Gobbles, Gratitude, and a Dash of Dusty Roads

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A Feast of Thanks

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey (though let’s be honest, that golden bird does steal the spotlight). It’s about gathering around tables—big or small—and savoring the flavors of the season. From cranberry sauce that insists on wobbling like a jelly dance to stuffing recipes passed down like family heirlooms, every bite carries a story.

But here on Around Dusty Roads, we like to think beyond the plate. Gratitude stretches wider than mashed potatoes on a crowded platter. It’s in the laughter that bubbles up when someone burns the rolls, the quiet joy of a walk after dinner, and the way cats inevitably claim the warmest spot near the oven.

Nature’s Little Reminders

Step outside this Thanksgiving and you’ll find the season humming its own tune. Leaves crunch underfoot like nature’s applause, squirrels dash about with their winter prep, and the crisp air reminds us to slow down. Even the local wildlife seems to join the celebration—wild turkeys strutting through Massachusetts neighborhoods as if auditioning for the holiday parade.

It’s a reminder that gratitude isn’t confined to dining rooms. It’s stitched into the everyday wonders: the lighthouse standing firm against November winds, the zoo animals that spark childlike awe, and the cats who curl up beside us, purring their own version of “thank you.”

A Toast to Everyday Magic

So here’s to the quirks that make Thanksgiving memorable. To the pumpkin pie that disappears faster than you can say “save me a slice.” To the stories retold every year, growing funnier with each retelling. And to the small, dusty roads we travel—whether literal or metaphorical—that lead us back to gratitude.

This season, may your table be full, your heart light, and your adventures sprinkled with everyday magic. From Around Dusty Roads to your home: Happy Thanksgiving, with gobbles and giggles galore.

 

Power, speed, and endless recipes—meet your new kitchen hero

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Stand Mixer Magic: Power Meets Possibility

A stand mixer is one of those kitchen appliances that feels like a luxury—until you finally own one. Then you wonder how you ever lived without it.

Like Tim Allen’s old Tool Time mantra, you can never have too much power. That’s exactly what a stand mixer brings to the party: muscle, speed, and versatility.

For years, I resisted. Stand mixers weren’t cheap, and I always had other priorities. I wasn’t a professional chef, and in my early days of living on my own, I avoided the kitchen whenever possible. A hand mixer (or plain elbow grease) got me by.

But eventually, I saw the light. A stand mixer isn’t just about baking cakes—it’s a powerhouse tool that transforms everyday cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, here are 20 ways a stand mixer can make life easier, tastier, and a whole lot more fun:

🍗 Savory Staples

  1. Shredded Chicken – Dough hook, 20 seconds, perfect texture.
  2. Pulled Pork – Same method, barbecue bliss.
  3. Shredded Beef – Sandwich-ready without hours of hand shredding.
  4. Meatballs – Dump, mix, bake. Dinner in a flash.
  5. Meatloaf – Quick, even mixing for hearty comfort food.
  6. Hamburgers – Blend ground beef with onions, cheese, or your favorite add-ins.

🥔 Comfort Classics

  1. Mashed Potatoes – Paddle attachment, mix while hot, avoid gummy overmixing.
  2. Pizza Dough – Hands-free kneading for perfect crust.
  3. Bread – Traditional loaves without the arm workout.
  4. Cinnamon Rolls – Effortless kneading for pillowy swirls.
  5. Biscuits – Paddle cuts butter like a pro.

🍫 Sweet Treats

  1. Brownie Batter – Smooth, rich, ready to bake.
  2. Cake Batter – Light, fluffy, and foolproof.
  3. Cupcake Batter – Same magic, bite-sized joy.
  4. Cheesecake – Thorough mixing for creamy perfection.
  5. Meringue – Glossy peaks in minutes.
  6. Whipped Cream – Fresh, homemade, with endless flavor twists.
  7. Buttercream Frosting – Whip butter into silky submission.
  8. Cookies – Doughs mixed evenly, no sweat.
  9. Pie Crust – Paddle “cuts in” fat for flaky layers.

🛒 Where to Find Yours

At Welcoming Haven, we feature two CHEFTRONIX Stand Mixers with attachments—perfect for everyday cooks ready to level up. For a wider selection, you can also shop through Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate, Welcoming Haven earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.

✨ Thank You for Keeping Us Cooking

Every recipe, story, and product spotlight is fueled by your support. Whether you’re exploring Around Dusty Roads for inspiration or shopping through Welcoming Haven for kitchen essentials, you help keep this creative journey alive. Thank you for being part of our table, for sharing in the joy of good food, and for helping us keep the ovens warm and the ideas simmering. Together, we’ll keep cooking up memories, meals, and a little everyday magic.

5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up

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5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up

I recently stumbled across an article by Barbara Corcoran. If you don’t know who she is, don’t worry—I didn’t either. But the title of her piece caught my eye: short, punchy, and promising. 5 ‘Truths About Success’ That Could Make You Rich. I like short. I love to-the-point. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t be curious about getting rich?

Now, I’m like most folks. I wouldn’t turn down wealth, but I’m not chasing yachts or private islands. For me, “rich” means having enough: enough to pay the bills, fix up my home, travel a little, and treat friends to a nice dinner now and then. That’s my sweet spot.

Barbara Corcoran, as it turns out, rose from childhood poverty to become a real estate powerhouse, investor, entrepreneur, and TV personality on Shark Tank. She’s someone who turned adversity into opportunity. Her five truths resonated deeply—especially as I build my own store, Welcoming Haven, from the ground up.

Here’s what she shared, and how it’s showing up in my journey:

  1. It’s Lonely at the Start.
    Barbara’s husband left her early on. In my case, I’m pushing this store solo. Some days, it feels like I’m the only one who believes in it.
  2. People Will Doubt You… Then Ask How You Did It.
    I haven’t hit the “how’d you do it?” phase yet. Right now, I’m surrounded by skeptics. One neighbor told me he spends a fortune on QVC—but won’t buy a single T-shirt from me. He’s watching to see if I fail. That stings.
  3. It Takes Longer Than You Think.
    I dove into e-commerce with minimal research and big hopes. I thought I’d be earning a modest income by month three. Now I’m in month five, still chasing that goal. But I’ve connected with others who’ve succeeded, and they say the real timeline is six months to a year. Lesson learned: patience is part of the process.
  4. It Feels Impossible Before It Works.
    Five months in, sales are sluggish. Traffic’s decent, but conversions are slow. Still, I’m not giving up. I’m tweaking, learning, and staying the course.
  5. And When It Does Work, You’ll Wonder Why You Ever Doubted Yourself.
    I haven’t reached that moment yet—but I’m holding space for it. I can’t wait to look back and smile at how far I’ve come.

 

Final Thoughts:

Success isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s quiet persistence, showing up day after day even when no one’s cheering. Barbara’s truths reminded me that doubt, delay, and discomfort are part of the journey—not signs to quit. So if you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a dream, or a new chapter—know this: you’re not alone. Keep going. The “why did I ever doubt myself?” moment might be closer than you think.

Tower in the Sea

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Rising from the waves like a sentinel of stone, Boon Island Light is New England’s tallest lighthouse—and one of its most haunting maritime landmarks. With a nod to my sister’s enduring love of lighthouses and a dash of wanderlust, I invite you to explore the story of this remote Maine beacon, where history, hardship, and the sea converge.

 

🌊 A Tower in the Sea: Introduction to Boon Island Light

Located 6.5 miles off the coast of York, Maine, Boon Island Light is the tallest lighthouse in New England, rising 133 feet from a barren outcrop in the Atlantic. Its isolated perch and storm-battered silhouette have made it a symbol of resilience and maritime vigilance.

🕰️ From Shipwrecks to Signals: A Storied Past

Drawing of the Nottingham Galley shipwreck

The island’s name may stem from early fishermen who left provisions for shipwrecked sailors—a “boon” in desperate times. But its most infamous tale is the 1710 wreck of the Nottingham Galley, whose crew resorted to cannibalism to survive. This tragedy sparked calls for a permanent warning beacon.

Builders erected the first lighthouse in 1811, but relentless storms repeatedly tore down those early structures. In 1855, they completed the current granite tower, outfitting it with a second-order Fresnel lens and a fog horn that still sounds every 10 seconds.

🛠️ Automation and Preservation

After a devastating blizzard in 1978 washed away all keeper dwellings, the station was automated in 1980. Today, Boon Island Light remains an active aid to navigation, owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and leased to the American Lighthouse Foundation, though it’s in need of major restoration.

🚫 Remote and Inaccessible—Yet Irresistible

Boon Island is not open to the public, and its rocky terrain makes landings treacherous. Still, its allure draws lighthouse enthusiasts and historians. Scenic boat tours occasionally pass by, offering distant glimpses of this stoic sentinel.

📚 Legacy in Literature and Lore

The lighthouse’s grim history inspired Kenneth Roberts’ novel “Boon Island”, and its stark beauty has been described as “an eternal exclamation mark” by 19th-century writer Samuel Adams Drake. It’s a place where nature, history, and human endurance collide.

 

🌍 Hidden Gems & Internet Shenanigans: My Accidental Travel Checklist

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Surfing the Web, Stumbling into Wanderlust

One of my guilty pleasures since being forcefully retired (yes, I’m still salty) is cruising around the internet. It’s a rabbit hole of weird and wonderful discoveries—and we all know if it’s on the internet, it must be true, right?

I especially love lists. Bucket lists, travel lists, “best of” lists—I devour them like popcorn. I scroll through to see what I’ve done, what I’ve missed, and whether I agree with the writer’s take. Recently, I stumbled across a list of “Hidden Gems.” I expected obscure spots I’d never heard of, but surprise surprise—I’ve actually been to a few!

❄️ Leavenworth, Washington: Alpine Charm Without the Prison

The list kicks off with Leavenworth, Washington—a mountain village with alpine architecture, festive vibes, and wintery fun like sleigh rides and snowshoeing. Sounds magical… if you like snow. I, however, am a blanket-loving, cold-avoiding creature. Sleigh rides? Maybe. Snow? Hard pass.

Oh, and just to clear up a common misconception: the infamous Leavenworth prison is in Kansas, not Washington. So no need to worry about bunking with inmates on your holiday getaway.

🏖️ St. Augustine, Florida: History with a Sea Breeze

Now this one I have visited. St. Augustine is described as “old world elegance meets coastal calm,” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a dream for history buffs and beachcombers alike.

I wandered through the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (Ponce de León sightings: frequent), and explored Castillo de San Marcos—the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. It looked nothing like the northern forts I grew up with, and that made it all the more fascinating.

Castillo de San Marcos – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

🏜️ Village of Oak Creek, Arizona: Sedona’s Serene Sister

Been there, done that—and I’d do it again. Oak Creek is often overshadowed by Sedona, but it’s a gem in its own right. Rich red rocks, peaceful vibes, and spa-worthy stays make it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. I’ve visited more than once, and each time feels like a fresh discovery.

Red Rocks –photo credit Deb Neumann

🏞️ Eureka Springs, Arkansas: Victorian Whimsy in the Ozarks

I haven’t made it to Eureka Springs yet, but it’s on the “maybe” list. It’s described as a quirky small town with Victorian charm, winding hills, and upscale cabins tucked into the Ozarks. Kayaking and underground tours sound fun… though my joints might disagree. Still, never say never.

🌊 Mendocino, California: Cliffside Calm and Coastal Cuisine

Now this one has my attention. Mendocino promises cliffside inns, local vineyards, and oceanfront escapes. Food, wine, and waves? Yes, please. I could definitely get into that kind of coastal calm.

✨ What’s Next?

There’s still so much to explore—new places to discover and old favorites to revisit. Maybe I missed something the first time around. Maybe I’ll find a new favorite. Either way, the journey continues… one internet list at a time.