State Capitol 24: Pennsylvania

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August 21, 2025. Harrisburg Pennsylvania.

Welcome to the Pennsylvania State Capitol!

Nestled in the heart of Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is more than just a seat of government — it’s a magnificent piece of American history and architecture, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. With over 600 rooms in the building, we will visit just a few. Join me as your tour guide for a memorable walk through this iconic building, where every corner reveals a story!

And, don’t forget to get your Passport stamped when you visit! #bucketlist

The Grand Entrance

As you approach the Capitol, the first thing you’ll notice is the stunning dome. *Fun fact: The dome was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and rises 272 feet above the ground! In fact, it’s so impressive that President Theodore Roosevelt called it “the handsomest building” he’d ever seen when he dedicated it in 1906. The five-story exterior consists of Vermont granite and the roof is covered in green-glazed terra-cotta tile.

The sculptures that frame the main doors of the Capitol represent humanity advancing through work and brotherhood (left) and lives of degradation and spiritual burdens (right). They restored the statues to their original state during the Capitol preservation project after severe deterioration over the years. Created by Pennsylvania artist George Grey Barnard (1863-1938).

Bronze Doors.

Now that’s a door! Each 17-foot door at the Capitol’s main entrance weighs a full ton, but can swing open at the touch of a hand. Modeled after a pair of gilded bronze doors by Italian Renaissance sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti, they feature portrait heads of individuals responsible for the Capitol’s construction.

Pennsylvania was the 2nd State to join the union, on December 12, 1787. The building represents the Beaux Arts/American Renaissance style designed by Joseph Miller Huston, Pennsylvania Architect, who had a vision for the building as a “Palace of Art.” It took four years to build, constructed 1902-1906 at a cost of $13 million. (This was not the first State Capitol building.)

The Rotunda

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in the breathtaking Rotunda. Look up: the central dome is adorned with vibrant murals celebrating the state and Pennsylvania’s history. Thanks to the Gilded Age, the 24-karat gold leafing seen on the rotunda can be found throughout the Capitol, making this one of the most stunning state buildings in the country.

The marble columns surrounding the rotunda come from four countries—Italy, France, Algeria, and Greece—showcasing Pennsylvania’s connection to the world.

Moravian Tiles

Don’t forget to look down at your feet from time to time as you stroll through history from one end of the first floor to the other. Colorful Moravian tiles cover the entire first floor, as well as its adjoining corridors. This floor has over 400,000 pieces of Moravian tile, with close to 400 tile mosaics illustrating the state’s history, animals, industries, and modes of transportation. They are thought to be some of the finest examples of Pennsylvania German folk art.

The Grand Staircase

Architect Huston borrowed the Capitol Rotunda’s features from the Paris Opera House, including the Grand Staircase and three-tiered gallery. The Capitol Rotunda serves as a popular public forum, providing a magnificent and symbolic setting for many types of gathers, from rallies and bill-signings to news conferences. About 25 weddings per year are also performed here, with use of the building being absolutely free! (The bride and groom must provide chairs, tables and other essentials for the ceremony.) A former Miss Pennsylvania was married here!

What a stunning backdrop for wedding photos!

The Senate Chamber

After you walk up the grand staircase, you will be on the second floor where the Senate Chamber is located on the north side of the Capitol. Pennsylvania has 50 state Senators who serve a four-year term (no limits), representing approximately 246,000 people each. Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor services as the President, where they vote on legislation and resolution. Each Senator is assigned a desk, and they vote on amendments and bills the old-fashioned way with a verbal “aye” or “nay,” rather than using electronic tally boards as seen in the House of Representatives and other Senate Chambers.

The Senate chamber is equally lavish, with its bronze chandeliers and plush red carpets. Pay special attention to the murals here; they depict Pennsylvania’s history, including William Penn’s treaty with the Native Americans. Adding to the grandeur, the desks in the chamber are made from mahogany imported from Belize, dating back to the 1906 opening of the Capitol. The green marble that lines the Chamber’s walls is rare Connemara, imported from Ireland. And the four massive, gold-finished iron and glass floor lamps weigh two tons each.

The restoration project in 1994 was able to maintain the original design by Architect Joseph Huston and painter Violet Oakley.

The 24 stained glass windows in the Senate (10) and House (14), are framed in 24-karat gold leave embellishments.

The House of Representatives Chamber

Walking into the House chamber, you’ll spot the dazzling stained-glass windows previously noted, and murals created by artist Edwin Austin Abbey. Here’s a fun fact: Abbey never actually saw the completed murals in person—he passed away before they were installed! His painting The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania on the wall directly behind the Speaker of the House is the largest mural in the Capitol, standing 35 feet square. It includes prominent legislators, explorers, pioneers and others standing at the feet of a figure representing the “Genius of State.” All 29 figures are listed in the full-color Pennsylvania Capitol tour guide (which you can obtain for free at the visitor’s desk), with a statement about their role.

The ceiling is a circular mural entitled The Hours, representing passage of time in the form of 24 maidens revolving in an endless circle around the moon, sun, and stars.

Some major players on the mural include William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania; Speaker of the Assembly Benjamin Franklin, who also signed the Declaration of Independence and Constitutions of PA and the USA; and Daniel Boone, legendary “Pathfinder” of the Cumberland Gap and noted outdoorsman.

The Supreme Court Chamber

Did you know the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the oldest appellate court in the United States? The chamber is designed to resemble a courtroom from the French Renaissance, complete with their own stain-glass dome (designed and executed by Pennsylvania native Alfred Godwin) and ornate mahogany woodwork, wainscoting and furnishings. The Chamber houses 16 intricate paintings by Violet Oakley, a grouping she called The Opening of the Book of Law. The painting, Divine Law – The Keynote hangs above the center door. Oakley used an intricate combination of images and letters spelling out the words Love, Law and Wisdom.

Our tour guide describes the painting, woodwork, and other interesting facts.

Supreme Court Dome with green stain-glassed windows reminiscent of the outer dome.

Governor’s Reception Room: It is open to the public. The grandfather clock on the right wall is over 100 years old.

Governor’s Reception Room is used for news conferences, receptions and bill-signings. The paintings by Violet Oakley depict the history of religious liberty in England and the rise of the Quaker religion, as she was part of the Quaker community.

A Few More Unique Details and Fun Facts

Secret Tunnels: Beneath the Capitol complex, there is a network of underground tunnels connecting various government buildings, originally built for moving records and protecting officials during emergencies. These tunnels allow politicians and staff to move between buildings without braving Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather.
Hidden Mouse: A whimsical secret hides in the ornate tile floor of the main rotunda—a tiny tile mouse! Placed there by the craftsmen as a playful signature, it’s a favorite scavenger hunt for visitors and school children.
Enormous Art Collection: The State Capitol features more than 400 murals, sculptures, and stained glass windows. Its interior is a museum-quality display of Pennsylvania history and artistry, making it one of the most decorated legislative buildings in the United States. The Capitol houses one of the largest collections of Pennsylvania Impressionist art in the country.
Guided Tours: One of the few state capitols that holds tours during the week as well as weekends and most holidays. For more information, visit their website here.
Talented Artists:
- 1) The stained-glass works were created by William B. Van Ingen, a former student of the famous glass artist Louis C. Tiffany.
- 2) In 1908–09, Edwin Austin Abbey began an ambitious program of murals and other artworks for the newly completed Pennsylvania State Capitol. These included allegorical medallion murals for the dome of the Rotunda, four large lunette murals beneath the dome, and multiple works for the House and Senate Chambers. For the Senate chamber he finished only one painting, Von Steuben Training the American Soldiers at Valley Forge, after which he was diagnosed with cancer and subsequently died in 1911.
- 3) Violet Oakley (the first American woman to receive a public mural commission) was originally commissioned in 1902 only for the murals in the Governor’s Grand Reception Room, which she titled The Founding of the State of Liberty Spiritual. In the reception room murals, Oakley depicts the story of William Penn and the founding of Pennsylvania. She conducted extensive research on the subject, even traveling to England! After Edwin Abbey’ death, Oakley was offered the job of creating the remaining murals for the Senate and Supreme Court Chambers. She agreed as long as she could paint in her own style. It was a 16-year project. She painted a series of 43 total murals for the Governors Grand Reception Room, the Senate and the Supreme Court.

The back side of the building is just as beautiful with its series of staircases leading up from a courtyard fountain.

Wrap-Up

The Pennsylvania State Capitol isn’t just a building—it’s a living museum, a testament to craftsmanship, history, and the Pennsylvania jewel. Whether you’re marveling at the marble, tracing the murals, or standing beneath the magnificent dome, there’s always a new story to discover.

Thanks for joining me on this tour! I hope you enjoyed these fun facts and feel inspired to visit in person for an even deeper dive into the heart of Pennsylvania.

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

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

My relationship with Jesus Christ motivates me to keep blogging. Though I have metastatic breast cancer*, my faith helps me survive, thrive, and feel alive while staying active. Without Him, I couldn’t achieve anything. With His help, well, my accomplishments speak for themselves on my blog. If you’re interested in learning about building a relationship with Jesus, feel free to comment below. I will never sell or share your email.

*Metastatic breast cancer is Stage IV cancer. Metastatic, or metastasis, means the cancer has spread beyond the original location (breast and immediate lymph nodes). In 2016 the doctors found significant metastasis to my bones, skull, liver, and lungs; then in 2018 to the brain. However, with chemo, immunotherapy, gamma knife, and of course my faith in the Lord, it is all undetectable at this point. I continue in treatment every three weeks via infusions, and receive multiple scans on a regular basis. If you or someone you know has metastatic breast cancer, I recommend these organizations for additional support: 
Metavivor and Unite for Her (also for ovarian cancer)

_{*Many thanks to the Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee for providing the historical information in their State Capitol Tour Guide, as well as good ol’ Wikipedia.}

August 20, 2025September 23, 2025

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

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.

Here’s a little compilation of our hike on the Ledges Trail. Let us know what you think in the comments!

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 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!

August 1, 2025October 17, 2025

State Capitol 23: Michigan

July 31, 2025. Lansing Michigan.

This is not your typical capitol tour. We were unable to connect with a guided tour (timing was off and we were pulling the Airstream), so Tim served as our tour guide. Again. 😂

This building does have some interesting history, as well as beauty. Listen to the videos as Tim shares some of the highlights from the Full Color Michigan State Capitol Tour Guide.

Driving by, looking for a place to park.

On our way from Grand Rapids to Detroit.

For the History Buffs

The Michigan State Capitol recently opened its new welcome center, Heritage Hall. The facility serves as a multi-purpose space featuring an Atrium for luncheons and ceremonies, a Stateroom for meetings and events, and an Exhibit Ramp with museum displays for visitors and tour groups. Included in the exhibit cases are over 200 artifacts, documents, and photographs that show the chronological history of Michigan’s Capitol.

This is the third capitol building since Michigan declared herself a state in 1835 and was subsequently admitted to the Union as the 26th state in 1837. The first two Capitol buildings were destroyed by fire, but they are still displayed on souvenir plates and ornaments.

The current Capitol was designed in Beaux Arts/American Renaissance style by Eljah E. Myers, Illinois Architect, constructed 1872-78. He was relatively unknown at the time, but won the bid with his plan titled “Tuebor,” meaning “I will defend.” This would be his first capitol, but certainly not his last. The successful construction of Michigan’s Capitol vaulted Myers to nationwide fame. During his long and prolific career, he designed five capitols – more than any other architect in American history. He modeled this structure on the recently enlarged U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The final cost of the Capitol totaled $1,427,738.78, which was about $200,000 over budget but a modest cost for capitols of that day. (According to one inflation calculator, $1,427,739 of 1878 dollars would be worth: $57,109,551.20 in 2025.)

Although the millions of bricks that make up its walls and ceilings were locally made in Lansing, the stone facade came from Ohio, the cast iron for the dome and floor beams from Pennsylvania, and the marble and limestone floors from Vermont.

Tim tells us about the walls.

And he shares some interesting facts about the chandeliers.

How the Government Works

Michigan has an entire room set up to educate its citizens on civics, including the Levels of Government, Branches of State Government, and Legislative process. (I should have paid better attention in high school.) This is probably the best visual I have seen describing our governmental functions. Not all states do it exactly the same way (e.g. some have fewer Senators or more Representatives; Nebraska is unicameral), but this is an excellent visual to best understand the overall process. So often people get confused about why our states do not intervene in some matters, or why the federal government doesn’t touch others, etc. Maybe this visual can help someone who reads this blog.

Preserving the Colors

The following information was found on the plaque in front of a worker who was preserving a flag behind a glass enclosure. It’s a tedious process!

“Battle flags played an important role in Civil War combat, serving as a rallying point amid the confusion of battle. Soldiers performed incredible acts of bravery to protect their tattered, bullet-ridden flags.

“During the Civil War Centennial (1961-1965), the State of Michigan had the flags stabilized by stitching them between layers of polyester netting on a sewing machine. While state of the art at the time, this method put thousands of tiny holes in the flags and the abrasive net is beginning to damage the original fibers.

“To preserve the flags for future generations, this netting must be removed by cutting each individual zig-zag stitch. Next, the flag can be gently vacuumed to remove dust and other loose particles. Finally, the flag can be conserved with more modern techniques.”

On to the Tour

The tour starts here (after Heritage Hall).

NOT the Rotunda. It’s actually the floor below the Rotunda. You can see people walking on the glass floor above. In the next video Tim describes the Block Glass and Dome.

THIS is the Rotunda. Also notice the Hall of Flags that surround the Rotunda.

THE CHAMBERS

Now that you know how the legislative process works, no tour would be complete without a peak inside the chambers. Legislatures were in the rooms when we went through Lansing, so we were not permitted to go inside the House on the main floor. However, if you go up one floor and step into the Gallery, you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire room.

The Michigan State Capitol has a foyer leading to each Chamber, designed to compliment one another. We haven’t seen this type of entry in other State Houses thus far.

Senate Chamber ceiling contains ninety pieces of glass to make up the skylights overhead. The skylights were originally installed to bring more natural light into the room. The original tiles started creating safety concerns and the mid-20th century era had also come to an end. Builders took out the hand-etched glass tiles and (unfortunately) threw them in a dumpster. During restoration (years later) they were able to bring the ceilings back to its original design, but instead of including 38 states as were present when Michigan entered the Union, all 50 states seals were included.

Old Supreme Court Chamber, currently serving as the Senate Appropriations Committee Room.

A FEW FUN FACTS

Although it has been Michigan’s capital since 1847 (it was in Detroit before that), Lansing was not actually incorporated as a city until 1859.
Some of the best surviving displays of Victorian painted decorative arts in the U.S. are found here.
The Capitol has led the state in technological advancement, from the lighting of the dome in 1905 to show off the power of the new electric light bulb, to installation of the nation’s largest state capitol geothermal system in 2019.
The glass and crystal chandeliers in the Senate Chambers are the original ones installed in 1878. They were converted from gas to electric, and now have 42 lightbulbs each, which have to be changed by dropping the chandeliers 40 feet to the floor and disassembling the unites.

SO-LONG LANSING

Hopefully you enjoyed this tour of Michigan State Capitol and learned a few things about our government as well. On the way out of town, I asked Tim to tell his what he thought of this Capitol, and here was his reply. He later said he liked the walls, and the design of the building as part of his reasoning for ranking it so high. What did you think?

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

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

*Metastatic breast cancer is Stage IV cancer. Metastatic, or metastasis, means the cancer has spread beyond the original location (breast and immediate lymph nodes). In 2016 the doctors found significant metastasis to my bones, skull, liver, and lungs; then in 2018 to the brain. However, with chemo, immunotherapy, gamma knife, and of course my faith in the Lord, it is all undetectable at this point. I continue in treatment every three weeks via infusions, and receive multiple scans on a regular basis. If you or someone you know has metastatic breast cancer, I recommend these organizations for additional support: 
Metavivor and Unite for Her (also for ovarian cancer)

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

*Metastatic breast cancer is Stage IV cancer. Metastatic, or metastasis, means the cancer has spread beyond the original location (breast and immediate lymph nodes). In 2016 the doctors found significant metastasis to my bones, skull, liver, and lungs; then in 2018 to the brain. However, with chemo, immunotherapy, gamma knife, and of course my faith in the Lord, it is all undetectable at this point. I continue in treatment every three weeks via infusions, and receive multiple scans on a regular basis. If you or someone you know has metastatic breast cancer, I recommend these organizations for additional support: 
Metavivor and Unite for Her (also for ovarian cancer)

July 2, 2025July 3, 2025

Three Girls and a Driver: Trip to The Badlands

Overview. You can scroll down to The Badlands to save some reading.

Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. To say we are adventurous is true; but, is traveling with Future Streamers* too huge of a bite for a West Airstream Adventure? It’s the first time we have taken our grandchildren on a road trip of this magnitude, so we were about to find out!

We have been Airstreaming since 2021, traveling across the country, enjoying our grandkids for sleepovers from time to time, but we have never traveled with them for days or weeks in the Airstream.

Until now.

(Aside, you can read A Little History at the end of this blog to learn about other road trips we have taken with our grandkids.)

Alison and Paige are our two oldest grandchildren, and the cousins haven’t seen each other for a couple of years since Paige’s family moved up north. Would they still be as compatible as they were when they could see each other more regularly? Would they even remember each other? Alison turned ten in March, so this is also a special gift for her “double-digit birthday,” from Nana and Yoda. Paige will be nine in November. Ten and eight seem like the perfect ages for a road trip.

We began a long journey a year and a half ago, living as full-time Airstreamers while our house is being built, and we are headed up north for the hot summer months. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to get the two cousins together since we will be traveling near Paige’s new home. It took quite a bit of pre-planning, coordinating with the parents, and ordering special things to make this a memorable vacation. If we never take them on another road trip, they should remember this one for the rest of their lives.

We picked up Alison in Texas, took her with us on a three day journey to pick up Paige in Iowa, and stopped to see some sites along the way. When we picked up Paige, apparently it was a surprise! She knew she was going on a trip with us, but didn’t know Alison was going too! What a great reunion for them both. After a visit with the family, we drove from Iowa to The Badlands in South Dakota. We stayed at the KOA in Interior, SD, which is only a few miles from the Visitor Center.

From there we went to Pierre, where we visited the State Capitol, (see my previous blog about that), then on to Sioux Falls SD where we ended our trip. I flew home with Alison (her first plane ride), and Tim took Paige home in the truck.

After that, we slept for two days 😂.

Ever since my cancer diagnosis (I hear this frequently from other cancer patients and survivors as well), I have a new perspective on life. We only have one life to live, so my motto is to live life to the fullest (which includes spending time with family), even with metastatic breast cancer. This is why I write this blog, to share how God is working my life. We saw some amazing things on this great adventure. I hope this inspires you to do something special with your family, kids or grandkids. Are you ready for an adventure? Let’s go!

The Badlands

Although we were on the road for several days, The Badlands were our primary destination, so this blog will focus on that part of the trip. You can read other blogs about our visits to State Capitols and other places.

Tim had an idea to create matching t-shirts, so I got creative. With a little help from Chat GPT, I edited the images to create t-shirts which we had screen printed, and added journals, pens, and stickers from Vista Print to commemorate our trip. The girls and our Facebook friends loved them! What do you think? Tim said we may be setting a precedent for when the other grandkids go on a trip in the future. Not sure if that’s good or bad 🥴🤔.

Paige opened her goodie bag with a journal, pen, stickers, and t-shirt after we picked her up. Love that smile!

Showing off our matching t-shirts with the trip logo on the chest..

On the back the full design looks like the Badlands..

Day 1. The first day we set up camp at the KOA in Interior, hung around the campground, played games, went swimming, and ate dinner. It was wonderful to get out of the truck after a long day’s drive.

The girls helped us set up, clean up, and overall did a great job of helping out when asked.

Home for a few nights! It’s a beautiful view out our back window.

I made sourdough pancakes for dinner, which Tim cooked along with scrambled eggs and fresh bacon from the local Amish. The girls loved my pancakes! But, you will see in the video that Yoda got all the credit. 🥴 Sound on!

This was actually the leftovers. Look at that bacon! SOOO delicious.

Day 2. The Badlands Visitor Center, Wall Drug, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, bison, pronghorn, free roaming cows, one big bull, and lots of beautiful scenery. It was a HOT day.

The couch in our new Classic lays flat into a full size bed. The girls are making their bed, which they did every morning after Yoda showed them how he wanted it done.

The second day was our first real experience in The Badlands. At the Ben Reifel Visitor’s Center, we got our National Park stamp and Jr. Ranger booklet, which the girls completed for a swearing in as Jr. Rangers on the last day.

The girls also picked out a stuffed animal which we purchased at the Visitor’s Center. Paige chose a bobcat and Alison got a black-footed ferret, which as it turns out is the rarest of all North American mammals! They only live in the Roberts Prairie Dog Town, where we went on this day, but the ferrets only come out at night since they are nocturnal. Needless to say, she was talking about the ferret the entire trip. Sadly, we never saw one.

Alison checking out bison, Roberts Prairie Dog Town.

Everywhere we went near Wall, the crowds were mammoth! Nearly as vast as the Badlands themselves. Due to the heat and overpopulation of people, Paige nearly had a panic attack by the time we got to Wall Drug where we had lunch. (It was VERY overstimulating. I wanted out of there too.)

Wall. Sitting on a Jackalope (above), 80 ft dinosaur (below) and world’s largest chainsaw sculpture of a jackalope (right). See Alison in the little window in the top of the Jackalope.

Tonight’s gonna be a good night! The girls were SO excited to see the cows up close, especially the little calves.

Tim, the most adventurous Jedi of us all… “That’s a bull, honey! Don’t get too close to him.” LOL.

Back at the campground, Paige and I stayed in the trailer while Tim took Alison swimming. That gave Paige some “alone” time to regroup and re-energize, and gave me time to take a nap. She loved the drive back, including the cows, and had a great time from that point on.

Tim made steaks for dinner and we were grateful for the awning and all the shade trees looking down from the sky. We happened to hit the hottest days of the year while we are here. At least it’s not raining and cold.

We hit the hay early, as we planned an early hike the next day. The girls loved their new stuffed animals, and slept with them at night in addition to making up games for their animals to play. Paige took hers with her everywhere we went, even on the hikes. I think they learned something new about conservation today!

Day 3. The third day was predicted to be over 100 degrees so we got an early start to our outside activities, taking advantage of the cooler weather. The sun comes up early here, so even at 6:30 AM it seems rather high in the sky. (It also goes down quite late.) We took in the south loop, had some early morning hikes, visited scenic overlooks like the yellow mounds, went back to Wall for groceries and an ice cream, took pictures at the world’s largest Jackalope chain saw sculpture and an 80 foot dinosaur (above), visited the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, more swimming, hot dogs for dinner, rest and relax.

A little swim after a HOT day. This was before Tim busted his butt 😂😩.

Day 4. A few more early morning hikes, pictures by the “World’s Only 6-Ton Prairie Dog,” feeding the prairie dogs 👏🏻👏🏻, visiting the Prairie Homestead Historic Site and seeing white prairie dogs, a little more swimming, swearing in of our official Junior Rangers, playing games, eating dinner and watching a movie.

Another very HOT day. We were so glad to get another early morning start and beat the crowds.

We stopped at the famous “door/window” overlook, and took another short hike across the road from there, but the mosquitos were horrible so it wasn’t as much fun. Yoda shared his hiking tips with the girls, like stepping on a log instead of over it, and they listened. That was fun to witness.

The highlight of our day was the Ranch Store, where you can buy peanuts to hand feed the prairie dogs. We have seen a lot of prairie dogs this week, but never so many in one place. Lots of babies with their mommas and families. This is a good place to get photos if you ever visit the Badlands.

Their individual personalities became evident as mommas groomed their babies, holding their feet still so they would behave. Below is a sequence of the grooming right beside the mound where the girls are feeding the prairie dogs. Quite comical to watch! The prairie dogs weren’t too bothered by visitors in general, and welcomed the easy food.

Back at the campground we encouraged the girls to do their Jr. Ranger activities book. After a few rounds of “This is boring,” and “I don’t wanna do it,” they started getting into it and the attitude changed to “This is fun! I’m going to do all of them!”

Alison had to do 8 because she’s older, but she did all 11 because she enjoyed it so much. Paige only had to do 5, which she completed. It is a little more challenging for the younger kids as there is a lot of reading, so Paige was a little harder to motivate. The activities were fun and educational, even for me!

A quick drive before dinner to the Visitor Center is where they were “sworn in” by a ranger, the same one who gave them the books on Thursday. Alison did so well on the oath, the ranger gave her a special patch for her effort. We were proud grandparents .

Heading back, a quick stop at the Cowboy Corner (the only grocery store for miles) ended up with empty hands. Tim wanted some ice cream, but he opted out when a tub of off brand was over $10 .

Scratching off our 15th National Park. We have actually been here twice before, on the motorcycle. But we weren’t able to go down some of the backroads and we didn’t stay in the park, AND we got to spend it with our two oldest grandchildren, so this was definitely a better experience.

Movie time confirmed how comfie our couch is for movie watching. We have been leaving the bed flat for the girls since the second or third day, rather than putting it up and down every night. It’s SOOO much better than any other Airstream we have owned, and it’s much sturdier than we anticipated easily fitting four or more (little) people. We all sat together on the big bed with our legs up and ate popcorn while watching a movie selected by the girls. They chose “Wild Robot,” which is definitely a kid’s flick , but entertaining enough. It does have a redeeming message about friendship with unusual characters, motherly love, and recognizing people can change. At least it had some outdoor nature scenes to commemorate our trip .

When we came home, Paige’s bobcat was doing this. He might have had a little help from Yoda, but the girls thought it was hilarious.

This was our last night in The Badlands. We could have stayed here several more days as there is so much to do in the area. We didn’t go as far west as Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore or the Black Hills, due to the limited time we had with the girls.

After this, we headed out to Pierre (PEER) where we toured the South Dakota State Capitol and camped on the river before sending the girls home.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the fun things to do with kids in The Badlands! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think! I promise, your email will never be sold or abused.

As promised…

A Little History. We have taken three of our grandchildren on two separate road trips, with Alison being the common denominator (she is the oldest). The first trip was in September 2019, when we took our two oldest grandchildren (Alison, 4 and Paige, 2) on a three-day trip to Arkansas. My mom never got to meet any of my grandchildren since they were all born after she died, so we wanted to give them an opportunity to meet Tim’s mom, their Great-Mama before she died. Paige had a major diaper blow-out on the way up. It was then that we decided no more road trips until they were completely potty trained.

The second trip was a few months later, in June of 2020, when masks were gaining popularity and no one knew exactly what was happening across the country. Tim’s mom was getting older, and if we were going to introduce another grand to their Great-Mama, we needed to do it soon. Alison was now five and her sister Hannah was two, a little younger than Paige was when we took her. We must be gluttons for punishment, or our memory failed us, because we towed diapers once again. Fortunately no blow-outs on that trip.

That was the last trip with our little Jedi for the next five years. Great-Mama started getting ill, and eventually passed away in 2022. We no longer had the same draw to Arkansas, and only three of our seven grandchildren ever got to meet their great-grandmother. My dad died in 2023, so we have no remaining parents to introduce them to, although Alison and Paige met him when he came down to see me after my metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in 2017 (Tim’s dad died many years ago).

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

*Future Streamers is the name given to children of Airstreamers.

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

May 24, 2025May 24, 2025

Medical Updates

Our next big trip starts in two days, Memorial Day, so we have been busy getting all of our medical appointments out of the way, haircuts and color, purchases that are too hard to get on the road, etc. In this blog I’ll share some updates from my medical journey. And a little bit of Tim’s as well.

Dec. 23, 2024. Scan for Bone Density, known as DXA BONE MINERAL DENSITY BOTH HIPS AND SPINE. I continue to show scores in the “osteopenia” range. It does appear that my bone density is (significantly) better than previous bone scans. The bone specialist continues to do bloodwork to determine the level of Zometa I need. This is an infusion about every three months, and just adds about 15-20 minutes to my normal infusion routine. Based on recent scan and bloodwork, continue with treatment.

April 23rd. MRI of the brain. AND fasting bloodwork (CTX Beta Crosslaps). Since my vision has been changing (increased double vision mostly), my neurology oncologist has been watching my brain again. They scan it about every three months. They always find some little something, but it’s all good. If you’re into the medical lingo, here’s a snippet from my test result. No changes. No new lesions. The spots they follow are residual effects from the radiation in 2019.

1. No new or recurrent intracranial metastases. 2. Stable scattered intrinsically T1 hyperintense lesions in the calvarium may represent hemangiomas and can be followed. Scattered intrinsically T1 hyperintense lesions in the calvarium show no worrisome interval change and appear to suppress on fat saturation techniques which may reflect osseous hemangiomas.

As for the bloodwork, she looks for certain numbers to determine when we need to get my next dose of Zometa. She did another fasting CTX in May, and the numbers went up, so it’s time for another dose.

May 1. CBC (full panel bloodwork) and Hip X-Ray. I saw the doctor on this date. I’m having some hip pain, ever since I drove my daughter to her surgeon’s appointment (4.5 hours away). She ordered a full blood panel in addition to tests for my hip. The blood showed some abnormalities including low hemoglobin, low red blood cells, and low platelets. This probably explains some of my fatigue lately. However, I was sick with a stomach bug from April 28-29, so this was likely the reason for the low blood counts (and fatigue). The X-Ray was normal, with this snippet. “Focal trabecular thickening of the intertrochanteric right femur. These features were present on the radiographs of 10/27/2022 and are considered benign. No evidence of metastatic disease.” That’s good news. They did find “Osteitis pubis” which is basically an inflammation which causes pain. Rest is the treatment for that.

The doctor noted this in my chart, “No fracture or evidence of cancer on the x-ray from yesterday. We’ll wait for the results from your CT and bone scan and go from there.” She scheduled my whole body bone scan and CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. It has been eleven months since my last body scans, and since we are traveling soon it’s probably good to get those done anyway.

May 8. Whole body scans. Also known on MyChart as CT CHEST ABDOMEN PELVIS W CONTRAST and NM BONE SCAN WHOLE BODY. This is a half-day long process, as they have to access my port, insert the nuclear medicine contrast for the bone scan (then wait two hours to do the scan). In the meantime I have to drink the CT contrast, wait about an hour and they do the CT. There’s about an hour in between scans where I typically go and eat something, since the CT is a fasting exam. If I have enough time I go off-campus, but usually there’s no time for that. I brought my breakfast this time and ate in the Marketplace on the 2nd floor.

Results: CT states “No evidence of active metastatic disease.” Also known as NEAD. They always find a few nodules in my lungs or other places, but they are stable and of “unknown origin,” so as long as we continue with the current treatment plan, there shouldn’t be any progression. Bone scan states, “Stable bone metastases involving the left fourth rib and the right iliac bone.” Mind you, the reports are much lengthier, but seeing the words “stable” and “NEAD” are what we hope for.

May 15, 2025. MOHS (Tim). Tim had surgery on his nose to remove basal cell carcinoma, and on this day he had the stitches removed. It was right by his eye, so a bit scary. However, the surgeon did an excellent job! She didn’t have any trouble closing it up, and she was able to get clean margins. You can’t even tell it was there. This is an ongoing issue for Tim as he has fair skin, thanks to his Irish blood. I believe this is his third surgery. Many of you have had this done as well. The older we get, the more we regret not wearing sunscreen as a kid.

May 15, 2025. Dental Crowns. I had two crowns put in the right molars (top and bottom) due to cracks in the teeth. I have to be very careful about what I allow dentists to do, as the Zometa can cause necrosis in the bones if they do any deep work. This dentist was well aware of my situation, and the crowns were not only the best option but they fit perfectly! I am very happy with those results.

Whew! Quite a month. Or two. We are now primed and ready for our next big adventure! More on that in the near future.

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

April 16, 2025

“I Wish I Could See…”

Sometime in February our daughter called to tell us her eye doctor had diagnosed her with detached retinas in both eyes. She needed surgery. Her left eye was worse than the right eye, and they considered it an emergency. She had no center vision in her left eye.

They made some referrals, and the referral made another referral, so that she ended going to a university hospital several hours from their home. Long story short, they did the surgery on the first eye the first week of March, and the second one two weeks later. They put a “buckle” in both eyes, but fortunately she didn’t need the “bubbles,” which is a very long and arduous recovery. Almost immediately she could see better, but it’s still a very long healing process. Initially she couldn’t lift anything over five pounds. She has been unable to drive since the first surgery, as her vision is so blurry it is akin to not wearing glasses before the surgery (she’s very nearsighted, which is most likely the risk factor causing the detachment). She is also warned not to strain her eyes.

She’s in college, has a family with two elementary aged children, and she still can’t drive.

What does this have to do with my metastatic breast cancer journey? Or traveling in an Airstream as full-timers? It connects to my story because we never know what might pop up along the way that can change the trajectory of our path. It could be a new lesion, or side-effect of the medication. It could be a break-down in something Airstream related. We just have to be willing to be flexible and go with the flow. That doesn’t come easy for a planner, but God’s still working on me!

The patient becomes the caregiver.

We were in Florida when we received the call, and we immediately started thinking about how we could help her. Should we leave immediately and fly up, or take the Airstream, or wait and see? We had plans to go back to Texas visiting capitol buildings along the way, attend some rallies (which were already paid for in non-refundable payments), check on the new house build, and stay in Texas until June or later depending on the progress of our house. How might this change those well-made plans? Sometimes, the cancer patient becomes the caregiver to someone in their family or circle of friends. It’s what we do. It’s called life.

We considered taking the trailer as we didn’t know how long she would need us, but the RV parks in this area have yet to turn on their water, due to freezing temperatures. Her husband decided to take off work until the beginning of April, so that gave us time to attend the rallies and find a place to settle in Texas. We booked flights and headed north to help her out once we got the Airstream settled in at a gated RV park in Montgomery. Tim had a work visit with a church, and it’s not too far from her, so that helped defray some of the costs. We really miss our home!

Aside, we are happy to have made the decision to purchase the Airstream Classic. It has a multiplex system that allows us to turn the A/C or Heat on and off as needed. It doesn’t have an “auto” feature (yet), so we have been checking the internal temperature and turning it on as needed.

Hanging out with Dad before he flies home.

We originally planned on flying back to Houston yesterday, but Elizabeth still doesn’t have new glasses so she can barely see. She needs a ride to the hospital for her follow-up consult now that Anthony is working. Tim has a biopsy scheduled for a spot on his nose that he has put off for way longer than needed, so he went back on the original flight. Getting him there was a bit of drama in itself, as we had a rental car from the airport three hours away and one of us would need a ride. Tim found a local guy who transports to the airport, and they had a nice chat all the way there. I stayed behind for another week and I’ll return the car when I get there. Logistics!

I was fortunate to get the exact same flight schedule at no additional charge. I can change the flight again if necessary, but that would require missing medicine (I didn’t bring enough to go past Monday), and rescheduling appointments at MD Anderson. At this point we are praying Elizabeth will have glasses on Friday so she can get used to them over the weekend and then I can head home the day after Easter. I took her to her local eye doctor who gave her a prescription. She will be able to see 20-20 out of her right eye with new glasses. That’s progress! Her left eye still has a ways to go.

Tomorrow we pack up the kids in the car rental and head to Iowa City for Elizabeth’s follow-up appointment with her surgeon; we hope to get her new glasses there. Iowa City has a same-day eyeglasses store in town that can make her a cheap, temporary pair until her vision settles and she can get a new more permanent prescription. That should be about three to six months from now, but at least she will be able to drive!

I’m sitting in her community college lobby as I type this, feeling a bit reminiscent of my own college days. I’m watching young students come and go while waiting for Elizabeth to attend two of her classes so I can once again be her seeing eye dog and chauffeur for lunch. I went with her to Bible study last week, which she attends on Wednesdays, and one of the students who goes to it just walked by and acknowledged me, asking if I would be there again today, saying that they enjoyed having me. That was a good feeling as I thought I added some depth to the room with some of my comments, but you never know how students will react.

Looking at illustrations in poetry books for children, in our hotel lobby.

I have enjoyed helping with her children’s literature class!

As I have been reading her book chapters and poetry aloud, typing what she dictates, and helping her finish assignments, I sometimes have to turn the screen away so she does’t squint and try to read what’s on the page. While her attitude is positive, she keeps saying, “I wish I could see,” usually with a laugh of frustration.

We never know how much we use our sight until we no longer have it. Don’t take it for granted. Holy Week, leading up to Easter, is a great time to remember to thank God every day for the ability to see, hear, walk, talk, and everything else He has given you for free. Especially remember the sacrifice of His one and only Son. His arms are stretched out for you. Can you see?

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