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An American In Texas

6/15/2021

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PictureMarkers for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on the site of their ambush by Federal Marshals.
I recently had the pleasure to vacation in one of my favorite states, Texas. Because of its wide variety of scenery and culture, we were on a whirlwind tour to catch as many amazing sights as we could in nine days.
Of course, I could not drive to Texas without stopping in Gibsland, Louisiana to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum. A must see if you get anywhere near the Texas-Louisiana border, this building (which was historically the last café where Bonnie and Clyde dined before their departure) is filled with memorabilia from the famous duo’s past. For a small admission fee you are free to spend as long as you like viewing newspaper articles, photographs, clothing, and a bullet-riddled V8 Ford replica of the actual car they were driving. The owner says this vehicle was thought to be the real McCoy for several years, until the actual one surfaced. Unfortunately, the actual car was restored—removing all traces of its significant historical value.

PictureMiller's Seawall Grill at Galveston Island
But back to Texas…
We started our Lonestar trip in Galveston Island. Once the capitol of Texas, Galveston suffered a horrific hurricane in 1900 which nearly destroyed the town of 40,000. Fortunately for us, many citizens chose to stay and rebuild the great city, which provides many miles of beaches, shops, restaurants, and tours to its guests.
I recommend a beachfront hotel for a great view and easy short walk to sun and sand!
We enjoyed breakfast every morning at Miller’s Seawall Grill 
https://millersseawallgrillgalveston.com/ Serving up some great food—and breakfast all day—since 1976. I alternated between omelet and chicken & waffle. Both were equally delicious, and the prices were reasonable.

If you are looking to splurge on a romantic Italian dinner, look no further than Grotto Italian Ristorante at the San Luis Resort. https://www.sanluisresort.com/restaurants/grotto/  Service is top notch and food is perfection!
The historic Strand District on the island boasts of gift shops, antiques, tours, and lots of restaurants. Much ado about seafood along the harbor as well as a wonderful little 30-minute film about the Great Storm. https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/pier-21-theater

PictureStuttgarden Tavern boasts Craft Food, Craft Beer
My top restaurant pick at the Strand? Stuttgarden Tavern. https://stuttgardentavern.com/  This 3-story building near the harbor features at least six different house made bratwurst—lean and delicious—rooftop dining, and a HUGE selection of craft beers. Their menu is much wider than bratwurst, with chicken, Wiener schnitzel, German potato salad, and many sandwiches. I tried the Smoked Gouda Brat and the Jaeger Brat. Both were incredible.
The service was hit-or-miss. Ambience is casual and fun. Great place to bring a group.



After we had established a glowing tan, we headed inland to San Antonio for a glimpse of the historic Alamo and the quite famous Riverwalk. If you’re going to stay in San Antonio, I highly recommend a hotel on the Riverwalk. Most of the hotels feature cafes for scenic outdoor dining. We stayed at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, and I would stay there again in a second! It was beautiful, clean, elegant, and right on the Riverwalk for convenience.The GoRio! Boat tours are a must-do as well.
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San Antonio's Riverwalk is a 2-1/2 mile wonderland-day or night.
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Remember to visit the Alamo!
About an hour’s drive Northwest of San Antonio is a sleepy little town filled with wineries and breweries, called Fredericksburg. I would baptize this town as the “Napa Valley of Texas.” A day is hardly enough time to see all the shops, eat at every restaurant, and sample every beverage. I would seriously consider going back with friends to spend three days. Several B&B’s located in town and hotels on the fringe.
My favorite wineries in Fredericksburg…
Pontotoc Winery https://pontotocvineyard.com/ —All Texas grape wines. Beautiful courtyard with shade trees. Owner is delightfully charming. They offer “picnic basket” trays for a wonderful way to nibble while you sip! Lodging available as well.
Becker Vineyards https://www.beckervineyards.com/Visit/Estate-Winery-and-Tasting-Room -- okay this one was special due to the name. Needless to say, we purchased quite a lot of items with “Becker Vineyards” printed on them for gifts and keepsakes with the family name. We also did very much enjoy the Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Muscat Chenin. They also own a lavender farm, so there are several home décor items offered with my favorite scent. Note: we did not visit the winery estate, only the Main Street location, which is in an old car dealership building, which adds another layer of distinction to the visit.
Pontotoc Winery is a refreshing spot in Fredericksburg.
PictureFredericksburg Brewing Co. is a refreshing stop offering local beers and wines, as well as great food.




​My favorite (and only visited) restaurant in Fredericksburg…

The Fredericksburg Brewing Company https://www.yourbrewery.com/ -- lively, casual, awesome food, wine, and beer.

Before we exited Texas, our trip would not be complete without a visit to Dealey Plaza in Dallas. We paid our respects to President John F. Kennedy at the infamous spot where he lost his life. While not a happy moment in history, it is an educational experience for the younger generations.
My opinion is that every American should see it in person. The city of Dallas has made a nice effort to memorialize the area and honor our fallen President.


And on that somber note, we headed the Jeep back toward Missouri. Thank you for coming along with me on my adventure! I hope that I have enticed you to make your own trip to Texas and enjoy what this beautiful state has to offer.
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The Long and Wining Road...

3/31/2017

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Just returned from a visit to Florida and enjoyed some great wines along the way. Thought I'd share my favorite picks!
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Belle Meade Winery at the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville
Traveling through Nashville on our way to Orlando, I couldn’t resist planning a stop at the Belle Meade Plantation for a tour and complimentary wine tasting at their private winery. The original house dates back to 1820, and the tour takes you through three generations of the Harding family who lived in the house and developed it into what you see today. Most of the tour guides were very well-versed in the history and gave an excellent presentation.
Equally well-done was the wine tasting after the tour. The men behind the counter gave a great description of the six different wines we tasted. Since we planned to purchase, we tried a few others. The wines range from nice dry reds and whites to much sweeter, fruit wines. Because of the warmer climate, you’ll find in the South many wines are created with the local Muscadine grape—either exclusively or as a blend. Muscadine grape wines are much too sweet for my taste, but I have had some nice blends.  I’m not a white wine fan, but the Sauvignon Blanc here was extremely well done—very soft finish. They offer some blends, which I didn’t care for. The pricing was a little on the high side for the product, but they are a non-profit organization, and I have to do my part to preserve history. Even if it means drinking over-priced wine, right? We chose the Iroquois Red—a very pleasant Cabernet Sauvignon—as our souvenir.  The wine names and labels reflect horses and horse racing, since the family was once the breeder of thoroughbreds, such as Bonnie Scotland—which I believe was an ancestor to Secretariat. The family history is fascinating, and I would encourage anyone to take the tour for all the details. http://www.bellemeadewinery.com/


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Horse Creek Winery
Just before we crossed the Florida-Georgia line, the billboards advertising Horse Creek Winery began calling to me. I was ready for dinner, so we stopped at the lovely white mini-mansion off of I-75 to taste some wines and fill our bellies.
Five dollars gets your six tastings and a souvenir glass—what a deal! We tasted all of the dry reds. My husband and I disagreed on our favorites, so we bought by the glass in the bistro. His favorite was the Hahira Red—and it was a close second for me. My choice was the Cabernet, which just seemed to have a fuller body for a meal. You could not go wrong with either, but of course, the bottle of Cabernet came home with us. I always win. The prices were very reasonable. Looking back, I should have bought both!
The staff in the winery and in the bistro was all very friendly and eager to please. As usual, we wanted to dine on the patio, so when a table opened up, we fled our indoor table for that one. Five minutes later, we were back inside after being attacked by swarms of gnats.
The interior was clean and looked very new. Although very casual, the lighting and tablecloths gave it a touch of elegance. My husband’s sirloin was a little on the chewy side, but my barbecue burger was perfect! And oh—how well everything went down with that wine! I would definitely make this a planned rest stop for travelers seeking a relaxing meal and wine experience. We just finished off the last of the Cabernet this week at home with a bowl of soup! You know, anything goes with your favorite wine, and a good bottle will make any food taste better!
I also brought home a bottle of their house made chipotle barbecue sauce. Fire up the grill! https://horsecreekwinery.com/


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LakeRidge Winery
A vacant day in Orlando led us to LakeRidge Winery in Clermont, Florida. It was an easy twenty-five minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of the interstate. If you’ve ever been to Orlando, you know what I mean. There’s a car crash every ten minutes and traffic everywhere.


A free tour of the winery includes a free wine tasting afterwards. The tour was brief, but informative. All the wines here are aged in stainless steel instead of oak. It keeps them from having to air-condition the space, since the stainless steel bins are insulated. The winery is family owned and sits on a nice piece of ground near orchards and a lake. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor patio to enjoy the view. There are grassy areas with a few picnic tables, but very disappointing for a winery that should be taking advantage of the climate. If it were mine, I would have a double-tiered deck to watch the sunset over the vineyard. If you plan to spend the afternoon, I would encourage you to bring a blanket and a picnic basket to spread out on the grounds. They offer a modest selection of cheese, crackers and meat platters—which we enjoyed very much.
Again, I went with the Cabernet Sauvignon. This time there was no question it was the better wine for us, although I enjoyed almost every wine I tried here. They have a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet, and again offer Muscadine wines. Another great choice they offer is the Pink Crescendo—a bubbly white wine created using the Champagne method. On a hot day, it’s not too sweet and very refreshing! It’s a party in a bottle.
Having the tour group at the wine tasting made it a very fun, party-like atmosphere for two tourists from Missouri. LakeRidge wines are found in the Florida market of Publix grocery stores. Although the winery prices are very reasonable, prices are better at Publix. So consider making your own winery experience at your favorite Florida spot with some very good wine.
http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/


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The Artisan Experience Comes to St. Peters MO

2/20/2017

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I had the good fortune to dine at the latest and greatest upscale restaurant in St. Peters, Missouri yesterday—Cork and Barrel.
Chef Lee, who was the best asset of Cedar Lake Cellars in Wright City recently made the move to this beautifully renovated establishment. Formerly a catfish restaurant, known as Hatfield and McCoy’s, Cork and Barrel has a much different ambience than its predecessor. And—thanks to Chef Lee—has a much improved menu!
After attempting a visit there last Friday, finding no available parking and hour-and-a-half waiting time, we decided to push off our experience to another time. That time presented itself this Sunday afternoon. It might have been the unseasonable February temperature of 71 degrees and the allure of the patio—with wine barrel tables and heat lamps— at C&B that led us to give it a try, or it could have been just that curiosity was killing me at this point.
We started out on the patio, but the breeze off of Mexico Road was too much competition for the fading sunshine, so we opted for a table near the bar inside. The wait staff was extremely eager to please and accommodating as we not only changed seats but wine choices. Wine note: Chloe Pinot Noir over A to Z Pinot Noir!
My husband and I are both big fans of chicken, so I ordered the Pesto Grilled Chicken served on a bed of rice and asparagus. My spouse chose the Chicken Carbonara. Fresh field green salad and house made beer bread muffins accompany any entrée. Salad featured leafy greens, splash of diced tomato, onion, and teeny bit of cheese. The Tuscan dressing was the perfect partner for it. There was just the slightest hint of smoky flavor that catapulted it to number one for me.
Although I prefer a restaurant with lots of dark corners and walls to create a personal and private experience, the open seating of C&B was not horrible. However, it was a Sunday afternoon, so it was difficult to gauge the noise level of a busy evening. We did, on the other hand, end up next to a group of twelve, which included a screaming child. I doubt any amount of acoustical materials could have quieted that sobering sound. The interior finishes feature lots of rough-hewn wood, fascinating light fixtures, and a stained, sealed concrete floor. I'm told there are 210 wine barrels within the restaurant. Could they be a part of the unique paneling, light fixtures, or bar front? 
The Pesto Grilled Chicken did not disappoint. The meat was moist and full of wood-grilled flavor-- no doubt the result of the Big Green Egg cooker they utilize. I’m pretty sure they injected my rice with crack, because I could not stop eating it! The asparagus—even though overly large—was extremely tender and flavorful. My husband’s Chicken Carbonara was not as impressive. Although it featured the same grilled chicken, the pasta in cream sauce was lacking in substance and in flavor. He said he would not order it again, but would really like to try something else on the menu—like the bison burger or meatloaf. I’m looking forward to sampling their Sunday Brunch!
Unfortunately, I ate all my food before I could take a picture of it. For pictures, check out their website. Every Tuesday they post the food items that will be on the Sunday Brunch buffet. Don’t get caught without a reservation on a weekend night, like I did! Be sure to call ahead, so you can thoroughly enjoy this new mouth-watering treasure in St. Peters! http://corkandbarrel.com  

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Hot Food, Cold Fronts, Haunted Houses and the Super Moon in Mississippi (or How I Ate My Way Through The South)

11/24/2016

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I just returned from a much-needed vacation to the Mississippi Gulf coast. To my disappointment there are not a lot (or any) wineries along the route from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico, which really inhibits a blog about wineries. Instead I decided to write my blog about my excellent hotel and restaurant experiences.
Our first few nights were spent at Hollywood Gulf Coast Resort in Bay St. Louis. Located a short distance from the shoreline and downtown Bay St. Louis this resort features a lazy river winding around their outdoor pool and swim-up bar. Unfortunately, the swim-up bar closed in October and the mid-sixties temperature forced us to settle for the large hot tub that afternoon instead of the lazy river. I look forward to returning in slightly warmer weather to enjoy another fantastic margarita while floating in a tube!
As a film junkie, Bay St. Louis is a treasure for me, as it is the location for the Tennessee William’s classic This Property is Condemned, starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford. Had to pay a visit to the train depot and Starr Boarding House! Two words for you who are clueless right now—Rent It.
Bogart’s is the featured steakhouse at Hollywood. I recommend the chopped salad, their homemade bread, and a glass of Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon. Yes, I did get to slip some wine into the conversation! I love a restaurant where I can watch the local fisherman pull a bluegill out of the bay while I’m sipping my favorite Cab. Breakfast…awesome omelet, sausage, hash browns, and coffee for under ten bucks at the Celebrity Grill!
It’s just not a southern vacation without a trip to New Orleans. So I made my sixth visit to the Big Easy last week. I LOVE New Orleans! For me, it’s not about finding things to do. It’s about fitting in all the FOOD! With only a mere six hours to fit all that in, I managed to enjoy a magnificent muffaletta from Johnny’s Poboys on a park bench in Jackson Square, a hurricane on the patio of the famous Pat O’Brien’s, and a delicious chocolate praline from Aunt Sally’s. Snapped some more pictures of the French Quarter for my upcoming book and lost fifteen dollars at Harrah’s casino in order to avoid a thirty-dollar parking fee! Everyone was in town for the game. Unfortunately, the Broncos won that day, but it didn’t stop them from partying with Saints’ fans on Bourbon Street. Now that’s good sportsmanship!
Caught the Supermoon on camera at Biloxi-- our next stop. Harrah’s Biloxi Resort has an amazing heated pool, huuuge hot tub, and private cabanas. We gave up a couple days of the week basking in the sunshine and enjoying an amazing drink called Southern Bondage…wow! The bar and grill had typical bar food, which was good but greasy. I think what made the trip was enjoying breakfast every morning poolside. By now it was in the 70’s and impossible to escape the sun. It was perfect! The Colorado omelet was so good, but really too much food for me. By the third morning, I’d wise up and ordered a short stack of pancakes, side of sausage, and a fruit cup. When two people can eat resort food for twenty dollars, I think that’s awesome.
While in Biloxi we wandered down to Ocean Springs (about 10 minutes away) and enjoyed a delectable dinner at Salvetti’s Italian Restaurant in the downtown area. Sitting on the patio was reminiscent of Pat O’Brien’s patio. Good weather, good wine, and excellent food is a fantastic way to spend your last night on the gulf coast. Be sure to give yourself time to walk around and visit the adorable little shops in the area after dinner.
Instead of heading straight home, we stopped off in Vicksburg, MS. The Hampton Inn and Suites across from the Vicksburg Military Park is the perfect place to stay! Those Hilton Honors points came in handy for this gorgeous and convenient hotel. Complimentary happy hour is 5-7. Hot breakfast in the morning is included in your room charge. And the room…spacious and luxurious! We spent an hour driving through the Civil War battlefield, which is an incredible experience—mixing both history and the beauty of nature into one unforgettable day. I wish I’d had more time. I could have spent three days wandering around that park and still not have seen everything. It closes at 5. In order to keep ourselves entertained, we strolled downtown to a restaurant called 10 South—an establishment on the tenth floor of a commercial building. All that warm weather was soon to disappear that evening as a cold front blasted through. We enjoyed our Famous fried chicken and pulled pork on the open air patio, when the  front attacked us with high winds and lightning. Even a scaredy-cat like me did not fear for long. Staff pulled down the plastic wind flaps and the party was back on! Did I mention that the Famous fried chicken sandwich was topped with pepper jack cheese and candied bacon? Oh yeah. It went down well with a Hahn Pinot Noir and some housemade macaroni and cheese.
Two glasses of wine and I was ready to take on more formidable spirits at the McRaven House—supposedly the third most haunted house in the country. Although I did not see any ghosts, I did enjoy touring a home that was built partially in the 1780’s, another part in the 1830’s, and the final addition placed in the turn of the century. Definitely take the haunted tour rather than the daytime history tour. You'll get history and a little spookiness on the side.
Well, another delicious vacation filled with good weather, good wine, and good food. Can’t wait to go back and do it all over again!
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Short stack of pancakes, fruit, and coffee by the pool at Harrah's Casino Resort is the best way to relax!
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Excited to capture the Supermoon over Biloxi, MS!
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Dining on the patio of Salvetti's in Ocean Springs is a real treat! Reminiscent of Pat O'Brien's with great Italian food.
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MMMMacaroni and cheese compliments this delicious Famous Fried Chicken sandwich adorned with candied bacon and pepper jack cheese! All of this enjoyed on the patio of 10 South in downtown Vicksburg as a thunderstorm rolled in across the Yazoo River.
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Three Must-See Wineries in Michigan

10/10/2016

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 Contessa Wine Cellars http://www.contessawinecellars.com/
 
Our recent trip to Michigan surprised us with amazing wineries along the southern Lake Michigan area. The first stopping point was off I-94, exit 39 in Coloma—Contessa Wine Cellars. At the end of a winding drive uphill, sits an adorable A-frame house complete with multiple level decks for enjoying wine and the beautiful Michigan landscape. We tried several different wines before deciding on the Tres Tenores, a fabulous blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Wow! The blend was a perfect selection for my husband and me to settle on, since I prefer very dry and he likes it a little bit sweet. If you’re like me and drift toward the drier side of things, I highly recommend the Cabernet Franc.
We were also given a piece of homemade chocolate from the neighboring fudge shop to sample. Paired very nicely with their Merlot. Friendly staff, perfect setting for a fall day, and reasonably priced, great wine.
Warner Vineyards   http://www.warnerwines.com/
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Probably the most impressive winery we saw along I-94 was Warner Vineyards—a 78 year old winery and one of the oldest in Michigan. You’ll be amazed that this wonderful treasure is nestled right in the heart of the business district in Paw Paw. Driving up to this lovely brick building and amphitheater creates the initial enthusiasm for stopping. But once over the covered walking bridge and winding back past the antique train car and rolling stream, you can’t wait to discover what comes next! Inside the tasting room, we were greeted by a very friendly host who served us five wine tastes for five dollars—what a deal.  Although I preferred their 2 Cab Merlot, I compromised on the Veritas—a dry red table wine—for my husband’s sake. By no means was it a lesser wine. In fact, Veritas is a Michigan wine award winner. Starting out quiet, it explodes in your mouth with wonderful berry flavors and finishes very smoothly. We also sampled their homemade warm, mulled wine made with their Peach & Honey wine—a perfect comfort drink on a cool day. If the weather had been better and we hadn’t been in a hurry to make our destination, I could have stayed there all afternoon. If you have only time for one winery, this is the one! Plan on several hours.
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12 Corners Vineyards & Winery   http://www.12corners.com/

I only had time for one more winery on this trip, so I chose 12 Corners in Benton Harbor. I was not disappointed! This beautiful building nestled among thousands of grapevines houses an intriguing tasting room, an extremely large wine bar to accommodate a crowd, and many gift items and home décor ideas. 
Although they have some tables on a tiny covered patio, I would like to see a big deck area overlooking the vineyards. And maybe that is in the future plans. I enjoyed all the dry reds I tasted. It was hard to choose. I took home a bottle of Merlot, which had some nice berry bursts and a flavorful finish. This place is large enough to offer food, which would make it an afternoon destination, rather than just a stopping point.

There are MANY wineries along this stretch of interstate, and I intend to visit more on my next Michigan trip! If you're looking for a great October wine weekend, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is the place to be! http://www.MiWineTrail.com


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The Missing Piece...My Dad

4/6/2016

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The last few months we’ve spent a lot of evenings at the house with dad and mom. Dad enjoyed putting together puzzles, so I tried to keep him supplied with a new one as soon as he finished the last. It was something he could do by himself to pass the hours, but it was also something we could all work on and talk at the same time, which Dad seemed to enjoy. I decided to carry on the puzzle theme into my eulogy. I thought Dad might like that.
As a parent, you get the opportunity to know your child from the beginning and if you’re lucky, you get to grow with them through every stage of their life. Your knowledge of the person they are grows as they do. And so you’re there…watching the pieces of their puzzle coming together from the start.
But from a child’s perspective it takes a lifetime to know your parent. You start out your life with someone who has had so many experiences, fought so many battles, developed their personality and maybe has a little baggage with them as well. I know it’s taken all my life this far to know my dad—to put the pieces of his puzzle together to create the picture of the person I will always know as my father.
The pieces were larger and easier to see when I was little. A scratchy cheek to kiss goodnight, the hands that held the back of my bike as I learned to ride a 2-wheeler, and a pair of legs I could hide behind during a parade so I didn’t have to get too close to the clowns were all the pieces I needed in my puzzle back then.
The pieces took a different shape and the puzzle got a little more interesting as I grew. He was a patient man who taught me how to drive a car. His incredible knowledge and love of history made him my only reference on my 5th grade American history paper. And maybe the hardest piece to find and lock into place was watching him struggle with his own weaknesses, overcome them, and work to become a better husband and father.
Puzzles get more challenging as we get older. The pieces get smaller, there are more of them, and it’s really hard to see where they go. On one hand, it’s exciting to anticipate the picture coming to completion, but what I like to do is look at each piece individually. Every one of them is a little abstract piece of art all by itself. So, even though the pieces are smaller, they are actually greater in value because in the end they add the subtleties and color that make the overall picture more beautiful.
I saw Dad take pride in his children as we all grew and used so many skills we learned from him to become strong, independent people. I saw his face light up holding his first and only grandson. I saw him playing trains and silly childhood games with my son and I realized that any holes in your “Dad” puzzle can easily filled with the “Grandpa” pieces. I saw his patriotism in action, especially the day he insisted on voting before going to the emergency room with chest pains.
I have a pretty good picture of my dad today, but I’d be lying if I said I had all the pieces to my dad’s puzzle. For one thing I’m sure I’ll never know everything about him and for another I’m beginning to see that life is an infinite puzzle. We’re all connected to it and there’s always another piece to be added. I believe Dad’s puzzle will never be complete because it will continue to grow as we—his family and friends—keep finding and adding pieces.
I had to leave my favorite piece in place for the last time on Saturday night.  It was similar to the one I knew as a little girl, but now is smaller and more complicated in its content. It’s that scratchy cheek that I kissed goodnight as our roles reversed and I left him tucked into bed. That’s the one I will miss the most.
If you hold a piece of my dad’s puzzle, you are a very fortunate person.
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I'm Not Going to Vote for THAT Guy!

3/4/2016

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Have you heard the parable of the flood? It describes a man who was in danger of a terrible flood, so he began praying for God to help him. As the waters rose, three neighbors offered their assistance to the man, by offering him an exit by truck, by boat, and finally by helicopter. Each time the man kindly declined the offers for help, repeatedly proclaiming that God would answer his prayer and come to his aid. In the end, the flood waters consumed his property, and the man died. In heaven, the man stood before God and pleaded with Him, “Lord, I gave my heart to you. I believed in you, but when I asked for your help in the flood, you didn’t answer my prayers!  Why did you let me drown?” God replied (most likely rolling His eyes) “I sent you a truck, a boat, and a helicopter and you refused all of them! What else could I possibly do for you?”  (http://blog.eternalvigilance.me/2012/01/the-parable-of-the-flood/)

This parable has been coming to my mind lately in the light of this year’s presidential election—actually the last three presidential elections. In 2008, I heard the conservatives say, “I can’t vote for McCain. He’s a RINO.” In 2012, I heard the conservatives say, “I won’t vote for Romney. He’s establishment. We won’t let the RNC pick our candidates!” Both years we lost to an inept Democrat that is Hell-bent on destroying this nation as we know it. Yet, this year, a front runner has emerged—not from the establishment and not an RNC pick. The man is not polished, not politically savvy (or correct), not conservative, but he’s a ROCKSTAR. Americans flock to him for his untamed and unashamed bold behavior. He energizes a population that has been beaten down by numerous defeats and an ever-growing progressive society that mocks fundamental American beliefs. And I still hear, “I’m not going to vote for that guy! He’s not my guy!”

To those people I say this. God has sent you nothing but angels and opportunities. Not just since 2008, but all of your life. I trust He will continue to do so. But will you recognize His answer to your prayers? Or will you turn away and let the waters consume you? Only God is perfect.  Perhaps we should all trust a little more in the imperfect for His perfection to be revealed. Where there is Love, there is faith.
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Whose Life Doesn't Matter?

9/4/2015

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A white police officer shoots a black criminal and the cops are to blame. “Let’s kill cops.”

A black man shoots two white journalists on live television and guns are to blame. “Let’s take away the guns.”

It is horrific to see the violence being wielded on our police officers everywhere right now. Painting targets on the backs of police merely because of their profession is not only wrong, but ignorant beyond belief. And what hypocrisy for one group to claim they are targeted because of their skin color, so they target another group because of the uniform they wear?

 If the mantra is “black lives matter” does that mean that white lives don’t? Police lives don’t? What about Asians, Hispanics, gays, babies? How does one life matter over any other life?

Taking away guns does not solve anything. Gun laws do not stop bad people from getting guns any more than theft laws deter criminals from stealing.

Guns are not the problem. Cops are not the problem. Hate, apathy, ignorance are the problems.

Take away the hate and you take away the violence. Let’s kill the hate.

Where there is love there is respect for life. #AllLivesMatter

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Life Is Hard. Get Used To It!

6/9/2015

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McKinney Texas—the cops are wrong. Ferguson Missouri—the cops are bad. Michael Brown is a martyr. I don’t know about you but when I was growing up, the cops were the good guys and the authority. You behaved or you risked being arrested or worse. And how did we learn that? Our parents treated us the same way! We knew if we misbehaved, we faced punishment. Why has this all turned around since I was a child?

The latest generation of parents is too afraid to discipline their children. Our armed services must be gentle as they fight in wars. Our police force has been disabled by local governments to keep from harming the ones who mean them the most harm!

This new “time-out, no spanking” style of living has got to stop or we will find ourselves—as we are beginning to see now—living in total chaos.

Perhaps this new progressive culture out there believes somehow it will spare its children the painful lessons of life. I’ve got news for them: LIFE IS HARD! IT SUCKS AND THEN YOU DIE! These new wave parents are not doing their children any favors by excusing them from discipline and punishment that is well-deserved. Someday, not too far in the future, these teenage pool party crashers will be adults. And no matter how fast they try to run, the harsh realities of life will catch up to them. How will they deal with that—with strength and courage or with drugs and escapism?

Parents who teach their children consequences will surely build them up to be better prepared to face what life has to throw at them. That’s real love.

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The Patriot

4/7/2015

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I couldn’t sum up my dad with one word, but one word that definitely described him—among many—is “patriot.”

Today is Election Day in Missouri and maybe in your neighborhood as well. It is also the second anniversary of my dad’s passing. Election days always remind me of him and one of the best stories our family has to describe just the kind of man he was.

A few years ago, on Election Day, my dad was having chest pain. Since he’d had a history of heart troubles, it concerned him enough to ask my mom to take him to the Emergency Room at our local hospital. However, on the way to the hospital he demanded my mom stop at the polling place, so he could vote. You see, he knew he’d probably be kept overnight at the hospital, and he didn’t want to risk losing his opportunity to cast his vote!

You can imagine the anxiety my mom was experiencing while they waited in line to sign in and vote in that primary election. She told me later that her hands were shaking so badly she could hardly write her name! They made it though. Dad cast his vote and still made it to the hospital that afternoon to be checked out. He was not having a heart attack after all, but they did keep him overnight for testing.

So, today if you’re debating whether you should brave the wind and rain to go vote in another municipal election, remember my dad and his story. He took his privilege as a citizen very seriously. He felt like his vote counted for something, and that his actions could bring about change. I would never recommend doing what he did that day, but it sure makes for a great story! And one, that apparently the whole hospital staff was sharing that day, as well!

It’s storming like hell in Eastern Missouri this morning. Did I tell you that my dad loved a good thunderstorm? Oh, but that’s another story! Happy Election Day. Where there is love there is Freedom!

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