This harvest season, Lisa, my mom, and I visited Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard in Harvard, Illinois. Our first-time experience became a new tradition. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard. We read the recent online reviews as we looked for a new apple and pumpkin farm, … Continue reading Royal Oak Farm
“Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He’s gotta pick this one. He’s got to. I don’t see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as … Continue reading Jerry Smith Farm
Have you ever held a snow globe and wondered at the magical world in the palm of your hand? Marveled at the details? Imagined the life of its citizens? And been captivated by the glittery sparkles? Be part of the scene in the snow globe. And believe. Scroll down to see more photos and read … Continue reading Vintage Holidays in Long Grove
The wait is interminable. The highest ranking wrestlers are always scheduled to compete at the end of the day. Now evening approaches. Stable mates and assistants keep everyone loose. Some wrestlers push against each other while others shove endlessly against immoveable walls. The wrestlers progress slowly from the locker rooms to the queue that leads … Continue reading Grand Sumo on NHK World-Japan
Oak & Bond Coffee Company in Charlotte, North Carolina introduced us to their stimulating range of whole bean coffee, aged in barrels of: Bourbon Whiskey from Kentucky; Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California; and Scotch Whisky from Scotland. If Oak & Bond Coffee Co. improved the coffee experience from ordinary to extraordinary, how can we help start the … Continue reading Oak & Bond Coffee: New Year’s Recipes
Oak & Bond Coffee Company in Charlotte, North Carolina introduced us to their stimulating range of whole bean coffee, aged in barrels of: Bourbon Whiskey from Kentucky; Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California; and Scotch Whisky from Scotland. If Oak & Bond Coffee Co. made the leap from ordinary coffee to extraordinary, how can we take this a … Continue reading Oak & Bond Coffee: Holiday Recipes
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 During the bloom of late spring, Lisa received an invitation to preregister for a new special event at Chicago Botanic Garden that would make its U.S. debut from London. The event would be a stunning immersive light and sound show centered around the holiday season. … Continue reading Lightscape
Granola is a delicious and healthy food that can be enjoyed: plain, as cereal, topped on yogurt, or added to most any simple food needing a little tasty crunch. A few years ago, Lisa, my mom and I made our first batch of granola on a whim. Store bought granola tends to be expensive, not … Continue reading Gift Ideas: Homemade Granola
Daley Center Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602 When I was a boy, like many children, I believed in Santa Claus. I looked forward to Christmas as soon as we entered the months that ended in “-ber”. I thought that meant cold weather was coming; and, with it—Christmas. As an only child, and … Continue reading Christkindlmarket
The Simple Luxuries 