It’s Turtle Time!

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Oh My My! I always look forward to Monday mornings when I open my email and find another decadent dessert from Andy Anand Chocolatiers. But today’s treat was especially good — all my favorite flavors rolled into one. I have tons of “turtle” recipes, but it’s even better when I don’t have to do the baking.

Today’s Monday Special is Turtle Pecan Cake!
And even better for diabetics like me — it’s sugar‑free.

Order up your own Turtle Cake here. 

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are support‑the‑blog links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my little corner of the internet.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to daydream about that Turtle Pecan Cake all over again.

 

Wicked Good Reasons to Love Living in Boston

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A swan boat carrying passengers across the pond in the Boston Public Garden on a sunny day.

Boston is my Home Town

Back in March, when I was contemplating making a life change and moving, I wrote about why I changed my mind and decided to stay in Massachusetts. (Why I Might Just Stay Put in Massachusetts) After all, Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states to live in and our weather is questionable at best — cold and snowy three‑quarters of the year and hot and humid the rest.

Spring and fall? Look quick or they’re gone. Sometimes you only know it’s spring because your car, walkway, and deck all turn yellow from the pollen. Hello allergies.

But as I said in that March post, there are some reasons to stay. And recently I saw a list (you know I love lists) of reasons living in Boston is the best and everyone should move here. Let’s see if I agree with them.

1. The distinctive and gorgeous skyline.

Yes, Boston is a beautiful city, sitting as it does right on the harbor. There’s nothing quite like taking a boat ride around the harbor and its islands. From lighthouses to forts to the skyscrapers shining in the sun, Boston mixes the old with the new. You can even spot the Old North Church spire while you cruise.

 

 

2. Boston is loaded with landmarks.

From Faneuil Hall (built in 1742) to Fenway Park (the oldest ballpark in the MLB), from Bunker Hill to the Freedom Trail (you can visit Paul Revere’s house), or even the Charlestown Navy Yard where you can tour the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides).

3. History buffs will love exploring.

If you want to go beyond the usual Freedom Trail stops, Boston has some wonderfully under‑the‑radar historic gems. One of my favorites is Fort Warren out on Georges Island. I went there when I first moved here in the 70s, and it still has that same windswept, slightly spooky charm — Civil War history, granite walls, and the legend of the “Lady in Black,” all wrapped up in one ferry ride.

And while you’re in a historical mood, wander over to The Warren Tavern in Charlestown. It’s one of the oldest taverns in Massachusetts and still operating today. Paul Revere and George Washington once stopped in, and more importantly, they serve popovers — one of the only places besides the old Anthony’s Pier 4 (now closed) where I’ve ever had them. That alone makes it worth the visit.

4. Our scenic waterfront.

Follow the Harborwalk and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shoreline. It leads you past Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and the lively piers that frame the harbor. It’s one of the prettiest stretches in the city.

5. We’re wicked smaht — or at least well‑educated.

Boston is a city of learning. The Boston Redevelopment Authority says there are 35 colleges in Boston — which tells me they’re counting the Greater Boston area. And honestly, that makes sense. We have a plethora (like that big word?) of universities to choose from, including:

  • Boston University (BU)
  • Northeastern University
  • Boston College (technically Chestnut Hill, but part of the campus sits within Boston city limits)

And if we’re counting Greater Boston, then of course we have to include Harvard, sitting stuffy and pompous in its Cambridge shrine. Right across the river is MIT, the youthful upstart of the computer world — the place where geniuses seem to grow on trees. Add those two heavy hitters into the tally, and suddenly 35 colleges doesn’t sound far‑fetched at all.

6. Oh, we have the best Italian food too.

Just take a stroll through the North End. The narrow streets are lined with pizzerias and local grocery stores — not 7‑Elevens. Stores with olives and marinara and fresh pasta. And for a real treat of gluttony, visit during Saint Anthony’s Festival. Mama Mia!

7. When foodies die, they go to Boston.

If there’s one thing Boston knows how to do, it’s throw a food festival. Ice cream days in the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall, seafood festivals all over the area. And let’s talk cultural events — Irish celebrations with plenty of food and drink, Haitian and Jamaican festivals like Boston JerkFest, and even a “Fluff Fest” to celebrate Marshmallow Fluff.

8. We’re no slouches when it comes to inventing dishes.

Boston Cream Pie and Parker House rolls were first dreamed up at the Parker House Hotel. Boston baked beans harken back to the 1600s and the Pilgrims. And cookies? The Boston area is the gold standard for chocolate chip — the original Toll House cookie started here. Then the Fig Newton jumped in. Are we good or what!

9. We’re a wonderfully diverse bunch.

It’s well known that Boston’s roots include the British (remember those Redcoats/loyalists), the Irish (hello Southie), and the Italians in the North End (ciao!). But we’ve also got Haitian, Jamaican, Cape Verdean, and even Moldovan communities. I’m sure we can find more if we dig a little deeper.

10. This is a creative and artistic city.

We have concerts on the Esplanade and the Boston Pops. There’s the beautiful Gardner Museum and the MFA. Even our library is a thing of beauty.

Boston Athenæum

11. Boston offers world‑class healthcare.

Let’s be honest — we can’t all have perfect health. If you must get sick, what better place than Boston, where we have some of the top doctors and surgeons in the world? And we’ve been sedating patients for surgery almost forever. Boston gave the world anesthesia — right in the Ether Dome at Mass General — turning surgery from a horror show into something survivable.

12. Like shoes? Specifically athletic shoes?

Then Boston is the place for you. Reebok, New Balance, and Converse are all headquartered here. Makes sense when you think the world’s oldest marathon is run here every April.

13. Boston is extremely walkable.

Boston has a walk score of 81/100 — third in the nation. Many of our streets are still paved with cobblestones, so walking is the preferred means of travel. A lot less bumpy. So strap on that Fitbit and hit those 10k milestones.

14. Parks and green spaces.

Boston is surrounded by the Emerald Necklace, a series of parks that cover 7 miles from Boston Common to Franklin Park. It’s a 1,100‑acre chain of parks linked by waterways and parkways. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it is the only fully intact linear park system he ever created. Almost anyone who lives in Boston is within a 10‑minute walk of a patch of green.

15. The T.

That’s MBTA to you non‑Bostonians. We were first in the nation, but as I’ve told you in the past, we always seem to arrive late. We ranked 3rd in the nation for our public transit system. When you figure that’s an assessment of 136 cities with populations over 175,000, that’s really a win.

16. Sports… what can I say?

Boston is sports‑crazy. Even if you weren’t a sports fan when you came here, you’ll get caught up. We love our teams — the Sox, Pats, Bruins, Celtics — we’re a city of champions. Just look at the banners hanging from the rafters in the Garden. We stick with them through all the ups and downs. We’re not fair‑weather fans.

17. Neighborhoods.

This was one of the things that hit me when I moved here in the 70s. Boston was a city, but it didn’t feel like one. It wasn’t like New York City. Boston was more like a cluster of little cities and towns all rolled into one. Neighborhoods had a flavor, and you knew your neighbors — at least enough to offer a friendly wave.

18. The sight of the city after dark.

This has always been a big one for me. When I first moved here, I’d go back home fairly often. I’d drive the Mass Pike back and forth on weekends. There was nothing like the feeling I got as the skyline of Boston came into sight when I returned. I’d come barreling down that section of the Pike past Belmont and the Mormon Temple, and there were the lights of Boston spread out before me. I never drive that stretch at night without getting an overwhelming feeling of I’m home now.

I know this has run long, but there was just so much to say about life in Boston. Special thanks to Juliet White for her essay 18 Reasons Living in Boston is the Best and Everyone Should Move Here. It was the launching point for this post. I’ve tried to stay true to her headings while putting my own spin on it. I hope you enjoy it and welcome any of your thoughts and observations.

 

When a Screensaver Sends You Back to Hawaii

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A Morning Memory Triggered by the Koʻolau Mountains

A Morning Spark

It’s amazing where inspiration comes from. I opened my computer this morning to a breathtaking image — an aerial view I recognized instantly. Those dramatic ridges could only belong to the Koʻolau Mountain Range on Oʻahu.

Yes, I know. You already know I love Hawaii. But here’s the twist: I’ve only been to Oʻahu once. My heart belongs first to the Big Island, then to Maui. Kauaʻi is still waiting for me.

Before I get to the mountains, here are my quick impressions of the four most‑visited islands.

My Take on the Four Big Islands

  • The Big Island — Kīlauea, volcanic energy, and Parker Ranch. My favorite.
  • Maui (The Valley Isle) — My nickname: #1 Tourist Stop. Lots to do, lots to see, and plenty of upscale accommodations.
  • Oʻahu (The Gathering Place) — Chaotic, urban, crowded. Great attractions, but one visit was enough for me. Pearl Harbor is a must.
  • Kauaʻi (The Garden Isle) — Said to be the most traditional and the most natural. I haven’t been yet, but everyone insists I’ll love it.

The Mountains That Look Carved by a Giant Hand

Back to that screensaver photo.
The Koʻolau Mountains run along the eastern edge of Oʻahu — the eroded remains of a single shield volcano. Thirty‑four miles of ridges and deep green troughs.

To me, it looks like a giant hand dragged its fingers down the mountainside, leaving those dramatic grooves behind. Once you see it, you never forget it.

The Wind, the Cliffs, and a Battle in the Clouds

My sister and I explored this area on our trip in 2007. We started at Nuʻuanu Pali, on the recommendation of our Pearl Harbor guide. I think he hoped we’d hire him to take us, but we couldn’t coordinate schedules, so off we went on our own.

“Pali” means cliff, and Nuʻuanu is the site of a brutal turning point in Hawaiian history. During his campaign to unite the islands, King Kamehameha I drove the opposing warriors up the cliffs until many fell — or were forced — over the edge. Storyboards at the lookout help visitors understand the gravity of what happened there.

From the windy heights of Nuʻuanu Pali, the view opens to a deep green valley and the rugged Koʻolau Mountains, with Honolulu and the shimmering coastline far beyond.

And the trade winds? They’re no joke. The same winds that keep Hawaii comfortable on hot days become fierce at the Pali. We laughed ourselves silly trying to walk without being blown sideways. Crawling back up the path didn’t seem like a bad idea.

Ghost Crabs, Teasing Birds, and Chinaman’s Hat

After leaving the lookout, we drove down to the base of the mountain and stopped at a small beach park. We watched ghost crabs — tiny, transparent little things — scuttle across the sand and vanish into holes like magic.

The park was full of those silly white birds (cattle egrets), and they were the ultimate tease. Every time I tried to get a close‑up photo, they stepped just out of reach. They’ve clearly been tormenting tourists for years.

A more cooperative subject was Chinaman’s Hat (Mokoliʻi), the little cone‑shaped island sitting just offshore in Kāneʻohe Bay. But the real star of the park was the mountain itself, those unforgettable “finger marks” rising behind us.

If You Go to Oʻahu…

Step away from Waikīkī and the North Shore waves for a bit.
Go feel the force of the trade winds at the Pali.
Stand before the Koʻolau cliffs and let your imagination run wild.

Close your eyes and you might even hear echoes of that long‑ago battle — a true turning point in Hawaii’s history.

 

A Tough Morning for Conservation — and One Bright Spot of Hope

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Crisp autumn morning at Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park, the snowy peak mirrored perfectly in the calm water below.

Mount Moran reflected in the Snake River.. Grand Teton National Park

This morning I want to take a few minutes to get serious about a subject I truly care about. Not my cats and their furry antics. No joking around today. We’re facing a real shift in environmental conservation, and it’s not a good one for wildlife or the planet. We only have one world, and we need to do everything we can to keep it a safe, stable home to pass on to future generations.

Environmental Protections Under Pressure

Several news outlets reported new efforts to reduce or remove federal protections on land surrounding major national parks, including areas connected to Yellowstone. Conservation groups warn that these buffer zones support wildlife corridors — the pathways animals rely on to migrate, breed, and survive. Without them, the parks turn into isolated pockets instead of functioning ecosystems.

Other reports describe changes to protections for certain marine reserves. These changes open the door to expanded commercial activity in areas originally set aside to safeguard ocean habitats. Marine scientists and environmental organizations say the shift could weaken long‑standing conservation work.

Whether people support or oppose these policy goals, the impact is real. Wildlife, water quality, and future generations all feel the effects. It’s hard not to feel a sense of loss when protections that took decades to build can disappear so quickly.

A Reminder That Conservation Still Works

In the middle of all that discouraging news, something else crossed my feed — and it reminded me why conservation matters.

Just hours after California completed its first wildlife bridge, three deer walked across it. Fifteen hours. That’s all it took for wildlife to recognize and use a safe passage built for them. The moment felt like a small miracle. It showed how quickly nature responds when we choose protection over exploitation.

Wildlife bridges save lives — both animal and human. They reconnect fragmented habitats. They give species a fighting chance. And they prove that when we invest in solutions, we see results.

So yes, today’s headlines were heavy. But that photo of the deer on the new bridge offered a spark of hope. Even in difficult times, progress is still possible — and worth fighting for.

We only get one planet. Let’s do everything we can to protect the wild places that make it extraordinary.

 

Yes , There is a Father Road

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The Father Road: America’s First Coast‑to‑Coast Highway

After writing about Route 66 — the famous Mother Road — in honor of its 100th anniversary, I stumbled onto something I’d never heard of before: the Father Road. And once I learned what it was, I knew it deserved its own post. Before Route 66 ever rolled across the American Southwest, there was another road that connected the country from coast to coast and changed the way Americans traveled. Meet the Lincoln Highway, the original transcontinental highway and the true “Father Road” of America.

Most people have never heard of it, but without the Father Road, there would be no Mother Road at all.

Before Route 66, There Was the Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913, making it the very first road to stretch all the way across the United States. It ran from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, covering roughly 3,400 miles.

At a time when most roads were still dirt or gravel, the idea of driving from coast to coast sounded like something out of a dream. But the Lincoln Highway made it possible. It gave Americans their first taste of long‑distance automobile travel and stitched the country together in a brand‑new way.

If Route 66 is the Mother Road, the Lincoln Highway is absolutely the Father Road — older, steadier, and the one who paved the way (literally) for everything that followed.

The beginning of the Father Road, aka Lincoln Highway , in Times Square

A Road Built on Ambition and Optimism

Unlike modern highways, the Lincoln Highway wasn’t created by the government. It was the brainchild of early automobile pioneers who believed the future belonged to the car. They wanted a single, continuous route that would encourage Americans to explore their own country.

Towns along the proposed route fought to be included. Being on the Lincoln Highway meant travelers, tourists, and money — a lifeline for small communities.

The road passed through:

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Ohio
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Nebraska
  • Wyoming
  • Utah
  • Nevada
  • California

It was a true coast‑to‑coast adventure.

📍 Map of the Lincoln Highway

Lincoln Highway to Donner Pass

What the Father Road Left Behind

Much of the original Lincoln Highway eventually became U.S. Route 30, though pieces of the old road still exist — sometimes marked, sometimes forgotten, sometimes hiding in plain sight.

Its legacy is enormous:

  • It inspired the idea of national highways
  • It encouraged tourism and cross‑country travel
  • It helped shape the American love affair with the open road

Without the Father Road, there would be no Mother Road

 

Why the Father Road Belongs Beside Route 66

Route 66 gets the neon lights, the diners, the postcards, and the nostalgia.
The Lincoln Highway gets the origin story — the first bold attempt to connect America by car.

If Route 66 is the road we remember, the Lincoln Highway is the road that made everything possible.

And now that I know about it, I think it deserves its own moment in the spotlight.

Lincoln Highway – brick section – Nebraska