Listen to Stories While Handling Holiday Tasks


We all have the infamous to-do list. It includes packing for a holiday trip. There’s also cleaning before guests come over. And let’s not forget washing the dishes after Thanksgiving meals (and leftovers).

We all want to read more or learn something but chores inevitably come first, right? No longer!

We are prepping for the holiday cheer. We definitely don’t have the wish to spend extra on entertainment if we don’t need to, right? Here are a few short, sweet stories. They are (audio-stories) that are super nice to listen to while busting your hump to get things done. This way, you can enjoy a good story. Be entertained while tackling that inevitable mound of laundry or other tasks!

These stories can also be downloaded and enjoyed while on the plane, train, or automobile while traveling–Merry Christmas!

Walking in Wheatland, A Myriad of Murals and Sculpture


Fort Laramie was the first settlement in Wyoming. Wheatland. However, Wheatland has definitely left its mark. It has established itself as quite the place to visit and enjoy!

Wheatland is located in Southeast Wyoming. It is just an hour’s drive north of Cheyenne on I-25. Wheatland is a place to stop, stay, and enjoy!

The murals and statues are located along 8th and 9th streets in downtown. The views and imagery are spectacular. It is very conducive to walking the dog or spending time with friends. Pixie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time. We checked out many of the lovely little shops along the way, too!

A lot of culture and history in a small town but it’s a true Gem that shouldn’t be missed.

My Wish List!

Pawnee Buttes, Weld County, Colorado


A mid-day adventure! This adventure included my mother, it’s not often that I have an adventure buddy but today was spectacular! While I did snap a couple of really cute photos of my Mom, she asked not to be featured. It is a totally respectable choice!

Pawnee Buttes are located in Weld County, Colorado. It’s located beyond the “sticks”–and Mom commented that seeing anyone wasn’t a good sign. We finally stumbled across other adventure seekers once we arrived. We saw a grumpy lady in a vehicle. Another guy was there with a travel camper and his dogs. This was after we saw oil-rig trucks on the back country roads–all two of them.

The Pawnee Buttes were created by water, wind and time–through erosion not tectonic plates. It is part of the Pawnee National Grassland.

Located just 13 miles South of the Wyoming state line, here’s how you get there!

Directions

Start from Ault (Colorado) and head east on Colorado Highway 14. Continue for about 27 miles. Then turn left on Weld County Road 105. Travel about 4 miles north and continue onto County Road 390. Travel 2 miles, then turn right onto County Road 103. Travel 2 miles north, then take a right onto County Road 104. Travel 4 miles east, and turn left onto County Road 111. Turn right onto County Road 110, followed by a left onto County Road 113. Travel 0.5 miles to the trail head parking area. 

Anna Potthoff, the adventure maker, is at Pawnee Buttes, Colorado. My Mom snapped this photo from her vehicle.

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.

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.

Easy Protein-Packed Salad for Hot Days


My mother’s meal, shared, is as follow, and I quote:

“I made my salad with two different kinds of lettuce,

a little bit of tomato, cottage cheese, cheddar

cheese, egg, avocado, some little sprinkles

that were in a package and some dressing. It’s pretty good.”-My Mother

My mother had hard boiled a batch of eggs the day before. The eggs were nice and chilled before she peeled and put them on the salad. The cheese and vegetables also came out chilled from the produce basket in her fridge.

She chopped up the items and layered them into the bowls, topping with dressing. (I am paraphrasing for her as I couldn’t get it down fast enough to write it verbatim!)

Mother also chose tangerines as dessert, a favorite of hers!

Happy Summer!

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Spending time with Papa-Church and Lunch, Honea Path, SC


Several Counties over, I made the trip today to spend time with my Grandfather, Papa. Yes, he has a real first name but we all just call him Papa; he is a blessing for sure.

We spoke earlier in the week. We arranged to meet up for some worship and lunch. It is always a delight to do it all together!

We attended service at Chiquola Baptist Church (https://www.cbchoneapath.com/ and the Pastor gave a nice sermon, covering Romans, Chapter 2.

After the Service, we dined for lunch at Lou and Perry’s Cafe in Honea Path, delicous! The decaf coffee was also hot and fresh, which is great for me!

Papa and I ate at Lou and Perry’s in Honea Path

If you would like to donate to the Chiquola Baptist Church you can do so here! (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=tPHR7a93psvbR0s64oj5Re04GI8NjO3e944EuPZVLQWQ9mWeVidctmd5iigMTF8x8gJV4UqwQ6h96tTE&locale.x=US)

3 Princess Style Dresses–A Beautiful Bride-to-Be


Each dress has it’s own link where it can be purchased, free shipping to the USA for Free, world wide shipping available for a nominal fee. The dresses are $499 or best offer!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226050395404 $499 OBO with free shipping Snow White Bridal Wedding Gown Tear Drop Back Long Train New . Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Photos show that it looks a little off-white. It is truly snow white in color. It is full length with lots of tooling and layers underneath for a very full skirt and a long train. This item will need to be a little steamed before wearing to remove some slight wrinkling it is a beautiful brand new dress with a teardrop opening in the back and very classic modest front with roses and vines embroidered on the front and back along the skirt and bodice.

It is a full length gown they were truly make any bride feel like a princess and will be beautiful.The perfect dress to wear to the wedding as well as the reception. Size 4 but I believe it can be altered some to custom fit this

A full length size for her wedding dress with Crystal and pearl like beating and black embroidery on the bodice and some of bosom area, brand new and exclusively made and pretty heavy. It has multiple layers of Tull And petticoat, like slipped underneath for exquisite, bounce and volume in the skirt area. The top by this part looks like it’s to be fitted and includes an extra set of corset strings with the dress. There is a medium length train that comes off the back of the dress, and it’s not detachable While the images show that it may be off-white that you dress is truly a classic white and ivory color This item has free shipping and benefits A wildlife sanctuary in Colorado

The bodice also contains some boning to help support and lift and fit

Brand new with tags ivory ecru egg shell hued wedding dress w short train and removable sash accessory, perfect condition and zipper covered by embellished buttons Upper bodice embellished with small crystal like and pearl like beads and beautifully sewn Size 16 It seems like it could be tailored to fit a little bit better, but I am not seamstress and buyer would need to do alterations if desired Full length princess styles, sleeveless Make me an offer!

Lemon Flounder Quinoa Bowl–a zesty hot meal made easy


Let’s kick of the New Year with a healthy homemade meal–with flavor and fiber!

4 pieces of flounder filets (I use frozen, super easy!)

1/2 cup of quinoa

1 bag of frozen carrot-broccoli-cauliflower mix

2 tsp of Roasted Garlic and herb mix

Honey

2 tsp of Lemon Juice

2 tablespoons of butter

dash of olive oil

1 cup of water

Cook Quinoa in the water on medium low until done-add the butter while cooking

Simmer Flounder fillets in the olive oil with the lemon

Steam the vegetable blend with the herb mix until aldente

Layer up bowls with quinoa on the bottom, vegetable mix in the middle, and the fish on top, drizzle with just a hint of honey, serve hot. Serves 4

https://www.amazon.com/reg…/gl/guest-view/1UJX66V7NGWFI… The weather is frightful during the winter but the food bank still needs help helping others to get food!! Their Amazon list below allows you to give without getting out in the snow! Items can be purchased and will be sent directly to the food bank to help those in need and those whom are hungry! Many items under $2, every item helps! Thank you so much!

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A year in Reflection-wrapping up 2024


It has been an exciting and wonky year but overall good–I landed a new and better job in November.

I also managed to take 3 vacations, which is something considering how things went during the height of the Pandemic.

Life in Upstate South Carolina has been hot and humid but overall nice, I made a few new friends and explored the region, laid on Tortuga Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Repbulic and visted my beloved highlands with my best friend. I also visited family and friends in Colorado, overall a great year!