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.

 

Spring Forward… Again?

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 The Semi-Annual Time-Change Shuffle (According to Humans and Cats)

It’s not even the end of February, but everyone is already buzzing about the time change. Daylight Saving Time is early this year, and on March 8 we’ll be springing forward whether we’re ready or not. Humans groan, reach for extra coffee, and complain about losing an hour of sleep.

Meanwhile, the cats? They’re thrilled. As far as Banner and Balboa are concerned, this is the one magical day when breakfast arrives an hour early. A holiday, really.

Why We Change the Clocks (From a Human Perspective)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) started as an energy-saving idea — shift daylight into the evening, use less electricity, and keep society humming along. It became standardized in the 1960s and has stuck around ever since, even though modern research shows the energy savings are… questionable at best.

But tradition is tradition, and twice a year we all pretend we understand what time it is.

Who Opts Out? (And What Cats Think About That)

A few places have decided they’ve had enough of the clock shuffle. Hawaii and most of Arizona skip DST entirely, along with several U.S. territories.

If you ask the cats, these places are clearly run by geniuses. No lost hour. No confused feeding schedule. No humans stumbling around muttering about circadian rhythms.

Is It Healthy? (Spoiler: Not Really)

Humans don’t handle the spring time change well. Studies show it disrupts sleep, metabolism, and mood. And yes — it gets harder to adjust as we age. Our internal clocks become less flexible, and losing an hour hits like jet lag without the beach vacation.

Cats, on the other hand, adjust instantly. They simply declare it breakfast time and stare at you until you comply.

Accidents, Odd Traditions, and Feline Commentary

Research shows an uptick in car accidents and workplace injuries the Monday after the time change. Humans are groggy, cranky, and not at their sharpest.

Cats observe this from the safety of the couch and conclude that humans are fragile creatures who should probably nap more.

Some people use the time change as a reminder to check smoke detectors or flip mattresses. Cats use it as a reminder to sprint through the house at 3 a.m. because “the schedule is already messed up, so why not.”

 

Will We Ever Stop Changing the Clocks?

Many states have tried to adopt permanent DST or permanent standard time, but federal law keeps everything stuck in limbo. Until Congress decides what time it is — literally — we’ll keep springing and falling.

Cats, of course, believe time is a social construct and meals should be served whenever they say so.

Bottom Line

Come March 8, I’ll move my clocks ahead and spend the next week adjusting. Banner and Balboa will celebrate their early breakfast like it’s a national holiday.

If nothing else, the time change gives us something to grumble about — and gives the cats one glorious morning of “See? We told you it was time to eat.”

 

 

The Art of Staying Comfortable: Hosting, Traveling, and Everything In Between

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Have Camera, Will Travel… and Yes, Sometimes My Bed Comes Too

I’ve learned something over the years: comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s survival. Whether I’m hosting family in my little condo, sneaking away for a weekend, or just trying to get a decent night’s sleep, I’ve become a connoisseur of the small things that make life easier. A good air mattress, soft bedding, and a camera bag that doesn’t dig into my shoulder — these are the unsung heroes of my everyday adventures.

Hosting in a One-Bedroom Condo: My Secret Weapons

People assume hosting is impossible in a small space. Not true. You just need strategy… and maybe a sense of humor.

My living room has seen everything from overnight guests to impromptu “Sure, you can crash here” situations. The real MVP? A reliable air mattress that doesn’t leave anyone on the floor by morning. I’ve had my share of deflating disasters over the years, but the King Koil air mattress has been the one that actually behaves. It inflates quickly, stays firm, and doesn’t squeak every time someone rolls over.
Air Mattress

I also keep a dedicated “guest bedding bundle” tucked in my closet — nothing fancy, just soft sheets and a cozy blanket that make people feel welcome. It saves me from the last‑minute scramble of digging through linen closets like a raccoon in a dumpster.

Bedding and linens

Hosting in a small space isn’t about square footage. It’s about making people feel comfortable… even if they’re sleeping next to your cat’s favorite scratching post.

 

Traveling Smarter, Not Harder

There was a time when I could toss everything into a tote bag and call it a day. Those days are gone. Now I pack with intention — and a little self-preservation.

If I’m heading out for a weekend getaway, the first thing I grab is my camera bag. I used to throw my camera into my purse and hope for the best. That usually ended with me fishing it out from under a pile of receipts and cough drops. A padded, organized camera bag has saved my shoulders and my sanity.
Camera Gear

 

And depending on where I’m staying, I’ve been known to bring my own pillow or throw blanket. I’m at the age where one bad night of sleep can derail an entire trip. Comfort is non-negotiable.

I’ve even brought my own air mattress to questionable Airbnbs. When the listing says “extra sleeping space,” I’ve learned that can mean anything from a futon to a yoga mat. I prefer to be prepared.

How My Sleeping Setups Have Evolved

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d say, “Sweetheart, invest in good bedding. Your spine will thank you.”

I’ve slept on everything — couches, cots, RV bunks, and one particularly memorable air mattress that slowly deflated until I woke up shaped like a taco. These days, I choose comfort on purpose. Soft sheets, supportive pillows, and a mattress (or air mattress) that doesn’t betray me in the night.

It’s funny how aging shifts your priorities. I used to chase adventure. Now I chase a good night’s sleep… and honestly, that feels like its own kind of adventure.

Comfort Is the New Adventure

Life gets busy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic, and I’ve realized that comfort isn’t frivolous. It’s grounding and it’s stabilizing. It’s the thing that lets you breathe a little easier when everything else feels like a juggling act.

So whether I’m hosting guests, packing for a weekend, or just settling in for the night, I’m choosing comfort wherever I can find it. And if a few well-chosen tools make life smoother, I’m all for it.

Your Turn

What’s the one comfort item you refuse to travel or host without — a favorite pillow, a cozy blanket, or something completely unexpected?

Tell me — I love hearing what makes your world a little softer.