Cowboy Boots

Wall Drug is what my extended family would call a “TT,” short for “tourist trap.” But Wall Drug isn’t just any TT, it’s a superlative example of one. Their advertisements span hundreds of miles in advance of arrival; we counted 81 different signs. They offer free ice water (not for nothing in 106 degree temperatures), … Read more

Beautiful Badlands

We had a lovely time at Badlands National Park, viewing it at sunset and sunrise on the edges of clear 106 degree days. We were also treated to a magnificent full moonrise, along with coy rabbits and interesting insects. Our first night in the tent was balmy and delightful. The evening and morning glow on … Read more

Westward Ho!

We are finally off on our westward adventure. As a kid, when we drove out west on similar trips, my dad would vehemently declare “Westward Ho!,” affectionately slapping my mother’s thigh for emphasis. So I duplicated that tradition for my daughter who was delighted to anticipate me, jumping out of the way so that I … Read more

Tomato Harvest

The tomatoes are coming in fast. They are so lovely and delicious. Here see them on the vine, picked in piles, in a salad with bermuda onion, cucumber and pesto, and being dried in the drier. Tomorrow we’ll try making “tomato leathers” (like fruit roll-ups) and will again make yummy roasted tomatoes (see here). What … Read more

North Carolina Food

I went to three delicious restaurants while away. The first was Nantucket Cafe (see their website here) and I must apologize for no photos from there; I simply lit into a wonderful salmon salad. (My sister loves their incredible chocolate cake!) At 411 West near the UNC campus in Chapel Hill (click here for their … Read more