Photographing the Blizzard of 26

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Snowstorm Photography & the Bag That Saved My Sanity

February gave us one last New England tantrum — a heavy, wet snowstorm that turned my street into a postcard. The world went quiet. The trees looked like they’d been dipped in powdered sugar. I grabbed my camera because I had to capture it before it melted.

Out I went, bundled up like the Michelin Woman and determined to get a few good shots before the plows arrived. This is where my VSGO Black Snipe Pro Camera Backpack proved its worth.

I’ve carried camera gear in everything over the years — tote bags, purses, and backpacks that were never meant for cameras. I always ended up digging around like I was searching for buried treasure. Not this time.

The snow was coming down sideways, and it was a relief to have everything in one place. Every lens, battery, SD card, and cleaning cloth had its own compartment. Everything stayed dry and easy to reach. I didn’t have to unzip five pockets or juggle gear in the cold. I could focus on the moment — the hush of the snowfall, the weight of the branches, and that soft storm‑light you only get in winter.

And yes, I got some beautiful shots. But the real star of the outing was the bag that kept me organized and sane.

If you’re a photographer — or even a “grab‑the‑camera‑and‑run” type like me — this bag is worth a look. It’s lightweight, durable, and built for people who want to enjoy the experience instead of wrestling with their gear.

👉 Here’s the link to the VSGO Black Snipe Pro Camera Backpack:
Camera Gear

I’ll add my snowstorm photos below so you can see what I captured before everything thawed. Days like this remind me why I love photography — and why having the right gear makes all the difference.

 

50 Places to Visit in the USA — Part 2 (Numbers 26–50)

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Alright boys and girls, let’s wrap up the second half of the “50 Places to Visit in the USA That Must Be on Your Bucket List.”
So far: 11 visited, 14 still to go (maybe).
Let’s dive into Number 26!

26. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona — Yes

I’ve flown into Phoenix many times and even had lunch in Scottsdale. I’m counting it, even if I was really on my way to Sedona.

27. Aspen, Colorado — No

Aspen is a glamorous ski resort where you dress to impress. I’m not a skier, and my winter fashion sense leans toward jeans and sweaters, so… maybe not my scene.

28. Disney World, Florida — Yes

Do I get bonus points for multiple visits?

Entering Disney

Don’t try this yourself. It’s illegal!

29. New Orleans, Louisiana — Yes

It’s a party every day — and probably a parade too.

Bayou Bridge , City Park, New Orleans

30. Palm Springs, California — No

Not even on my radar, but if you love modern architecture, the home tours are supposed to be stunning.

31. Cape Cod, Massachusetts — Yes

Of course! I’ve watched for whales off Race Point and visited more lighthouses than I can keep track of. Some say there are 14, others say 16. I keep losing count.

32. Alaska — Yes

From Sitka to Denali and plenty in between. Wildlife, whales, Native Alaskan culture — and don’t forget the glaciers.

 

33. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon — Not Yet

I want to photograph Multnomah Falls and experience the winter eagle gatherings. Hundreds of eagles in one place? Sign me up.

34. Denver, Colorado — Sort of

I flew in, but didn’t linger. Traffic was awful and the highways were under construction. It reminded me of Boston during the Big Dig years.

35. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota — Yes

A very impressive monument. I spent a wonderful day here.

36. Lancaster, Pennsylvania — No

The gateway to Amish Country, where time stands still. I think it would be fascinating.

37. Lake Tahoe, California — Yes

I drove around the lake — absolutely beautiful. Most of the trip was supporting my mom at a bowling tournament, so I also got to check out the bowling alley.

38. Savannah, Georgia — No

Said to be the most haunted city in America. From the photos, it’s certainly a gorgeous example of old Southern charm.

39. Louisville, Kentucky — No

I’ve always wanted to attend Derby Day at Churchill Downs — the most exciting two minutes in sports.

40. Newport, Rhode Island — Yes

The mansions are incredible. I attended the “Dead of Winter Ball,” a highlight of the social season, and once got very seasick watching the America’s Cup from a friend’s yacht. Ahh, those were the days.

41. Portland, Maine — Yes

I wandered the docks, watched lobster fishermen unload their catch, and visited the International Cryptozoology Museum — home to Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mysterious creatures.

42. Asheville, North Carolina — Sort of

I passed through on my way to Sapphire Valley for my waterfall vacation. Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a big craft beer scene — plus the Biltmore Estate.

43. St. Augustine, Florida — Yes

The oldest city in the U.S., complete with a 17th‑century Spanish fort. A history lover’s dream. Maybe you can get a sip from the fountain of youth!

44. Detroit, Michigan — No

Even though I circled the airport for hours due to bad weather, we were diverted and never landed. So… no.

45. Seattle, Washington — Yes

Thanks to my stint with Redfin, I spent a week here. I visited the Space Needle, admired Mount Rainier, marveled at the Chihuly glassworks, and even sold a photo of Puget Sound to a bank for a mural. Good times.

46. San Antonio, Texas — Yes

Remember the Alamo! I also enjoyed the River Walk and toured the beautiful Spanish missions.

47. Charleston, South Carolina — Yes (I think)

My sister‑in‑law is from there, and I think that’s where she and my brother got married. I went to the wedding… but the details are a little fuzzy. Did I really have that much to drink…

48. Nashville, Tennessee — No

Redfin took the team one year, but I wasn’t cleared to travel — recovering from hip surgery. Later I vacationed in Gatlinburg and loved it, but Nashville remains unchecked.

49. Cape May, New Jersey — No

I even missed it when researching New Jersey for a possible vacation. Might need to reconsider.

50. Utah National Parks — No (but high on the list)

I want to visit all five: Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon. When I finally go, I’m bringing a ton of SD cards and batteries for my camera.

Final Tally

For this set of 25, I scored 15 yeses.
Grand total: 26 out of 50 — just squeaked past the halfway mark.

So what’s your count — and did this spark any ideas for your next adventure?

 

50 Places to Visit in the USA

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How Many Have I Seen?

Oooh, another list. I love lists. This one comes from BestProducts.com and is titled “50 Places to Visit in the USA That Must Be on Your Bucket List.” Naturally, I had to run through it and see how many I can check off.

Here’s how I did on the first 25:

  1. Key Largo, Florida – Yes! Been there, loved it. Big thumbs up. I even snorkeled at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
  2. New Hope, Pennsylvania – Nope. Best known for shopping and art galleries, which aren’t really my go‑to vacation activities.
  3. Grand Canyon, Arizona – Yes. The Grand Canyon needs no buildup. It speaks for itself.

    On the South Rim, Grand Canyon 2008

  4. Los Angeles, California – Yes, but for work, not vacation. It’s okay, but I’m just not a Rodeo Drive kind of person.
  5. Las Vegas, Nevada – Yes. What happens in Vegas… well, you know. I’m not a gambler, but I love the shows.
  6. Santa Fe, New Mexico – No. I’ve come close a couple of times and then gone somewhere else. Still plan to get there. I want to enjoy the landscapes, but there are plenty of art galleries if that’s your thing.
  7. Nantucket, Massachusetts – Yes, of course. How could I live in Massachusetts and not visit Nantucket at least once? Beaches, lighthouses, ships, a whaling museum, and seafood. Got to have that lobsta roll.
  8. Sedona, Arizona – Yes. Beautiful red rocks, fun jeep tours, and a little whoo‑whoo energy. Pick up good vibes and healing crystals while you explore.
  9. Chicago, Illinois – Yes. One of my first trips, but it was for work. Still interesting. After all, it’s the home of deep‑dish pizza.
  10. Big Sur, California – Not yet. We’ve talked about this one. Do we drive the Pacific Coast Highway or take the Coast Starlight train?
  11. Kansas City, Missouri – No. But I can never get enough good barbecue, so maybe someday.
  12. Jackson, Wyoming – Yes. Great vacation. Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone… what’s not to love? Wildlife, geysers, breathtaking scenery.Snake River Overlook
  13. Natchez, Mississippi – No. I went with the home of Mardi Gras — New Orleans —but since that’s Louisiana maybe I should plan on Natchez for my Mississippi stop.
  14. Washington, D.C. – Yes, several times. Explored the Tidal Basin and monuments but missed the cherry blossoms.

    The Washington Monument as seen from the Lincoln Memorial

  15. Napa Valley, California – No. I’m not really a wine taster, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful.
  16. Indianapolis, Indiana – No. Known for its children’s museum and the Indy 500, neither of which are high on my list.
  17. Austin, Texas – No. I’ve been to Dallas and San Antonio but not Austin. I could go for the barbecue (again) but would pass on the Tex‑Mex.
  18. Hawaii – Yes, of course. You all know I’ve been there. Do you prefer a black sand beach, a pristine white sand beach, or a green sand beach? Hawaii has them all!
  19. Minneapolis, Minnesota – No. Lots of art centers and museums, but not top of my list.
  20. New York City, New York – Yes. I enjoyed the shows and fine dining, but it’s not really my cup of tea. Great museums, but I’m not an urbanite.
  21. Finger Lakes, New York – I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been. I grew up in New York but only passed by this part of the state on my way to Buffalo. Niagara Falls, Baby!
  22. Manchester, Vermont – No, I don’t think so. I’ve been to many places in Vermont — lots of day trips growing up — but I don’t recall making it to Manchester.
  23. St. Michaels, Maryland – No. I’m not familiar with St. Michaels at all.
  24. Birmingham, Alabama – No. I haven’t made it to the Heart of Dixie yet, and at one time I even had family living in Mobile. Shame on me.
  25. Livingston, Montana – No. But I could see myself visiting. This is the Old West, Big Sky Country, home to Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane. Yup, I’d like that.

So we’re halfway through the list but running out of time. So far, I can check off 11 of the first 25. Not bad at all. I can’t wait to see how I do on the second half.

How about you — can you match or beat my 11?

 

March Comes In Like a Lion… Or Maybe Just a Squirrel

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gray squirrel

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Checking the Weather the New England Way

There’s an old saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Here in Massachusetts, that lion has a flair for the dramatic. Some years it roars in with a blizzard, other years it tiptoes in like it’s afraid to wake the neighbors. And sometimes it just shrugs and gives us mud.

So this morning, before I did anything else, I performed the official New England March 1st ritual:
I looked out the window to see what kind of mood March was in.
(Cold, Light rain and snow. Yuk)

Meanwhile, at the Deck Slider…

While I was assessing the weather, Banner and Balboa were conducting their own March 1st investigation. Both were crouched at the deck slider, tails whipping like furry windshield wipers. Outside, the squirrels were running back and forth, pausing just long enough to give the boys a look that clearly said:

“Ha ha, you can’t get me.”

Banner took this as a personal insult. Balboa, ever the dramatic one, flattened himself into full panther mode. The squirrels, of course, remained unimpressed.

If March did come in like a lion today, the squirrels didn’t get the memo.

A Little Spring Inside the House

No matter what’s happening outside — roaring lion, sleepy lamb, or taunting squirrel — March always feels like a turning point. The light lingers a little longer each afternoon, and I start craving small changes that make home feel fresher.

One of my favorite early‑spring rituals is swapping out my heavy winter curtains for something lighter. Even if the weather is still acting up, it makes the whole room feel like it’s leaning toward spring.

This year I’ve been eyeing the Joydeco curtains — soft, modern, and perfect for letting in that slowly returning daylight.
Explore  Curtains here

Lion, Lamb, or Something in Between

Whether March arrived roaring, purring, or just sending squirrels to mock my cats, I’m welcoming it with a warm mug, a hopeful heart, and a few small changes around the house.

Here’s to brighter days ahead — and to Banner and Balboa keeping the squirrel population on high alert.

 

Old‑Fashioned Goulash (or Whatever You Call It)

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What Is This Dish, Anyway?

I’ve been making a simple mix of tomatoes, hamburger, and macaroni for years, and for the longest time I never knew what to call it. I watched my mother make it more times than I can count, and she always called it Goulash. So naturally, I did too.

Then I moved to Massachusetts — and suddenly people looked at me like I had three heads when I said “Goulash.”

The Massachusetts Goulash Confusion

Here in southeastern Massachusetts, I kept running into versions made with stew beef and mountains of paprika. Hearty, rich, and often described to me as a Hungarian dish. Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked, rich broth-based dish

A dear friend of mine made yet another version. Hers was closer to mine but still not quite the same. She called it American Chop Suey, and it used tomato soup and tomato paste for thickness. Delicious — but not what I make.

My Version: Simple, Light, and Definitely Not Paprika‑Heavy

My own dish is SIMPLE. No cheese, no tomato paste, no baking. It ends up with a thinner sauce — almost soup‑like — but not quite a soup either. (Yes, I checked. There are actual “Hamburger Soup” recipes online, and nope, that’s not it.)

Then I stumbled across something called Old Fashioned Goulash, a Midwest classic. And finally — finally — I found something close to what I’ve been making all along.

So here’s a comparison. Maybe one of these versions will become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Old Fashioned Goulash (Midwest Style)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 3 minutes, then drain.
  3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and onions. Cook 6–7 minutes until browned; drain fat.
  4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
  6. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust.
  7. Mix in the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese.
  8. If your skillet is oven‑safe, bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Otherwise, transfer to a casserole dish and bake.

My Simple Version of Old Fashioned Goulash

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound hamburger
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 (26 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions, using the shorter cook time.
  2. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil, onions, and green peppers.
  3. Add hamburger, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 7–8 minutes until browned.
  4. Add diced tomatoes and stir well.
  5. Let the mixture simmer. When it’s hot, add the cooked macaroni and combine. Simmer about 5 minutes.
  6. Serve with garlic bread or Texas toast.

Final Thoughts

Without the cheese, you’ll get a very different dish — but that’s the fun of cooking. Every family has its own version, its own name, and its own memories tied to it.

I’d love to hear what you call this dish and how you make it.