Springing Forth

Things are still terrible politically and economically, but that isn’t stopping the inevitable change of the seasons. We have really enjoyed seeing trees bursting into bloom as we stroll around the neighborhood, power-walk down the greenway, and drive around town.     I am particularly lucky to be able to enjoy the lovely surroundings of … Read more

This “Seasons” Thing is Alright

In North Carolina we are emerging from winter and embracing the promise of spring. The trees surrounding our home are furred with buds ready to burst open and we are getting a few tantalizing days of warm, sunny weather interspersed with cooler temperatures.The change in the seasons seems like a good time to reflect on … Read more

Oh Shenandoah, I Long to See You

Despite having been planned as an eastern version of the great western national parks, and sitting within a day’s drive of millions of East Coast dwellers, somehow Shenandoah National Park was one that we had not managed to add to our list of national parks visited. Until now, making it #33. After completing our northbound … Read more

Road Trip Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

After our last airplane/train/city adventure in Chicago, we decided it was time to take the edge off the summer heat with a mountain hiking trip. We also wanted to do a “big” trip to celebrate our 20th anniversary, but without the hassle of plane travel. Thus was born the idea of a leisurely road trip … Read more

Blown Away by the Windy City: Science, Money, Food, and More

Between our daily visits to the Art Institute and the Chicago Architecture Center boat tour, you might think we didn’t have much time to take in other sights during our recent trip to Chicago. But thanks to the compactness of the downtown area, we were able to see quite a bit while relying exclusively on … Read more