Blog Posts

Breaking Bad at Good's

7/26/2025

The Midwest Glampers took my suggestion to do a campout at Johnson-Sauk, so I am back here for the weekend. Plans were hatched in the last few weeks, and the most popular suggestion was a visit to Good's Furniture yesterday in nearby Kewanee and see who could get the best photos of being bad at Good's. Several came prepared with props, and other opportunities presented themselves as we toured the three-flour, three building retail outlet. Just a few of the entries. I missed getting one of the giant plastic spider that Jackie placed on one of the pillows on a bed. We did not get arrested, and even had the aid of an employee who shall remain anonymous.

Before Good's, we had an excellent lunch at the renowned Cernos Bar and Grill. Arrival times and attendance of members was rather in flux, due to unexpected family demands, weather events, and medical emergencies.

Three of us arrived on Thursday, and after setup, we decided due to the high temps and humidity, it was THTC (too hot to cook ) and it was a good night to check out the restaurant here at the lake, Jack's Place. Yesterday, Lydia got here and Lorie and Randy arrived from the Kansas City area. And another member pulled in late last night. Jackie has had her camper repainted recently and added a couple of clever accessories.

It poured last night and is still raining this morning. That may affect the planned kayaking on the lake but won't interfere with our tour of Ryan's Round Barn here at Johnson's this afternoon. Maybe the forecast will be right and the rain will move out in time for a campfire at our evening potluck.

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A Peach of a Site in Cherry Glen

6/13/2025

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My class motto was A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. True, but for Agatha this weekend, a journey of two hundred miles began with the need for an oil change, a propane refill and a tank of gas. It has become an annual tradition for part of the family to gather in Ankeny mid-June for my great-granddaughters' dance recital and birthday celebrations. Pat and Jill come up from Texas, and I like to camp at Cherry Glen Campground on Saylorville Reservoir. Numerous others on both sides of Brooke's family also attend.

In preparation, last Friday, Agatha got the oil change in Kewanee, but I was unsuccessful in finding a place that could refill a fixed propane tank. Yesterday, after I passed my wellness check (unlike Agatha), I headed to Kewanee for a final loading and we took off about noon. By taking a southerly route over to 218, I could make a stop at A-1 Propane In Iowa City. That only took 15 minutes, unlike over a half hour to get gas, but that's another story. We continued our journey on I80, bucking a little wind, and arrived at Cherry Glen about 5:30.

My site is spacious with lots of shade and fairly level. Always a plus. It only took me two tries to back in. I was able to put together a supper of turkey brats, Italian corn salad, roasted rosemary potato salad and a nice glass of wine.

The shower house is right behind me, although I have to give the showers a C. One very small double hook, big enough to support a washcloth, and you know me and hooks. I will continue to use them though because the one in Agatha, I'm sure, is the World's Smallest Shower, and only rates a D-.

It's a much needed quiet morning. I got in an early walk before the heat arrives, and will rest up for the afternoon gathering and evening recital. But now, I hear the wind picking up and I'd better get out the awning tie downs before Agatha makes good on her threat to run away from home.

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Pines, Paths, and Prodigal Returns

5/24/2025

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I am back at one of my favorite campgrounds, Johnson Sauk Trail north of Kewanee. Over half the campsites are located in a stand of tall pines planted in rows like sentries years ago. I love the sunlight through the tops of the trees and the sound of the wind through the boughs.

Another reason for being here at this time is that my grandson Elliot is due back for a leave from Luke Air Force base in Arizona. He's not a 'prodigal' in terms of wasting a large inheritance (he wishes) but in terms of returning after a long absence. This visit is special for two reasons. Over a month ago, he and his long time girlfriend, Bethany, were married in a civil ceremony in Arizona. And later this summer, he is being transferred to Alaska. Elliot and Bethany are currently enroute in Kansas and hope to be here later today.

Johnson Sauk draws a lot of visitors because of the hiking trails. Butch and I hiked one on the west side of the lake several years ago and it was wide and fairly easy. So yesterday morning I decide to try one on the east side. It started out across the dam, wide and level, but when I reached the other side, the terrain changed dramatically. It definitely became a path, up hill and downhill, with several fallen trees. I earned my hiking badge!

I spent the afternoon helping Andy with some yard work. We came back out here for supper over the fire and I turned in early. Today, I'll do a little more hiking as we await Elliot and Bethany's arrival, sometime later today.

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Ambling Adventures of Agatha

5/15/2025

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The first trip of the camping season always includes a few extra glitches. This year had the added speed bump of having Agatha parked 50 miles away at my son Andy's, instead of fifty feet from my back door as it was at my house in West Liberty. I then had the luxury of running things out and putting them away as I thought of them, stocking staples as I bought them, etc. This year, I made three trips to get the old girl ready. The first was to make up the beds and restock the towels, etc. The second was a cleaning trip and the third to finish up odds and ends.

If I am going somewhere north or west of the Quad Cities, I bring the camper first to my apartment complex and load it there. However, my shake down cruise was to Oakland Mills near Mt. Pleasant, southeast from Kewanee. So it would have taken a lot of extra time and gas to detour to the QC. Yesterday morning, I loaded my car with food, clothes, computer, a couple of games, and a few odds and ends that I had forgotten on earlier trips and left home about 9. Once in Kewanee, I filled the refrigerator and freezer, and put away the rest of the stuff. By shortly after noon, I was on my way for what is supposed to be a two hour drive to Mt. Pleasant, all the way on highway 34.

A few miles out of town, Agatha got a bee in her bonnet, er, windshield. The buzzing bother kept trying to whisper driving advice in my ear, so I pulled off into a parking lot to find the swatter.

I won the skirmish, and headed down the road. The next chore was to gas up the beast. I needed to find a Casey's to use my HyVee discount so I wouldn't have to stop at a bank for a loan. I also hoped to buy firewood. Andy told me where there was one in Galva. I thought I missed it and found another large lot where I could turn around. I hadn't missed it. Turn around again and drive further. Another wasted fifteen minutes. Got gas but no wood.

We bounced long okay--literally--for about an hour until we reached road work. It is almost summer in the Midwest, after all. I believe they placed the cement K-rails for the one-lane stretches, of which there were four, based on the measurement of Agatha's width plus five inches.

We finally crossed the Mississippi, encountered more road work, found wood and ice, and made it to Oakland Mills a little after 3:00. My friend Joanie met me there and the campground hosts for the week are my sister-in-law Harriet and her husband Ken. The forecasted severe storms for Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon didn't materialize but the warm temperatures did. So we spent a great deal of time in the shade and breezes solving the world's problems.

Per usual, we did not starve. Wednesday night we enjoyed foil packets of salmon and asparagus, plus pasta salad and Joanie's fruit pizza. Thursday, Ken smoked chicken breasts with sweet potatoes and broccoli, and we managed to polish off the pizza. Tomorrow, back to the Y to work some of that off.

Next week I have reservations for Johnson-Sauk seven miles north of Kewanee. An easy drive, unless there's road work and I have to detour through Peoria. My youngest grandson, Elliot, will be home on leave from the Air Force, along with his new bride Bethany, so I am really looking forward to it.

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The Writing Life

5/6/2025

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Part of the reason I moved to the Quad Cities almost a year ago was to take a more active part in the Midwest Writing Center, located in the Rock Island Library. I had been a member for several years and participated in a couple of book fairs but none of the regular events.

I am now delighted to be a part of the Writer's Studio, a feedback group the meets twice a month with about 10 to 12 regular members ranging in age from about 20 to 80s. Genres represented include poetry, fantasy, memoir, mysteries. and thrillers. We bring short selections to share and give feedback on. Members also bring other writing opportunities to the groups' attention.

Several members also belong to WOTA, Writers on the Avenue, a Muscatine group. Through that connection, I was asked to help with some publication chores for the Pearl City Press, and arm of WOTA. So I have been attending their meetings as well.

A couple of weeks ago, an invitation to participate in WriteNow, sponsored by the U of Iowa, was announced at Writer's Studio. The format is that we receive 2 prompts by email, have a week to write a piece of 1000 words or less on one of them, and then a week or so later, participate in a Zoom feedback meeting. The first two prompts were an adventure involving a wedding planner and a dog collar, or a fantasy about a news anchor and a VCR. I chose the latter and my Zoom group consisted of four others--two from Iowa, one from Minneapolis, and one from LA. It was a lot of fun to see what everyone did with those prompts.

Last fall, I also joined CASI, the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport They offer a wide variety of classes on fitness, health, arts and crafts, and other topics. They were short an instructor for their writing class so I volunteered. We meet once a week and are working mostly on memoir.

So, I'm progressing, although not rapidly, on my latest project, Trailer in the Dust. It will be book 4 in that series. And I have plans for another Mystery Sisters book, Wright or Wrong. Meanwhile, it's camping season and Agatha and I will be off on our first adventure next week.

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Coasting into Spring

2/23/2025

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I left Iowa Wednesday at 9 degrees and arrived in California at 62. Nice change. Last year when I came out to visit my friend Joanie, I think we had only one day without rain, but so far it's been beautiful and the forecast for the next few days is the same.

We've done some hiking and walking. Yesterday we went to the harbor and explored the fish market and walked around the shops and landing areas. Tour boats were being loaded and we got a picture of ourselves surfing. (!)

Then last night, we had a great supper with Jen and Jeff, Joanie's daughter and son-in-law. They really know how to entertain. After supper, they staged a Spacex rocket launch for us! My photos leave a lot to the imagination but then I'm a writer. That's my job.

Today we plan a hike at nearby Arroyo Verde Park and then will run a few errands. Meanwhile, I'm at work on Trailer in the Dust, the next time travel book. And I should mention that To Cache a Killer is free for Kindle through Tuesday.

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Parable of the Lights--Part 2

11/24/2024

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Six years ago, in December 2018, I wrote a blog about how the lights on our Christmas tree mirrored the uncertainty in our lives at that time. Once again, I am struck by the similarities between this traditional decoration and my life. First of all, it is a new tree, smaller and simpler than the trees in all of the years of my life, like my new home. It is not the 9 1/2 foot tree we put up for 20 years in our home in West Liberty, or one of the 12-13 foot fresh trees we had for decades before that. It is the tallest, skinniest tree I could find that would fit in my new space. And it is pre-lit with all white lights--not my choice as I prefer multi-colored lights. But just one of the many adjustments this move has required.

For me, the important part of a Christmas tree has always been the ornaments, not the lights. Every ornament on my tree embodies a memory. Many were Christmas gifts from Butch. Others are souvenirs we picked up on travels--a green ceramic angel from Ireland (2010), a bear from the Smokey Mountains (2015), a street car from Boston (1978), among others. And a large number are handmade gifts from friends and family. There are cross stitched ones, painted ornaments, and felt creations. I was able to get about half of the collection on the tree--and it is loaded!

This is the first year ever that I have put up the decorations before Thanksgiving. I will be traveling to Kentucky over Thanksgiving to spend several days with my kids, their spouses, and possibly a couple of the grandchildren. Since the time between the holidays is shorter this year, I decided to tackle the decorations early. After all, everything had to go in a new spot so there were decisions to make!

Again, this is a repeat of my move. Going from a four floor house to a five room apartment required a lot of pitching, repurposing, and overloading. There is a lot of new to get used to, but it keeps my brain alive and working. New lifestyle, new opportunities, new friends, and white lights on the tree. I have joined the Y and the senior center and a new church. I will be helping at the church food pantry and teaching a writing class at the senior center after the first of the year. And still some old to anchor me. Family, old friends, and old ornaments.

It has been a hectic year, but a good move. No maintenance (like the lights on the tree), many conveniences, events, and places to take advantage of. Bring on 2025!

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Of Leaves and Laughter

10/21/2024

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The final (maybe) outing of the Midwest Glampers is in the books. I say maybe because a few members have been known to take advantage of an unusually warm November weekend. But for most of us, it's time to unload and winterize. It was a good ending. The weather was wonderful and the trees filled with color. The only fly in the ointment was not a fly, but an Asian lady beetle and about a million of his closest friends. My site had no shade and in midafternoon they congregated on the sunny side of my camper and found a number of places to weasel their way in. But we hiked, explored, painted leaves, and had great campfires every night.

Seven Glampers and one 'Manper' gathered for this event from eastern Iowa and Illinois. I had not been able to attend an even this summer since Palisades in April, so it was great to catch up. Several had had losses and challenges. I met a new member--another Karen--who is my age so I am not the oldest anymore! Jackie and Harry filled us in one evening on their participation in Koi competitions and we shared the other changes in our lives. There were also lots of reminiscing and laughs about previous jaunts.

I went for a hike the first morning on a mile long trail near the campground. You know the old saying "What goes up, must come down"? Since the campground sits high, the opposite is true of the trails. What goes down, must come back up. As the trail wound down into a ravine, I knew it would be a challenge coming back up, but I made it and the scenery was worth it.

Later that day, we made a trip to Bellevue, visited a brewery overlooking the Mississippi, a chocolate shop, and a grocery store. We also stopped at a lookout in the northern unit of the park. There are great views of the town of Bellevue and the lock and dam on the Mississippi.

So it was a great wrap up to the season. Unfortunately, after the return home, that also means unloading the camper and preparing it for winterizing. I emptied the fridge and perishables at my apartment, as well as bring in bedding, towels, and paper products before I returned the camper to Andy's driveway. There is still much to be done but there is time for that.

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Final Fling

10/18/2024

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For the year, at least. Yesterday, after a rocky start, I made my way north to Bellevue State Park for the final outing of the year with the Midwest Glampers. I am keeping Agatha in son Andy's driveway in Kewanee, so a trip requires driving an hour east, dropping my car and bringing back the camper for loading. However, I neglected to remove my apartment key from the car key ring that I left with Andy so found myself locked out and had to contact maintenance before I could start loading. The spare key was locked in the apartment of course.

But it wasn't a huge delay and soon I was enjoying the beautiful drive through northeast Iowa. Having grown up in southern Minnesota and North Central Iowa where hills are anomalies, the landscape of northeast Iowa always amazes me. The geometric shapes of corn bins, bales in the fields, and box-like house and barns appear like punctuation marks that man has imposed on the unruly landscape to try and bring order. GPS always likes to jerk my chain by either insisting on an all-interstate route, no matter how much distance and stressful driving it adds, or else cross-country on narrow roads with three different numbers from the feds, state, and county road departments so you can't verify your location on a map. This was my first visit to Delmar, Preston, and Springville.

But I arrived in a timely fashion, and was relieved to find that the water had not been turned off yet in the campground--always a possibility in the state parks after October 15. Two of the Glampers were already here and after a simple supper we had a nice fire until bed called. The full moon was spectacular. Today there are no specific plans except for a soup supper tonight. There are some great trails to hike, a winery to visit, and some shops in Bellevue to explore. I'm sure we'll find something to do.

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Hawg Days and Cool Nights

9/2/2024

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It's Labor Day weekend and in Kewanee, Illinois that means it's Hog Days. I'm camped at Johnson Sauk Trail about seven miles north of Kewanee, a favorite campground that we've visited many times in the past. The only downside this time is that the campground water has been turned off due to well problems but Agatha has a 42 gallon fresh water tank and that's plenty for 3 days. The trip has a twofold purpose: taking advantage of beautiful weather in this lovely place and giving Andy lessons in camper set up and tear down. Since my move, Agatha is residing in his driveway and I would like him to be able to use it.

As I said, the weather has been perfect for camping and especially sleeping. My site doesn't have a view of the western skyline but Friday night I was treated to a big glimpse of color over the towering pines.

Andy is in the middle of finishing his porch roof and the weather that is so great for celebrating and relaxing is also good for working on outdoor projects. But we managed to sandwich in a bit of the local festivities. Saturday afternoon we went to Craft Fair--a full city block of, among other things, handmade jewelry, metal yard ornaments, honey, crocheted items, and even a book seller. Andy and Stacy picked up a couple of the yard ornaments, but I had to continually remind myself how many items I had to get rid of in the last 4 or 5 months. Yesterday, we journeyed downtown and wandered around a little after a great lunch/supper at Cerno's. This morning, we will have breakfast at the restaurant in the park, which has reopened this year, before the tear down lesson.

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

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Breaking Bad at Good's

A Peach of a Site in Cherry Glen

Pines, Paths, and Prodigal Returns

Ambling Adventures of Agatha

The Writing Life

Coasting into Spring

Parable of the Lights--Part 2

Of Leaves and Laughter

Final Fling

Hawg Days and Cool Nights

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