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Agonize Less; Live More
When a friend mentioned Copper Harbor, Michigan the other day, my mind immediately rewound to the summer I met a group there for a week-long camping adventure on Isle Royale. The trip was worrisome since I’d never wilderness camped and because I’d be sharing the island with dangerous animals. These included roaming predators with jaws strong enough to crush my bones and 1500-pound animals that use their deadly antlers to establish dominance. My worries ranged from life-threatening to less frightening worries such as getting motion sick on the ferry ride to the island. My adventure began with the three-hour ferry…
My Aging Dog
My dog Josie sat in my lap while we waited in the kayak for my younger daughter to join us. To my surprise, she rose, stepped to the front of the kayak, jumped off into the shallow water, and headed for the woods. What was up with her lately? I called her, but she didn’t come. Josie turns 13 this year, 91 in human years, and has lost hearing. Calling her didn’t work. I’ve started to teach her hand signals, but she’d have to be looking at me, of course, so they weren’t helpful. She finally did come back, and…
There’s No Place Like Home
“If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look it any further than my own back yard.” Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz My husband and I had a marvelous time touring European countries, but on the drive home from the airport, we soaked in the beauty of Wisconsin’s green rolling hills and sighed. It was great to be home. As we neared Wisconsin Dells, we were reminded of how lucky we are to have our choice of restaurants and attractions within a few miles of our own backyard. Wisconsin might not have thousands of acres…
Everyday Heroes
When my husband and I toured Washington D.C., I had expected to be wowed by the spring cherry blossoms and educated by the museums and memorials. I hadn’t expected to be inspired or to see democracy in action. Our trip began with the guide explaining that the index card name tags on the wall near our bus seats would rotate. “All will have an equal chance to view the scenery from the choice seats,” she said. “It’s the democratic way.” On the first day of our five-day tour, we boarded the bus for Arlington Cemetery. Two women, who resembled one…
Enchantment on the Ice Age Trail
Beth Hays, at the age of 63, completed her goal. Hiking 4-15 miles each time she set off, in spring, summer, fall, and winter, her wool socks and Columbia hiking boots logged an astounding 1238 miles and she completed the entire Ice Age Trail. It took some convincing, but I was finally able to convince her to let me tell you about her experiences. As many of you know, the IAT is an enchanting footpath that runs through some of the most gorgeous glaciated scenery throughout Wisconsin. The website, bit.ly/42lCOzA, states that more than 2.3 million people use the Ice…
That’s Why We’re Here
“I’ve been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That’s why we’re here, after all, to help others.” — Carol Burnett Last week, I stood in line behind a young man purchasing books at the Kilbourn Library book sale. “Mrs. Laundrie!” he exclaimed. I recognized him as a past student. “Yes, how are you?” “I’m great. Do you remember the time I finished my project, and you gave me a gold wishing coin?” I blinked at the enthusiastic outburst. Back when I taught fourth grade, I used fake gold coins to motivate students to improve their behavior or finish homework.…
Cheers
Our Mayflower River Cruise began in the Netherlands, where my husband and I toured the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. Striped, bright, exotic, scented or not, each tulip, hyacinth, or daffodil was unique. But viewing the expanse of the various flowers swirling together and complementing one another was beyond spectacular. Strolling past the windmill and through the formal or casual gardens delighted the senses. I soaked in the variety of petals, the music of cheery birds and a distant calliope, and the mix of fragrant scents. But it was the extraordinary range, some 700 varieties, that made it a powerful experience…
Jewels in My Memory Box
Jewels in My Memory Box “You didn’t!” My mouth dropped at a detail my brother shared about a hunting trip he’d taken out west. Jeff and I were enjoying a glass of wine together on the sundeck during Mayflower’s “Tulip Time on Jewels of the Rhine” river cruise of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. My 6’4” red-haired sibling, (whom I like to call “my naughty little brother”) and I live 400 miles apart and were appreciating this chance to reminisce, tease, and joke with one another. “I really did,” he said. “I had to haul the hind quarter of…