It’s a big Dill–Spicy Tilapia and Steamed Veggies


It’s autumn and things are back in full swing after the joys and adventures of summer. Did you forget to set out meat to thaw or plan for a meal in advance?

This is super easy and can easily be doubled, tripled or quadzillioned into easy meals to feed yourself, a family or the group of friends that showed up at the last minute to study (because, as continuing education adults, when do we ever have time?)

I always keep some kind of frozen fish in the freezer. Usually, I buy the kind that is on sale at the local grocery store. These include buy one get one free, coupon, or club card deals. Whatever fish you may have, this recipe will work!

In the example below, it’s Tilapia fillets, skinless, boneless.

It’s super easy!

Get 1 (or 2 pieces, if they are smaller) fillet for each person, put into a skillet on medium heat with some oil (olive oil or sunflower oil is best!)

Put in frozen veggies of your choice (the California blend is seen below). Add a dash of salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and heavy on the dry dill.Splash some lemon juice on top, let cook through for approximately 20 minutes, covered with a lid and then serve. It’s seriously that simple and it’s delicious. I like this particular dish with hot peppermint tea.

An Ear-full of fun–for your listening pleasures!


Whether you are on a road trip or driving to work, music is always an essential! It is important whether you are working the fields or doing housework. Music is also essential when planning your next great adventure.

Below is a choice of just some of my favorite music, in case you need some variety or inspiration!

Ayres Natural Bridge at LaPrele Creek, A reprieve along the Oregon Trail-and perfect rest stop for modern travelers and adventures


The pioneers are making their mark again along the Oregon Trail here. It is just outside of Jackolope City, Wyoming. The trail is along the I-25, so it’s easily accessible now!

Looming gently over LaPrele Creek, Ayres Natural Bridge provides beautiful splendor amongst the red rocks of Converse County.

According to the tourist site,is only one of three natural bridges “LaPrele Creek flows beneath the rock formation. It creates one of only three rock archways in the nation that span water.” I feel so fortunate and blessed that I got to see one of them!

While driving up to the location, it’s clearly posted that any animal, leashed or not, is not welcome onsite. Tickets with fines will be issued for those bringing in an animal with them. So please, remember to leave Fido and kitty at home.

The drive is an easy method, with wide open colorful views and spectacular scenery. While most of the path to get there is unpaved, it’s still manageable-just take your time!

The area also hosted a small flock of wild turkey.That is the bird, not the alcoholic beverage, just for clarity.

Bring a picnic basket or other goodies. It is an ideal way to spend a lovely afternoon here at Ayres natural bridge and park. Do you want to enjoy it longer? Camping is also available here. I am not sure if I would want to brave the Wyoming chill in the winter for camping. I would consider it if I were in a recreational camper toy. Nonetheless, I am a princess who likes the amenities, and I might not even brave it then.

Watch this little youtube video I made of the area. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it!

Welcome to Madison Beach–North Platte River Views!


While the beach is located on private property, it’s open to the public, near Guernsey, Wyoming-

Located along a very full North Platte River, the lovely, secluded location is perfect for enjoying a walk. It’s also a great spot to have a picnic or to take a date with your sweetheart.

There are a few rules and requests made, posted on the sign (read the picture carefully for a good laugh!)

Located not but 2 miles from the Register Cliff historical site, this beach is well worth visiting.

It’s National Dog Day, so Pixie (my dog) gets extra-celebrated!


Pixie, a small dog of about 20 pounds, is full of laughter, smiles, and often naughtiness. She is celebrated extra especially today. It’s National Dog Day here in the United States! She has been an adventure for sure!

Pixie was acquired in early December of 2024. At first, I wasn’t sure about it all. Now, I am not sure who has adopted who. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Pixie came to me through a co-worker. They were in search of a good home for a small pup. This pup needed some extra TLC. She came with some nips and a funny-cut “docked” tail, etc.

So, what is a human to do other than celebrate their beloved pet? Today, we went on adventures that were all dog friendly and more. She got her favorite treats, lots of walks and more!

Below are some photos of our adventures today and from Pixie taking other adventures since we have been together. I hope every pet is as well loved.

It’s a sweetly tart pie–with Triple Sec, baking with Mom


A lady friend gave us a lot of frozen raspberries so what are we to do? Bake pies, of course!

Here is the generalized recipe we used but we “cheated” by using Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust instead of the crust in the recipe (click here if you want the see the recipe)

My mom and I didn’t exactly follow the filling recipe to the “T”, either. We added a splash of orange Triple Sec. We also added some lemon and orange zest to the recipe. Additionally, we included extra cinnamon.

The results were spectacular! I forgot to snap a picture of the final products because I was more interested in sampling the pie.

Bon Appetite!

Marking the Passage–Register Cliffs, Guernsey, Wyoming


The Oregon/Bozemon/Mormon trail continues here just outside of Guernsey, Wyoming. Visitors can explore the Archway Bridge in Kearney, Nebraska. A sample of the Register Cliff is on show in the museum there.

The pilgrims and travelers traversed the wild west. They would mark their name and year of passage into the limestone walls. Sometimes, they even left notes for those who followed them. One note indicated that if the pilgrim reached Independence Rock by July, they could avoid the mountain pass during the frigid winters. By bypassing the mountain passages in the winter, they had higher success rates of surviving the trail and making it to their destination. This was an important factor to consider when traveling by covered wagon, horse, or on foot.

American history is alive and well here in the Wild Western plains of Wyoming and well worth visiting. Thankfully, settlement has occurred. There is a lovely little town nearby. Travelers and explorers can easily obtain a hot, yummy meal for a reasonable price. Twisters restaurant is located right in the heart of Guernsey. It offers a nice variety of great food and wonderful house brew coffee.

The Archway Bridge-The Great Platte River Road–Kearney, Nebraska! How the West was traveresed


Traversing the country in an SUV is a long trip. It is even more challenging when traveling alone with a goofy dog. Still, it is cheesecake compared to what the pioneers did to settle this country.Fueling up at easy to find gas station (thank you, GPS!) and packing snacks, finding food is a breeze–but for the settlers that came long before me, it wasn’t easy, safe or simple!

We who are, um, more advanced in years recall playing the game “The Oregon Trail.” It had limited graphics. The features went “ping” when a shot was missed at hunting. The game never highlighted the intense journey. It never truly reflected on the scary, long haul it took on body and soul. This was in the quest to cross the nation in search of space, freedom, and expansion.

The history at the Archway Bridge and museum shares the story of the pioneers. It reveals the truth behind their journey, reflecting in the sculptures and museum. There is much more to express, but it’s too much for here. I think you should visit it and see for yourself. I wouldn’t want to spoil a wonderful opportunity. The Buffalo is nice, and the covered wagon is stationary!

The Museum offers some wonderful postcards. It also has a mail depository. You can share the adventures with your friends and family! Another perk, a pressed penny machine (I call them squished pennies as they are elongated in a squished fashion with a cool design imprinted of the location!)

Want to learn more? Click Enduring Spirit of America

A long lunch with a lifelong Friend–friends since forever, Nebraska


One doesn’t have an opportunity to make “new” old friends very often in their life. I am one of those blessed people. Stacy, my sweet, sweet dear friend, has stuck by my side as a dear, best friend for nearly 4 decades. That’s right, nearly 40 years we have been the dearest of friends.

We met in kindergarten all those years ago and we have literally grown up together and more.

On the road trip, we met up and had a wonderful lunch together in Nebraska. It was not far from where she lives at a nice place called “The Lodge.” I asked her to choose the place as she was and is very familiar with the region. Both of us have lived in a variety of places, towns, cities, and states over the years. However, we never lost connection.

Stacy gave me a tour of her town. She was trying strongly to persuade me to move to that area. She highlighted all the wonderful features, areas of great employment, and so much more. She was giving it her best shot to get me to settle there and be nearby! I am so very blessed. We all need amazing friends and friendships in our lives. I am so fortunate that Stacy is mine!

Stacy treated me to a lovely shopping experience at Buff City Soap. She has a member card there, emphasizing how awesome the shop and products are. Yes, I went home with quite a few goodies.

While we dined out, we talked extensively. Her children gladly babysat Pixie at their place. I don’t know who had more fun, the kids or the dog. Calvin, her husband, gave a hilarious status report when we returned and then promptly took a selfie with my phone.

A Road Side Chapel, Perfect Pit Stop for Prayer


My road trip across the USA continues–and what a truly spectacular country to be living in! The beauty and splendor of this amazing land never disappoints.

I pulled over to take a pit stop at the McDonalds (and get an iced coffee, of course!). Pixie let me know that she also needed a pit stop. As we dismounted our ride, we saw a beautiful little chapel across the way. Of course, we had to make a visit to this wonderful hidden gem!

The small church chapel is easily accessible. It has parking out front, which is ideal. It is also pet friendly, a must in my world.Inside the chapel is a small altar and a few benches, comfortable and accommodating. The interior smells delicious of incense and time, a lovely combination to the olfactory.

It’s worth pulling off to just experience this rare gem of American life and thoroughly enjoy it all!

Want to know more? Click here!