Tag: Holidays

Our Christmas Sing

When we had a blended family of five teenagers, we treated them to travel at Christmastime:  to ski in Sun Valley or the French Alps, or to Mexico and the beaches to swim.  Fun times all, but as the children left to make their own households at holiday time, I decided to stay home and […]

An “Engaging” Christmas in the Mile High City

Other than in movies, I had never seen someone actually get down on one knee and propose marriage.  So it was something of a surprise to witness two proposals in two days – and in both cases, I was so close, I was asked to take the first selfie of the happy couple.   But that’s the type of […]

Clinging to a Holiday Habit: Visions of Vacations Dancing in my Head

With old man winter’s icy breath encasing the Great Lakes, I’m dreading being cooped up listening to dire statistics and only being able to visit friends and family via Zoom. Thanks to the pandemic, festive holiday gatherings won’t brighten up the enveloping darkness and Lake Effect precipitation hurtling towards America’s “North Coast” at the end […]

Rocket City Holiday Magic – Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama is known as The Rocket City for helping put mankind on the Moon along with its continuing role in developing the propulsion system to return humankind to the lunar surface, then on to Mars.  It takes lots of rocket scientists to accomplish these lofty goals, but it doesn’t take one to see that Huntsville is a fantastic destination for a holiday visit!  Many of […]

Holiday Cheer in a Cocktail (or Three) – RECIPES

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, a cocktail can help to make the season bright. And since travel is challenging right now, we hope to bring a little comfort and joy to you through these San Juan Islands inspired recipes. They are our gift to you from the restaurants and resorts on Orcas Island, Lopez […]

Holiday Recipe: Cranberry-Almond Biscotti from the Francis Malbone House

Cranberry-Almond Biscotti Recipe Makes about 30 Cookies Ingredients: 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 egg whites 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tbsp. vanilla or almond extract ½ tsp baking soda ¾ cup sliced almonds 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in the middle […]

Delighting in Germany’s Christmas markets in my Colorado home

Evoke the warmth and good tidings of the Old Country by celebrating Germany’s traditions at home – beginning with Glühwein!  I close my eyes and breathe in the aroma of cinnamon from my porcelain Christmas mug filled to the brim with steaming hot Glühwein, Germany’s official holiday grog. I take that first sip and savor the spice-laden mulled wine, […]

“New Normal” Traditions

It’s the fourth week in November and I’m not wearing a bikini.  Or donning flip flops, or slathering on the sunscreen. In Wisconsin that would be expected for this time of year, but for us, it’s a bit unusual.  It has been ten years since we haven’t traveled to the Caribbean at Thanksgiving.  With our oldest now in college, her […]

Holidays in the Amana Colonies

Recharge your batteries and get a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season at the Amana Colonies.

In San Antonio, Holidays Mean Tamales

Throughout the San Antonio area, tamales are served at home celebrations on Christmas Eve.