyack reminded me of a smaller, quieter version of Pittsburgh. That evening, the streets were alive with diners, music, and a gentle river breeze. After stretching our legs with a walk along the Hudson, we settled into a lively spot called Prohibition River for dinner. The energy was infectious, the food delicious, and the company, of course, just perfect. To set the stage for our next day’s outing to Sleepy Hollow, we returned to our room and watched Sleepy Hollow, the 1999 Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp. While it took many creative liberties with Washington Irving’s famous story, it offered just the right amount of spooky anticipation. Learn More
Bouffants, Bargains, and Bravery-My Mother
May 27, 2025
Mother’s Day is here, and until now, I’ve never truly shared much about my mother. I’ve mentioned her here and there, but today, I’m diving in headfirst. My relationship with my mother wasn’t always smooth. But as I grew older and became a parent myself, I’ve learned to view her through a more compassionate and understanding lens. It’s easy to spot the flaws in someone, especially a parent, but choosing to focus on their strengths is where understanding comes, and love deepens. I was a child of the 1960s, and my mother taught my brother and me the value of hard work. Our summers were spent tending a large garden—planting, watering, weeding, and eventually harvesting. Then came the canning season: the hottest days of the year spent peeling, blanching, and boiling. But nothing beats the satisfaction of hearing the lids "pop" as the jars sealed. It was a sound that signaled canning success! Once the work was done, my mother loved to entertain. She was always hosting parties, and I can still see her buzzing around the house trying to complete last-minute tasks before her guests arrived, exclaiming, “Everything is coming to a head at once!” My brother and I still say that from time to time, a little tribute to her signature phrase. Learn More
