Fireflies at Dusk

https://youtu.be/C2J6dGUkZeQ One of the simple pleasures of summer (I realize June 17th is technically not summer, but when it's a sultry 100 degrees in the shade, it's close enough) is watching the fireflies. Fireflies, a.k.a. lightning bugs, are pretty amazing. Like tiny, flashing glowsticks, these cute little creatures can make the night sky seem a … Continue reading Fireflies at Dusk

Happy Earth Day!

It's that time again... Earth Day is that day set aside each year to reflect upon God's beautiful creation and how we can be better stewards of it. Earth Day was introduced to the U.S. in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. It followed a large oil spill in 1969 and national concerns about air … Continue reading Happy Earth Day!

Snow Days

If you were in Southern Illinois earlier this week, as temperatures actually hit 60 degrees Fahrenheit in some spots, you may have noticed grocery store shelves start to empty. Once the forecast indicated a wintry mix was coming, storm panic hit. People began planning large meals of French toast and meat. Well, maybe not, but … Continue reading Snow Days

It’s Back…the 30th Annual HerrinFesta Italiana Returns

HerrinFesta Italiana has been a Memorial Day Weekend tradition in Southern Illinois since it started 1991. The event celebrates Herrin's Italian heritage. Festa, an alias of the festival, became one of millions of events cancelled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern Illinois' festival that signals the unofficial beginning of summer has finally returned … Continue reading It’s Back…the 30th Annual HerrinFesta Italiana Returns

Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube

https://youtu.be/hElOZxxJS9w So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY's mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks … Continue reading Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube

12 Gifts of Christmas from Little Egypt

If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you may have watched "The Twelve Dates of Christmas." Although it was reportedly filmed in Canada this past summer, the movie highlighted real and some fictional locations and experiences in Chicago. Guess what. Southern Illinois, a.k.a. Little Egypt, also has many wonderful experiences! Originally, I wanted … Continue reading 12 Gifts of Christmas from Little Egypt

Mystery Solved: Those Pretty Pink Succulents

During my trip to the Marion Farmer's Market this morning, I looked at all of the pretty succulents at The Potager Garden's booth. I noticed that some had some pink on them. Recently, there have been photos circulating on social media of gorgeous pink succulents. Friends and I have been trying to locate some. Searches … Continue reading Mystery Solved: Those Pretty Pink Succulents

Southern Illinois STRONG

Southern Illinois STRONG is the new name for the companion group to the Help Others Section of ASOSI/A Slice of Southern Illinois.  It will be a publicly listed group on Facebook. Currently, it is still showing as private, however that is expected to change soon. People are encouraged to share efforts in Southern Illinois to … Continue reading Southern Illinois STRONG

For the Birds?

I didn't slide driving around this morning, but a poor, large bird almost flew into my vehicle crossing over Crab Orchard Lake... Please be safe driving around in Southern Illinois.  The temperature is right on that line of freezing, and some folks are reporting a few slick spots. Big, fluffy snowflakes have been falling in the … Continue reading For the Birds?

Citrus & Spice and Everything Nice…

One of my favorite ways to marinate turkey breast is with citrus. I've learned that you can somewhat replicate sour oranges (often used in Cuban mojos) by combining the juice from regular oranges and limes. This time, I actually used about 7 clementines and 8 key limes. I mixed that juice with a bit of … Continue reading Citrus & Spice and Everything Nice…