Abraham Lincoln Homestead, in New Salem village, prior to his life in politics.

Visiting New Salem State Park

This post was most recently updated on October 9th, 2018.   Being born and raised in The Land of Lincoln, you would think I would have visited New Salem Village many times.  I have been fortunate to take school field trips to the location where Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, is buried. As an adult, I have visited Gettysburg National […]

View from Waterfall at the Sink Hole, Falling Waters State Park, Florida.

Falling Waters State Park, Florida

This post was most recently updated on October 26th, 2017.   By Barbara Lindsoe Falling Waters State Park is located 3 miles south of Chipley, Florida.  It is easily accessible from I-10.  Twenty-four full facility camp sights, equipped with electricity, fresh water, picnic tables and grills and a clothesline, are available for campers.  The restrooms and showers have recently been updated. […]

Kiefernstrasse, Dusseldorf, Germany, a rich history of industry, anarchy, and street art.

Kiefernstrasse- Industry, Anarchy, Art

This post was most recently updated on August 31st, 2017.   Kiefernstrasse Kiefernstrasse, is an intriguing neighborhood in Dusseldorf, Germany, that attracts a lot of attention, from the media, and more recently, from tourists. It is also one of those special places in the world that reminds me how fast the world changes, and how much it has changed in my […]

I Threw Myself from a Plane

This post was most recently updated on September 25th, 2017.   My Skydiving Adventure at Eagle Creek, in Oregon. “How did I come to throw myself out of a perfectly good airplane?” you ask.. Last July I was itching for some adventure. I had planned my second trip to visit my friend Reese, who lives on the Oregon coast. It was […]

Your Overtime Hours May Be Killing You.

This post was most recently updated on August 25th, 2017.  It is commonly accepted fact that American workers put in more hours than most of the Western world. Our 40 hour weeks, are just a tad bit heavy, when compared to the 36 hour weeks that employees in many other countries work. But 40 hour weeks are just the beginning for […]

Amsterdam Canals Bridge

Canal Cruises- 10 Amsterdam Tips

This post was most recently updated on June 7th, 2019.  Canal cruises are something that absolutely must be done when visiting Amsterdam. I know they are completely “touristy.” I know there are several blogs out there that suggest avoiding the canal cruises. But, how can you return home from Amsterdam, not having cruised the canals? How do you tell friends, “yeah, […]

How to Stay Sane When Work Is Insane

This post was most recently updated on September 8th, 2018.   Lets face it:  sometimes work can be downright insane!  Whether it is crazy long hours, working night shift, or getting stuck with a bunch of coworkers who don’t get along, it can really stress our nerves.  We all know the negative effects of stress on our mental and physical health. […]

Matthiessen Lake, Matthiessen State Park

Adventure at Matthiessen State Park

This post was most recently updated on August 17th, 2018.   Whenever we are craving some adventure, we hop into the car and head to Matthiessen State Park.  Sometimes the whole family goes, and sometimes we go when Mom is at work, and we guys are feeling the need to get out of the house, and do some exploring.  Charlie, our […]

Amsterdam Liberation Day Concert

Remembrance and Liberation- Netherlands

This post was most recently updated on August 31st, 2017.   On May 4, the Netherlands recognizes Remembrance Day, then on May 5, Liberation Day is celebrated. These two days are very close to the Dutch, who remember the fallen of World War II, and celebrate being liberated from the Nazis, prior to the end of the war. Living survivors are […]

Lincoln Homestead, prior to his life in politics.

Glorious US State Parks, Beautiful Budget Travel

This post was most recently updated on October 9th, 2018.   The National Parks of the United States are well known around the globe, but what is not as commonly known is that the country also boasts an amazing network of US State Parks.  An astonishing number of state parks are filled with small natural wonders, are well maintained, and visiting […]

,Kauai, Hawaii, Napali Coast boat tour view.

NaPali Coast Boat Tour

This post was most recently updated on September 30th, 2018.   NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park Like every other US state, Hawaii has a number of State Parks that are centrally managed.  Unlike other states, the parks in Hawaii are spread out between 5 different islands.  The tiny island of Kauai boasts 9 different State Parks.  NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park […]

Olde English Faire, a Renaisance Faire, at Wildlife Priaire Park.

Olde English Faire- A Renaissance Fair

This post was most recently updated on July 10th, 2017.   The Olde English Faire is an annual Renaissance Fair held in central Illinois. I attended the Faire with Brittany, Cash and Jaxon, who you can read about on our Traveling Companions page. If you are not familiar with a Renaissance Fair, it is an event celebrating the post medieval times, […]