This Fourth of July will be unlike any other in our lifetime. On July 4, 2026, America celebrates its 250th birthday—a remarkable milestone marking two and a half centuries since our nation's founders signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. For many of us, this historic anniversary brings more than fireworks and parades. It offers a chance to reflect on where we've been, appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and remember the traditions that have made America such a special place to cal …

Photo credit to www.facebook.com Today, June 15th, is National Big Boy Day! Now, if you're wondering what a "Big Boy" is, let me tell you—it just might be one of the most delicious burgers ever created. Long before fast-food chains were on every corner, the original Big Boy was serving up a meal that felt larger than life. It featured three pieces of sesame seed bun, two juicy burger patties, a slice of American cheese, mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, and its signature red burger relish. In …

Photo credit to https://www.facebook.com National Game Show Day is celebrated on June 1st, and when I saw it on the calendar, I immediately smiled. There is just something comforting about game shows. They have been bringing families together for generations, filling living rooms with laughter, cheering, and the occasional shout at the television when someone gives the wrong answer that you just knew was right. Game shows actually have quite a long history. The very first television game show, & …

Pork hocks are a traditional cut of meat known for their rich flavor and ability to transform simple ingredients into hearty, satisfying meals. Commonly used in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, pork hocks are most often slow-cooked to release their deep, savory taste into beans, soups, and greens. If you’ve never cooked pork hocks before, the process is simple—and the results are incredibly rewarding. What Are Pork Hocks? Pork hocks (also called ham hocks) come from the lower le …

The Taste of our Youth  Going to the grocery store was always a big event when I was a young child growing up in rural Pennsylvania.  Getting to pick out one favorite item each time is still one of my favorite memories. I would alternate between Kraft Mac and Cheese, Manwich Sloppy Joes, and of course, the little glass jar that contained chipped beef.  I will always remember taking the old church key and poking a hole in the top of the lid and hearing that sound of the seal breaki …

Being parents has definitely been our proudest accomplishment.  We have two sons, Mason and Brandon. We have treasured each chapter of their lives, but now they are grown adults and busy making lives all their own, so we are also blessed with two wonderful daughter in laws, Hannah and Anna.  Parenting is hard though.  I was a pretty high strung mama, rushing through life from one task to the next, so I never really felt like there was ever enough time and I will always regret tha …

The History of Cinco de Mayo According to Britannica, "Cinco de Mayo, holiday celebrated on May 5 in parts of Mexico and the United States in honor of a military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862, known as the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16. The latter holiday was established in 1810, some 50 years before the Battle of Puebla occurred." "Th …

I was blessed with an awesome family.  So along with that blessing came an abundance of wonderful childhood memories.  At the forefront of those memories are my great grandma, as we lovingly referred to as "Mur".  She lived to be 3 days shy of her 100th birthday.  I was so excited for this milestone, as I never personally knew anyone who turned 100 years old!  My mom was actually flying out to California for a surprise visit to her, but instead went to attend her funeral …

I never thought I'd say this as an adult, with excitement that is...but I have come to LOVE camping!  I do think it's mostly because we SPLURGED a few years ago and bought a small Class C RV.  And we live in Western North Carolina, so it's kind of hard NOT to love it.  Just for a little added bonus, there is another reason to love living here.  BEARS!  We only lived here for one month in 2020 when we got to see our first one, right next door in our neighbor's garbage.&n …

It's finally here, Spring, my personal favorite. Let's appreciate the beauty of this country we live in, all over again.  The trees are beginning to bloom, the daffodils and the tulips will dazzle us with their beautiful colors, and the air is crisp but at the same time, inviting.  It’s time to come out of hibernation!                                               & …