Adventure, Awe, and Abundant Life: Our Day at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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August 14-15, 2025. Finding Joy on the Trails, in the Shadows, and in Christ

What if I told you that a diagnosis, even one as sobering as metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer, doesn’t have to mean the end of adventure? That it might, in fact, be the beginning of a new kind of abundant living? Different, yes, but abundant. I want to share one story of joy, love, and a little mystery from a recent trip with my husband to Cuyahoga Valley National Park—a place where wild nature and the whisper of hope wind along every trail.

The Ledges Trail: Where Wonder Meets Stone and Sky

We started our day with the Ledges Trail, a 2-mile loop famed for its dramatic rock formations, sun-dappled moss, and secret caves. My husband and I laced up our tennis shoes and set off with hearts full of anticipation.

Tip: Come prepared! I would have pulled out my hiking poles and worn my hiking boots if I had realized how many rocks we would scramble over. It’s not a difficult trail, but can be a little tricky for someone with balance and joint issues.

Nevertheless, while I didn’t expect the rocky terrain on the trail, it became a chance to adapt and push my limits. Instead of being discouraged, I embraced the challenge, and we managed to boost our daily steps while discovering new strength in ourselves.

Stepping into the quiet cathedral of pines, it struck me: this is what it means to live—really live—even with cancer as a quiet companion. More importantly, I get to live this life with the best caregiver as my hiking buddy, who stretches out his hand to catch me if I stumble.

The trail meandered through forests that felt ancient and wise, the scent of earth and leaves mingling with laughter and the promise of adventure. We ducked under boughs, hopped across roots, and marveled at the towering cliffs, their sandstone faces streaked with green and gold.

At the overlook, we caught our breath, gazing out over a patchwork of treetops. The world felt big and beautiful, and at that moment, thoughts of cancer or medical appointments slipped away.

Holding hands with the one I love, I was reminded: abundant life isn’t found in the absence of trials, but in the presence of Jesus Christ, guiding and sustaining each day. In every moment, we have the power to create memories, to savor the light filtering through the trees, and to claim joy on this side of life. Let us walk on, hearts open, knowing that each step is a testament to courage, faith, and the unwavering will to live abundantly.

Every step forward is an act of hope, no matter where you are in your cancer journey. With each breath of fresh air and every stride—even when challenged by neuropathy and fatigue—the Holy Spirit prompts, the heart grows stronger, and the soul more resilient. Life is still full of wonder worth fighting for.

Down the Eerie Canal Towpath

Of course, we couldn’t resist the allure of the Erie Canal Towpath. Echoes of history lace this path, where mules once pulled canal boats, the Underground Railroad was actively present, and the shadows seem to hold a thousand secrets. It was the perfect atmosphere for a little playtime.

Eerie Canal, rushing water in front of the Canal Exploration Center.

Canal Stop and Tavern (Currently the Canal Exploration Center)

Hi, I’m Blossom. During the canal days, mules like me walked the towpath, pulling heavy boats behind us. We were strong engines, able to haul 60 tons or more of freight. Mules worked in teams of two or three. Cargo boats had a middle cabin to stable a second team The two teams switched every six hours.

Some people say mules are stubborn, but I think we’re just smart. Horses can work themselves to an early grave. Mules have sense enough to stop when we’re tired. And we refuse to do anything dangerous. Over time, horses will get mouth and harness sores. Not mules. We are also cheaper to feed. Now I’m not saying horses are all bad. They are faster than mules. Early passenger boats used teams of horses when speed was more important than endurance. After the Civil War, canal boats became family businesses. One of the captain’s children was often the muleskinner, leading the team along the towpath.

I got my intelligence from my father. He’s a donkey. I got my athletic ability from my mother. She’s a horse. What is the best trait that you inherited from each parent?
Mule Power: Towing Canal Boats, from the placard at Cuyahoga Valley N.P.

Tim whispered in my ear as the towpath curved between thick stands of trees, their branches creaking in the gentle breeze. The path met the boardwalk into Beaver’s Marsh where wood ducks greeted us. He grinned while squeezing my hand. Even if you don’t get to see what you had hoped for (in this case, beavers), there’s something thrilling about embracing the unknown.

Cancer brings its own shadows—uncertainty, fear, the uninvited “what ifs.” Yet I’ve learned that through faith, even the darkest paths can glow with hope. Jesus walks with us, turning every challenge into an opportunity for courage, laughter, and connection.

Abundance in Every Step

The most beautiful part of our day wasn’t just the scenery, but the sense of freedom and joy. We climbed stairs, walked through a covered bridge, witnessed butterflies and colorful flowers, ate farm fresh corn while swinging on the double swings, swapped silly jokes, and learned that adventure is less about where you go and more about who walks beside you. Whether you have a caring partner on earth or not, Jesus is there each step of the way.

I want to say this, to anyone facing a difficult diagnosis or season: abundant life is possible—yes, even now. Through my journey with metastatic breast cancer, I’ve discovered that life with Jesus is not about scarcity, but overflow. He gives peace that surpasses understanding, and joy that bubbles up in the least-expected places—like a trail at sunset, a beautiful waterfall, or a quiet moment on the towpath with someone you love.

Come, Take the Next Step

If you’re ever near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, I encourage you to lace up your boots, grab a loved one, and walk the Ledges Trail. Let the stones steady you, the trees shelter you, and the adventure—yes, even the eerie ones—remind you that life is still here for the living.

Because abundance isn’t measured by days, but by the love, faith, and wonder we choose. Through Jesus Christ, I am learning to live—truly, joyfully, abundantly—one trail at a time.

We added another stamp to our Passport on this trip, and checked off our 18th National Park.

Pro tip: The America the Beautiful Access Pass is free for anyone who has a disability (terminal cancer is a disability, even if you don’t “feel” disabled). It provides free entry to all National Parks and Historic Sites for the pass holder and family who travel with them. It’s a great way to live life without the added pressure of the financial burden of entrance fees. Check it out!

Just One More Thing

Having terminal cancer is a different experience for everyone, and I do hope this blog is accepted as it is intended. Not everyone can do the things we can do. I get that. Depending on where you are with your diagnosis and whether you are the patient or the caregiver, you will make those determinations. Given the thousands of types and subtypes, cancer treatment is challenging. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. I am fortunate to have cancer treatment that works!

I don’t say this lightly, as not everyone is as fortunate to add years to their life. My mother was in a Hospice House for two weeks at the end of her life. This disease does take people’s lives. Yet even there, in her setting, we enjoyed the beautiful gardens outside her window together. She also enjoyed life with what energy she had as they brought in therapy dogs, listened to people read Scripture, held hands and even encouraged people who came to visit. She taught me how to live life abundantly now as well as when we transition to our eternal Home. That is why I say, as long as I have breath, I intend to live!

Ask God to give you energy. He will provide strength to walk, even if it is just a few steps to your backyard.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

August 13, 2025September 9, 2025

Handfeeding Birds at Kensington Metropark: Cindy’s Solo Bird Nerd Adventure!

Ready for a little feathered magic? 🐦 I’ve been looking forward to staying in the Detroit area since the beginning of this trip, mostly because I follow a photographer who shares videos on Facebook of her “hand of snacks,” feeding the local birds in all seasons of the year. Her bird photography is worthy of accolades. I wish I had half her talent. She shared the name of the park where her skills find these incredible experiences, and I took note. The birds are used to people because they have been handfed for years. I did my research, scheduled a day when we would be close enough to the park, kissed my husband good-bye while he was setting up a Zoom call, and took off, my backpack loaded with a five-pound bag of birdseed (the smallest bag I could find).

It was easy to find the Kensington Metropark Visitor’s Entrance where I paid my $10.00 one-day fee, but one never fully appreciates how big a park is until you get lost inside. We have experienced the enormity of National Parks, which of course are expected, but this park was much larger than I imagined. That park makes a city park look like a thimble in a bathtub! There are three separate entrances, miles of nature trails for hiking and biking, fishing docks and boat access on Kent Lake, two separate parks with swimming beaches, a regulation golf course (which Tim now wishes he would have played), primitive camping, winter and summer sports, and so much more.

It was a bit of a challenge following the map to the Wildwing Trail, but I took the long way around to get a better “feel” for the park. Once I got close, I still had some difficulty finding where the trail actually starts. Of course, that could be my old chemo brain lol, but I ran into at least one couple and another individual who didn’t seem to know where they were. So, maybe it’s not just me.

Pro tip: If you want to unlock the magic of the Wildwing Trail, head to the parking lot near the Nature Center and caper down the stairs like you’re on Mission Impossible to BirdyLand. At the bottom, scan for the trailhead straight ahead—it’s your portal! That’s the easiest way to find it (I hiked the reverse direction). My Australian GPS chortled as he sent me bumping down a dirt road behind the Nature Center. After that mini-adventure, I finally cracked the code and found the actual parking lot. Trust me. Take the easy way in and skip the detour—unless you’re looking for bonus chipmunk sightings!

The name of the Wildwing Trail suits it. There are a ton of birds and a wide variety of species. I prayed they would find me and find me they did! Prayers answered—thank you Lord. My first encounter was with a pair of Sandhill Cranes, approaching me in the parking lot like they knew something I didn’t. In spite of the signs warning us not to feed them, they seem to be very comfortable around people. Little did I know the cranes were abundant here, and they always seemed to seek me out wherever I was on the trail. I have seen many of these birds in Florida, as they migrate there during the winter. But these are different.

The Metropark highlights a bird of the week, and when I looked up their page on the Sandhill Crane, here’s what they offered. “Often referred to by park visitors as a prehistoric bird, the Sandhill Crane is an exciting bird to spot while visiting the Metroparks. With their characteristic red marking on the crown of their head and stilt-like walking they are certainly a majestic bird to encounter. Sandhill Cranes are typically gray or slate colored with some rust colored markings on their underside. The Sandhill Cranes at Kensington Metropark have more rusty coloring than cranes found in other areas due to the high iron content in the water, when they clean their feathers the water stains the feather with a rusty hue. Their slender and sharp bill, growing longer than their head, provides good warning to keep a safe distance from them whenever you may encounter them in the park.”

Seriously, the Wildwing Trail is like the Disneyland of birds, all things red—sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers—and even a few cheeky chipmunks tried to join the party. Check out this video for all the spontaneous bird landings, laughs, and a few tips for your own bird-feeding adventure. Whether you’re a bona fide bird nerd or just looking for a little joy at my expense, you’re in for a treat.

P.S. Heads up, fellow bird whisperers! While the signs may wag a finger and say “don’t feed the wildlife,” I got the inside scoop from the ranger at the nature center—there’s a right way to do it, so you’re in the clear! Just remember: sprinkle responsibly and don’t leave a birdseed buffet behind for the squirrels to throw a midnight rave.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

August 6, 2025August 10, 2025

Unofficial Adventures of the DIY Travel Agent!

Welcome to the Wild Ride

Friends, make sure your seatbelts are securely fastened, and your tray tables are in their upright and locked positions! Adventure (and a wild spreadsheet or two) awaits! As full-time Airstream explorers, my husband and I bring fresh meaning to “taking the scenic route.” We chase dreams, dodge sketchy WIFI, and treat every day like a grand celebration, all while facing metastatic breast cancer with defiant joy. Who says you can’t have a road trip that’s one part epic, two parts heart, and a sprinkle of red candy for good measure?

In our world, planning isn’t just about logistics, it’s about dancing with the detours and throwing confetti at every U-turn. Our journey is a testament to turning the unexpected into something delightful, weaving flexibility and curiosity into each curve in the road. As we chart our course, we’re not just making a trip. We’re gathering stories, collecting laughs, and redefining “trip of a lifetime” on our own deliciously unpredictable terms.

The Road Less Traveled—With Extra Snacks

Imagine this: boundless highways glimmering, the endless blue sky spilling sunshine through our panoramic sunroof, the Airstream humming behind us, and there I am riding shotgun, masterfully orchestrating our calendar and strategizing our next move like I’m playing a chess match against Oscar the Grand Master, a Diet Coke in one hand and a fistful of Hot Tamales in the other. As the self-appointed travel agent for West Airstream Adventures, my trusty laptop is always within reach—because, truth be told, organizing our travels is my happy place.

Spreadsheets are my not-so-secret superpower. (They even earned me a rocker patch on my old motorcycle vest!) With my husband behind the wheel, we set out to conquer bucket lists: national parks, state capitols, presidential libraries, Airstream dealers, and of course playing golf in all fifty states (Tim). An occasional side trip may also include eating local cuisine, gawking at waterfalls, photographing landscapes and lighthouses and life in the wild, hand feeding songbirds, and visiting whatever additional site happens to show up in the current location on our Apple Maps. Every stop is a new spin on our adventure playlist.

Work Hard, Play Hard

While Tim juggles remote work including Zooms with church leaders and auditioning men and women for their next starring role as pastor, I’m the travel wizard—plotting our meals, mapping out must-see spots, wrangling chores, and always on a quest for that perfect snooze spot so he’s ready for his next big call.

Mid-spreadsheet, I’m suddenly inspired and declare, “Let’s detour to see the world’s largest jackalope!” One click and my carefully color-coded itinerary is now an explosion of side quests. At this point, my travel-planning style is somewhere between a caffeinated squirrel and a game show host—spinning the wheel, rolling the dice, and making grand proclamations like, “Next up: Mystic Pizza or bust!” Who knew trip logistics could feel like a road trip reality show, with bonus points for every quirky roadside attraction we actually discover?

RV Park Planning: The Good, the Bad, and the Wi-Fi

Researching RV parks is like dating: you swipe through countless profiles (websites), trying to find *the one* knowing the pictures you see will most likely fail to match reality.

And the hours spent? Let’s just say our search history could make Siri throw up her hands in confusion. The stakes are high because, let’s face it, no one wants to end up in an RV park where the “quiet hours” sound like a karaoke competition! Prior planning is far superior to letting Chaos take the wheel.

Finding the perfect RV park? It’s my least favorite game show! Oh, we’re picky, er, at least one of us is. Here’s what makes us cheer:

Location: Must-have proximity to adventure, attractions, nature, and at least one good café.
Parks that don’t demand their ransom (err, full payment) upfront: We like our finances as untangled as our extension cords.
WIFI that’s faster than a jackrabbit: Buffering on a Zoom call is not our idea of a thrill ride!
Honesty: I asked if one site had shade and the park owner replied, “Yes, but only from 11:15 to 11:29 a.m. when the neighbor’s satellite dish throws a shadow.”
Landing our Airstream near an airport: When life or work calls, we answer—quickly. Proximity to airports is the sweet spot we need. Too close, and you might feel like you’re parked on a runway. Too far, and suddenly your “quick flight” feels like a cross-country relay. Ah, balance is everything.
Road size: Can we park without causing a major traffic jam or an existential crisis? Essential.
Concrete pads with full hook-ups: Stability is key when your house rolls on wheels. Forego full hook-ups on occasion if we are able to use the bath house to shower and go #2.
We don’t like to park next to fifth wheels: They look down on us—literally.
Space: Not just enough room to open our Airstream door without smacking the neighbor’s flamingo lawn ornament, but enough distance so we don’t mistake their snoring for a bear attack. Tim’s still recovering from last time—Will the site fit our Airstream without a stressful game of Tetris?
Quiet: Please, spare us from the “Campfire Crooners” who can’t build a campfire without thick, black smoke delivering a nauseating punch, and their five yapping chihuahuas who try to sing along.
Give us a lake or a mountain view over a neighbor’s fence any day: Mother Nature is our favorite backyard!
Last but not least—Amenities: Laundry machines that don’t feel like ancient artifacts = bonus points.

We may not always hit every item on our list, but getting close means we enjoy the best of both worlds—peaceful nature and everyday comforts. Plus, everyone appreciates having a quality pizza joint nearby.

Living Fully, Laughing Often

Metastatic breast cancer is a tough companion, but here’s the thing: it doesn’t get to take the wheel. (That belongs to Jesus.) Travel is our therapy, our joy, and our way of saying, “Hey, life, God’s got this.” We embrace every sunrise over a desert plateau and every ocean or lake sunset like it’s the star of its own movie.

We’ve become masters of adapting and celebrating small wins. Need a quick detour for work visits or cancer treatments? No problem! Navigation skills and AAA Trip Tik swoop in to save the day, plotting the details onto spreadsheets with precision.

Then there’s the GPS drama…

Look, if you’re towing a 30-foot silver Twinkie behind your truck, your route options are:

The scenic way,
The interstate,
Or, the panic-inducing, “Why is this a dirt road?” and “Are we in a cow pasture?”

“Sorry honey, I tried.” We may never make a YouTube episode out of those moments—but let’s be honest, they’d break the charts on “Comedy of Errors.” Seriously, if you’ve never U-turned a 30-foot Airstream Classic in a Cracker Barrel parking lot while your partner is yelling, “You’re going to hit the rocking chairs!” — you haven’t lived.

When trip planning and living life start feeling less like an adventure and more like a pop quiz, my husband’s always there to lighten the mood with a funny joke, a goofy face, or some wild idea that sends us both into fits of laughter. Who knew playing the role of travel agent could turn into a daily comedy show?

Travel Therapy: Powered by Wanderlust

For me, the road isn’t just asphalt—it’s medicine for the soul. Every curve, every turn, every surprise destination, and even the potholes remind us that life is meant to be savored. Our Airstream isn’t just a home; it’s our sanctuary—a place for laughter, cozy dinners, afternoon naps, and the occasional dance party.

Those parks? Whether they’re nestled in forests or perched near buzzing cities, they’re perfect for recharging. Stargazing, reading under the awning, hiking, or simply soaking in the serenity—these moments are golden. And those presidential museums? Let’s just say they’re packed with enough oddball trivia to make us honorary time travelers.

Rolling Into the Next Adventure

We’ve been reminded on many occasions that patience is a virtue, Wi-Fi is a necessity, and planning ahead makes life smoother (while spontaneous detours are still the best). We’ve also learned that travel agents deserve a standing ovation. Seriously, someone send them a big bouquet of flowers.

Each park we discover, every capitol we wander, and every museum or church we step into adds a vibrantly illustrated page to the story of our lives. With my husband at my side and faith in the Lord lighting our path, we are not just journeying—we’re rising above every obstacle. Together, we are weaving a legacy of courage, wonder, and boundless hope, proving that even in the face of challenges, adventure and joy are always within reach.

So, here’s to the open road, bucket lists, and living life as a celebration. We will forge ahead, not merely checking off destinations in a passport booklet, but commemorating the richness of another day of life with every mile we travel. Let’s keep rolling!

July 25, 2025September 9, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park: Adventures, Oddities, and Sand in Your Shoes

How We Survived Dunes, Storms, and Historic Houses.

One doesn’t think of Indiana as having a huge National Park. At least, we didn’t. But there are 20 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, along with thousands of acres, that have been designated for this remarkable place. We were merely passing through, but our route guaranteed we could check off another item on our ever-growing bucket list. It’s one of the “newer” National Parks, although it has been a National Lakeshore since 1966, re-designated as a National Park in 2019.

But, before we went trekking in the National Park, we armed ourselves with brochures and local knowledge at the Indiana Welcome Center.

Indiana Dunes National Park is no ordinary stretch of sand—it’s a living, breathing playground where nature, history, and a little bit of chaos collide with rolling dunes, mysterious marshes, and forests bursting with wildlife, all waiting to surprise you with every step. Did we mention there are over 1,100 native plants and 200+ bird species? If you’re an aspiring botanist or just like chasing butterflies like me, this is your wonderland.

Long before there were selfies on the lakeshore, Indigenous peoples camped here, leaving behind stories and treasures that stretch back for years. Today, millions venture into these habitats—tiptoeing through nature’s living museum—where resilient landscapes bounce back from centuries of adventures and misadventures.

We rolled up towing our trusty Airstream, hoping the Visitor Center had answers to the meaning of life (or at least a good parking spot). Bonus: you can boondock there—a fact we learned just as a heat wave and thunderstorm crashed our best-laid plans.

The ranger who directed us to the Passport stamp also suggested we go to Gary, Indiana, but that would’ve meant a 15-mile detour backwards while pulling the Airstream. Climbing 1.5 miles of tough trail with 552 vertical feet to conquer the “three dune challenge” was another un-appealing option in 100 degree temperatures. Instead, we mapped out our own version of “National Park Express,” hitting three classic stops: Beverly Shores, The Great Marsh Trail, and Mt. Baldy.

Beverly Shores: Named after his daughter, the famed developer created a place where people and buildings could truly call home, like the legendary 1933 Chicago World’s Fair houses.

A Century of Progress – The 1933 World’s Fair Homes. This was an unexpected but very interesting and unique find. My architecture and real estate friends may find this fun to read. Lakeshore Drive is where futuristic “modern” homes are on display that were brought here from Chicago after the 1933 World’s Fair. You can’t park on the street, so I was feverishly snapping pictures in hopes of getting one or two good ones. Without even realizing it, I captured all five of the 1933 World’s Fair Homes on display there. If you want to read more about each home, scroll to the bottom of this blog.

These futuristic gems—like the Wieboldt-Rostone House, Florida Tropical House, and the indestructible (sort of) Cypress Log Cabin—were shipped here by barge and are now historic eye candy. Snap your pics fast, as street parking is a rare beast. Want to tour them? Annual tickets go on sale in August and vanish in an hour, $35 a pop. Feeling architectural? You can stay overnight in the restored Cypress Cabin and live out your lumberjack dreams.

Beverly Shores Depot and the Great Marsh Trail: We parked the Airstream next to the Beverly Shores Depot Museum & Art Gallery, which is part museum, part train station, and part hidden treasure. According to Wikipedia, “On July 19, 1989, the Beverly Shores station was added to the National Register of Historic Places.” The museum, a non-profit, keeps local history alive—and lets you park with a smile. It’s hard to find parking for a truck and a trailer in this area, so we were relieved when they let us park in their lot so we could go for a walk on the Great Marsh Trail.

Train at Beverly Shores Depot. You have to flag it down if you want it to stop.

Tim got wrangled into a work call, so I had free rein to hunt dragonflies, play hide-and-seek with turtles, and watch deer fawns put on an impromptu marsh ballet.

Mt. Baldy: This monster dune moves inland about FOUR FEET every year, devouring everything in its sandy path—including memories of an old parking lot. Today, if you want to climb it, you’ll need a park ranger as your personal sand sherpa. We nabbed one of two RV spots (a miracle!), then braved the up-and-down trail to the “ocean”—aka Lake Michigan. Storm clouds rolled in, so our beach day turned into a dash for cover, feet sandy, spirits high, and the crowd a vibrant mosaic of humanity, all enjoying the rain’s dramatic performance.

Storms around Lake Michigan don’t mess around, but they also don’t linger. We waited out the rain under a shelter, swapping stories, watching water blow sideways, and marveling at the wild mix of fellow travelers—bright saris, sandy pizza boxes, and coolers galore.

After a sand-filled hike, we surrendered to hotel comfort and an Olive Garden feast, feeling only a tiny pang of guilt for ditching our Harvest Host. First time canceling last-minute, but hey, sometimes Mother Nature hands you a raincheck with extra breadsticks. The shower felt like salvation and dinner was better than expected (free delivery + bonus entrée = score!). Sometimes, adventure means knowing when to jump into comfort, and when to let the dunes take care of the rest.

Here’s a video of our experiences in Indiana Dunes National Park. Tim is on a call, so he didn’t feel like smiling 😂😂.

And that’s how you do the Indiana Dunes: with laughter, sand between your toes, and a healthy dose of flexibility. Ready for your own wild ride?

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

“I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26

June 23, 2025June 30, 2025

State Capitol 22: South Dakota

June 23, 2025. Pierre, South Dakota.

While the city was named after a colonial Frenchman who built Fort Pierre across the Missouri River, and it is spelled the French way, the city is pronounced “PEER.” The city itself is worth a visit, as the Missouri River flows through and around the area making for some beautiful scenery. It may not have some of the amenities of a large city, but our campground was in a beautiful location and there are a lot of parks and walkways along the river (picture at the end). The population of Pierre is less than 15,000 (South Dakota only has a million people total).

We had our two oldest granddaughters with us during this visit, as we were on a summer road trip to the Badlands. The Capitol didn’t have any volunteers this week, so we did the self-guided tour. Every State Capitol we visit has some unique features worth mentioning, like the one in the caption below. No wonder some people like living here!

South Dakota has the only capitol building with a black dome. It is made with copper, which patinas over time. Unlike other locations where copper turns green, this dome turned black because the air quality is so high, e.g. no pollution! The girls got a science lesson today. 🤩

This is the first Capitol thus far that allowed us to stamp our own book. They tend to be pretty protective of those stamps! Yet, South Dakota had two different places where you could stamp your own. The picture on the right is in the governor’s office. The girls kept stamping the back of their guide books every chance they got.

Something special the girls spotted was the display of the first lady dresses. (And now there is a first gentleman’s tuxedo, as their current governor is a woman.) This special display is always my favorite as well. Paige liked the slim dress while Alison picked a dress that looks like a quinceañera gown. We talked about that in the truck later. She said she had not heard of this before, but since her mother is Mexican we assume she will have a quinceañera celebration when she turns 15.

Inside the rotunda Yoda (his name for grandpa 🤦‍♀️) continues the tour.

Rotunda means “under the dome.” I think they were more interested in hearing their voices echo in the rotunda than listening to Yoda playing docent 😂. Sound on.

From the Rotunda floor to the top center black circle of the dome is 96 feet. It’s another 65 feet above the stained glass to the exterior ball. Not as tall as some others we’ve seen, but pretty impressive!

House and Senate. During the construction of the building in 1910, the House and Senate were each given the same amount of money with which to furnish and decorate their respective chambers. Because the Senate has fewer members, they were able to afford more lush wall treatments and furnishings, including marble wainscotting and cherry wood accents. To match wood tones between the two areas, thanks to the superior craftsmanship of the carpenters, the Senate doors are cherry on the interior and oak on the exterior.

Senate Chambers, decorate in cool green tones, scagliola columns, Vermont White Cloud marble, cherry wood, and African mahogany. After an extensive search for the original 1910 light fixtures came up empty, solid brass replicas were cast and used in restoration. Each of the chandeliers weighs 750 pounds. Also of interest, the largest painting in the building, **The Louisiana Purchase**, is located here. If you look closely you can see it above the President’s Chair.

Tim briefly describes the purpose of the Senate 😂. Sound on.

**House of Representatives.** The House Chamber is decorated in warm earth-tone colors, decorative plaster and solid oak wood accents. Chandeliers are not original or duplicates; they were removed from the original Federal Court Room in Pierre, also built in 1910, and installed in the Capitol. The House chamber is accented with decorative stenciling and backlit Victorian leaded stained-glass ceiling.

This stained glass fan is in the back of the House gallery, and can be seen from the Senate across the observation railing.

What is it with kids and stairs? They loved jumping from the second step, as we were preparing to leave the building.

Per legend, 66 blue signature stones – each representing a capitol Italian terrazzo artist – are laid in flooring. We didn’t see even one of them, or maybe we saw them but didn’t realize they were special.

Credit goes to the guide book for the wonderful information about the Capitol included in this blog.

Great day at the State Capitol of South Dakota!

We camped for two nights at the Farm Island Recreation Area. It’s so quiet and peaceful there! We had a beautiful spot on the river, with a small sandy beach the girls enjoyed as well.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

June 15, 2025June 16, 2025

State Capitol 21: Oklahoma

Sunday, June 15, 2025. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Tim lived in Oklahoma more than a decade growing up, but he never got to go to the state capitol. They did a renovation project in the early 2000s, so it may have been much different then anyway. We were able to take Alison to this capitol building, and show her the first one she has ever seen. She now knows about Oklahoma and Texas state capitols, as well as the states we have driven through! There is no better education than traveling.

It was pouring the rain for the whole two hours we took to get to the state capitol. You can still see some of the clouds in these photos. Then the skies cleared, and we had a beautiful day. The temperatures dropped so we pulled out light jackets after this.

We are traveling on this adventure with our first grandchild, Alison. She was surprisingly interested in the Capitol!

Going to the Capitol on a Sunday has its benefits as well as disadvantages. At least they are open on the weekend! That was a bonus. We appreciated that, because we were traveling through and the state capitol was right on our drive path. The perfect place to stop and stretch our legs. Know that if you visit this capitol, the entrance on weekdays is on the opposite side of the building from the weekend entrance. I was glad I had read that in advance, as it gave me a heads up on where to park and enter.

We arrived to a nearly empty parking lot, which made pulling the Airstream easier to park than many other places we have visited.

When we got inside, I was reminded they do not have docents working on Sundays. So, we did a self-guided tour based on the link given to us by the security guard at the entrance. (Yes, you have to go through security. Leave your guns at home.) She stamped our capitol passport, twice actually.

This capitol is on Route 66, so they have a stamp for the capitol as well as Route 66. That was a fun little discovery!

Not so small, a nine-foot tall bronze statue stands in the hallway right after we passed through security. He is a replica of the 22-foot statue called “The Guardian,” which was placed on top of the dome in 2002 when they completed the renovation and built the dome. Click on the link above to read more. He’s quite impressive, and stands for a lot.

There is a lot of artwork in this building. On the main floor there are things to look for in the paintings that represent various aspects of Oklahoma, like a bee, a strawberry, red bud trees, a scissor tail flycatcher, and a swallowtail butterfly. We never did find that bee or that strawberry!

This is an example of the detail in the artwork. A tiny snail climbing.

The disappointing part of coming on a Sunday was a locked door greeting us at both the House and Senate Chambers. You can’t get in without a docent. They have some beautiful foyers, but we will need to come back another time on a weekday so we can see the chambers.

Lastly, there were some pretty ceiling decorations. As we were leaving the building, a friendly squirrel came running over to see us, but when Alison offered it a potato chip it quickly ran away squeaking and squawking. Too funny!

Thanks for reading my blog! God is good. He has given me the strength to live life to the fullest. What’s on your bucket list?

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

June 14, 2025June 16, 2025

West Airstream Adventure: Three Girls and a Driver

Finally, after months of preparing and planning, our next West Airstream Adventure begins!

I made a custom journal for each of the girls with matching pens, stickers, and t-shirts. It’s going to be so much fun!

After celebrating birthdays for three of our littlest grands (pictures at the end), we picked up our oldest Jedi #1 (Alison) and started with her on a road trip! We drove to our trailer which we left in Thackerville Oklahoma, spent the first night in the Classy Girl together, and now she will join us for the next several drive time devotions and singalongs as we traverse the country. The first bit is a three-day drive where we will also pick up our Jedi #2 (Paige), have a birthday celebration for Jedi #4 Gabriel, and then we will take both girls to the Badlands National Park! The last time we went on a road trip with these two girls they were 5 and 3 (do you remember the big diaper blowout 😱??). Hard to believe it’s been half a decade, but now they are 10 and 8. It seems like the perfect age to go on a road trip, and since Alison had a big double-digit birthday in March, this is our BIG birthday present for her. We plan to see some sites, find some animals, swim a lot, play games, and much more. We will wrap up in Sioux Falls SD from where I will fly home with Alison while Yoda drives Paige home. Wish us luck! And please pray for an “un”eventful trip with no injuries! 🙏🏻

Here are some pictures of our first day on the trip together, followed by a gallery of photos from the big birthday party.

Sleeping on the couch. She is the first visitor to break it in!

Mikayla is 4, Jaxson is 3, and Olivia is 2. They all had birthdays between May 14 and June 30!

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

#Airstream #FullTimeAirstreamers #FutureStreamers #LivingafulllifewithMBC #Grandkids #WestAirstreamAdventure #3GirlsandaDriver

March 17, 2025April 16, 2025

State Capitol 20: Mississippi

March 17, 2025. Jackson, Mississippi.

It was a warm day in Jackson. A beautiful day to visit the capital city. This used to be the entrance, but now you have to go around to another side where they have security ready to check your bags and put you through a metal detector. Notice the dome and eagle on top of the building, and the beautiful carving over the entrance. The eagle that stands atop is eight feet tall and 15 feet wide, made of copper, and gilded with gold leaf.

We are almost half-way through our bucket list! Hard to believe. This is the first time we have visited two state capitols in one day. We woke up, toured the Montgomery Alabama state capitol and First White House of the Confederacy across the street, went back to our RV Park, hitched up, then headed out for Jackson Mississippi.

We hadn’t planned on seeing Jackson’s state capitol today, but our other plans fell through for the day and we were gifted with some additional time in the afternoon. We pulled our Classy Girl from Montgomery to Jackson and stopped at the capitol on the way to our RV Park where we stayed west of Jackson. Fortunately there was parking big enough; a security guard showed us where we could park so we felt safe leaving our Classy Girl there. She thanked us later, as she always wanted to see a State Capitol up close.

Third time’s a charm! We finally managed to get a tour guide to show us around. The building is quite impressive. According to Wikipedia, “architect Theodore Link used the new technology of electric lighting when designing the Capitol and incorporated 4,750 electric fixtures, which are still being used today.” The guide reminded us that electricity was only starting to enter the picture, so it was an awe-inspiring experience when people arrived and saw all the floors lit up. People came from far away just to see the lights. The architect didn’t know how many lights it would require, so he may have gone a bit overboard. However, the building is designed after the French Beaux-Arts Architecture, which is quite ornate and majestic, reminiscent of an old-style theatre.

This state’s legislature was in session, as we previously experienced in Atlanta. They were a bit more protective of their senators, so we could not take pictures in the House and Senate chambers, but we did get to go inside and look around from the gallery with our tour guide, in addition to hearing some interesting stories along the way. Wish I had a picture, but the architecture is similar to what you see here.

See the resemblance to an old movie theatre? It reminds me of the movie, “The Majestic.”

Outside the House of Representatives we stopped to look at some of the former members. One name kept popping up, taking our eyes off all others in the frame: John Grisham.

Yes, that John Grisham. You probably know him as a famous author, but he also served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1983-1990. His first novel was published in 1989 (A Time to Kill), which he worked on for four years while still serving the government. As a lawyer and State Representative, he heard stories that had a big influence on his writing.

The tour guide spilled the tea. She remembers when Grisham was talking about his novel to various people in the building, while he was still a state representative. They all laughed at him behind his back, having no idea how famous he would be one day. He failed English in his Community College class, but a law instructor saw the value in his writing and he went on to be a lawyer. Did you know he is one of only three anglophones (English-speakers) to sell 2 million copies of the first printing? No one is laughing now! Let that be a lesson to us all. You simply can’t judge someone’s future. Encourage them. They may be the next best astronaut, author, inventor, or physician who finds the cure for cancer.

And I’ve digressed. I actually took fewer pictures in this Capitol than most. We were a little tired, and we were also not permitted to take pictures where I would normally take them. Here are a few pictures of the inside.

The central dome rises 180 feet above ground level.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

March 17, 2025March 27, 2025

State Capitol 19: Alabama

March 17, 2025. Montgomery Alabama.

After leaving Georgia, we towed our Airstream to Montgomery Alabama where we spent two nights. We toured the Capitol as well as The Legacy Sites. The Capitol is not open on the weekends, so we walked around the grounds and visited the Legacy sites on Sunday and then went back the next day to see the inside of the Capitol. You can see all three Legacy Sites for a mere $5.00 (The Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park). Did you know the Confederacy was started here? We also visited the First White House of the Confederacy. Montgomery’s history is very interesting, as are the stories of those who monitor these sites. My book club just finished reading two books from the first person perspective of slaves who escaped and gained their freedom, so it was appropriately timed for us to see what I have been reading about. This blog will primarily cover the Capitol building, but I recommend seeing all of what Montgomery has to offer if you get the chance. You will learn a lot!

It was a really windy day on Sunday. It died down by the next day and warmed up. Weather can change so quickly.

Montgomery holds one of the most beautiful grounds and buildings we have seen. All the government buildings surrounding the Capitol, as well as the Capitol itself, are solid white, well kept and manicured.

All fifty states flags are represented here. It was a really windy day when we toured the outside of the Capitol.

This “Moon-Tree” was planted on the grounds of the Capitol in 1976. Loblolly pine crown from seeds that journeyed to the moon with 1971 Apollo 14 Mission.

They don’t offer tours of the Capitol unless you come with a large group (mostly schools), so once again we were on our own. It turns out the building is no longer used for legislature. They have their own separate building (which you can also tour, but it’s just a bunch of offices). This Capitol is here for more historic purposes, basically a museum rather than a working government building like the others we have seen.

Alabama has had five capitals since it became a territory in 1817: St. Stephens, Huntsville, Cahawba, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery (where it has been since 1847).

The original rotunda has some interesting factoids. The interior finish was originally very plain. Ornate plasterwork, marble floor and vestibules to House and Senate Chambers were added 1906-1912. Murals depicting scenes from Alabama history painted by Mobile artist Roderick MacKenzie 1927-1930. Building was restored to circa 1930’s appearance.

The eight murals beneath the Dome illustrating Alabama’s history are seen in the video below. They were painted on canvas by one artist named above, and then mounted on the walls. It took him three years to complete them all.

The House of Representatives (1851-1985) was restored in the 1990s to its original state circa 1870-1890. It’s the site of the statewide convention which took Alabama out of the Union in January 1861. Trompe l’oeil ( fool-the-eye’) wall painting replicates scheme introduced in 1869. We didn’t know at the time Tim made this video that they really don’t do any work in here LOL.

A few other artifacts are found in the House Chambers. Two were of interest to me: The ART LAUREL STOVE #16 (c. 1904. Constructed of nickel and embellished with nickel relief and lions heads, the Art Laurel stove #16 was considered to be the top of line model in stove construction. A 1904 catalog described it as “the highest type of base burner construction, surpassing all other base burners in appearance, in heating capacity and economy of fuel.“) and one (of the few remaining) GARDNER CHAIR, (c. 1879. made by the nationally renowned furniture maker, Gardner and Compary of New York. After the furniture was in place, Secretary of State W. W. Screws praised the Gardner Company by stating that he “greatly admired (the furniture) for its strength of make and its handsome appearance.” On loan from the Alabama Department of Archives and History Montgomery, Alabama).

Next we visited the Senate Chamber (1851-1985). One oddity we witnessed was what appeared to be spittoons at the end of the front rows. It was this point where we wished we had a tour guide to tell us more about it.

The Senate was restored to its 1861 appearance, when southern delegates met here to organize Confederate States of America. You will see original “Egyptian” marble mantelpieces and the gallery columns were painted to imitate bronze. It has replicas of original desks and chairs, as well as oil-burning chandelier and column sconces. Period carpet was installed: 27-inch strips hand-sewn in traditional manner.

We walked down the spiral staircase to the first floor, which also holds a unique history. A formerly enslaved man, Horace King, was commissioned to design and construct these twin staircases. Enslaved individuals played a crucial role in building cities, bridges, railroads, and more, yet their contributions were often overlooked. It was meaningful to see his story acknowledged in the brochure.

To wrap things up, I’ll include a few random pictures of the Legacy Sites and contrasting First White House of the Confederacy. I’m thankful my family was not born into bondage, and we never had to endure the horrors of slavery. However, I think it’s important to note we are all born into the bondage of sin. We can only be free by accepting the Lord Jesus as our personal Savior. Regardless of our background, ancestry, race, or ethnicity, He is the ultimate unifier.

Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. Those guards in the distance yelled, “no photos!” There are five places we could take a picture, but we forgot where we were. Oops!

We are allowed to take pictures in front of the waterfall. “Thank God Almighty. I’m Free at Last.”

Mural on the street beside the museum. It’s even more impressive when you look at the detail up close.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Alabama’s State Capitol, and some of the history of Montgomery. Don’t hesitate to go there!

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In case you missed it, I write these blogs to glorify God. He is allowing me to live life abundantly even though I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It’s only by His good graces that I am still alive today. I want to share the places we visit in addition to updates about my cancer journey as I know my many friends are traveling both journeys with me.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!

March 13, 2025March 27, 2025

State Capitol 18: Georgia

On our way from Florida to Texas, we took a circuitous route through three neighboring states to visit their state capitols and mark yet another state (Georgia) on our Airstream map. While I can condense the information from these marvelous stops into one blog each, you may want to go and visit them all to see for yourself!

March 13, 2025. Atlanta Georgia.

We spent the day in Atlanta and earned two passport stamps. One for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and one for the State Capitol. The Carter Center is also worth a visit, although I was a little disappointed in the lack of display or mention regarding his recent death. On to the Capitol.

Downtown Atlanta. This was our 18th Capitol, and it is by far the hardest to get access to, out of the ones we have toured thus far. There is no parking close by, and our truck made it a bit more challenging with the full parking lots. We were SO glad we weren’t towing our Airstream to the Capitol, as we have been known to do.

The previous picture of us was taken in the back of the Capitol. I failed to get a picture of the front (smh), but they had a nice model of it in the governor’s office.

Perhaps it was busier at the Courthouse because the Senate and House were both in session. We saw at least six school busses full of students eager to get a day out of school while going on a field trip (even if they aren’t fond of government). The building was hopping!! But the staffers did say it’s getting worse downtown, even when legislature is not in session.

Passport stamp! When I asked the security guard where I could get my passport stamped he said, “we don’t stamp passports here.” He thought I meant an actual passport . Yet he was the one with the stamp.

They didn’t have any tours available, so we did our own self-tour. The governor’s office gave us a bag of peanuts, which were delicious!

House of Representatives. See all the papers on the desks? They were in session but currently on a break. We couldn’t go inside, so I snapped a picture from outside the balcony door. These rooms have been restored to their original design.

The Senate looks very similar to the House. Again this picture was taken through a guarded door from the other side of a roped off area for “non-members” outside the gallery. (No one said I couldn’t take pictures.) The desks are original from 1889.

A bit of history of the Capitol for the “buffs” (from the brochure). In 1868, Atlanta became Georgia’s fifth permanent capital city. James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia in February of 1733, on the site of present-day Savannah, which was Georgia’s first capital. After the Revolutionary War, the General Assembly met alternately in Savannah and Augusta. As Georgia grew the capital city moved to Augusta in 1786, Louisville in 1796, Milledgeville in 1807, and, finally, Atlanta in 1868. The General Assembly first met in the Atlanta City Hall/Fulton County Courthouse before relocating to the nearby Kimball Opera House. In 1883, the legislature appropriated $1 million for a new building. Designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke and Franklin P. Burnham and built by Miles and Horne of Toledo, Ohio, construction began in October 1884 and finished in 1889– $118.43 under budget. The new Georgia Capitol was built using many of the state’s natural resources. Georgia marble is only found on the interior due to high cost. The Capitol’s exterior is Indiana limestone. The Capitol was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

The dome is not the tallest, nor is it the most exquisite. But it still made me stop long enough to get dizzy while looking up.

The fourth floor comprises a museum of Georgia artifacts, gems, agriculture, fun facts and oddities. Probably the most intriguing are the two-headed cow and two-headed snake. These reminded me of the movie Dupont, and made me wonder if there was something in the water from where these animals drank. Here are a few pictures from the museum. One could spend a lot of time reading everything up there.

À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!