Des Moines is a beautiful city with enough population to bring in major concerts, events, and restaurants, but small enough to feel like a large small town. I always enjoy going to Des Moines. One of the things I enjoy there is trying new (to me) restaurants.

A week ago I met a friend (also named Deanna - which is fun to me because it is a rarity) in Lincoln, Nebraska and she introduced me to an iconic eating establishment she has been going to for years.

Today I feature my first guest blogger, my son! I told him he could write about any topic he wanted and he picked this, as The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota is one of his favorite places to visit.

Spring means tulips, mild sunny days, and lots of new things to do both indoors and outdoors in the Midwest. Here’s a list of fun activities to do in the next few weeks in he Omaha area. Let’s get out there! 😁

I’m going to start posting twice a week (see earlier schedule) about my 37-day trip to Europe last summer. And I’m choosing to start with the most fabulous, economical place to stay in Milan - the K34 Milano B & B operated by my now-dear Italian friend, Stefania!

Does the thought of a giant breakfast roll covered with pecans make your mouth water? How about a delicious Italian beef sandwich or sloppy joe on a homemade, freshly-baked bun? Would an old-fashioned rootbeer float hit the spot? If you answered “yes” to any questions of these questions, then make tracks to head to The Lunch Box in Jackson, Nebraska

I have been to many wonderful museums all over the world and I do enjoy most of the museums I have seen. But I have to say The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix ‘blew my socks right off!” 

I always make it a point to visit at least one church, cathedral, or religious site wherever I travel. I love the architecture, the artwork, the stillness (usually), the history, and the various expressions of faith.

One thing that has surprised me recently is the beauty of the desert in the Phoenix metro area. I guess I had always simply thought of deserts as dry, rather barren places.

Yesterday I went on a little adventure with my mom and two sisters to two luxury hotels in Scottsdale.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t particularly love the month of January in the Midwest. Some folks get Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) and tire of the gray clouds, lack of sunshine and monotony of being indoors. I don’t tend to notice that much in myself, but I do crave beautiful green plants and colorful, blooming flowers this time of year.

And where oh where have I been in the last year or so?