A Slice of Southern Illinois
We may not have those perfectly timed, big fluffy snowflakes falling on cue, but that's OK. There are still plenty of Christmas movie-worthy adventures right here in Little Egypt. You don't have to grab a flight to one of those places that never seem to be on actual maps to experience the wonder of the … Continue reading Christmas Lights, Cameras, Action!
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!
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
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some of our beloved Christmas traditions to be postponed until next year, others will continue, go virtual, or have been modified. Fortunately, it is possible to see many Christmas lights throughout Southern Illinois from the safety and comfort of our own cars. Other events have been social distanced. Route … Continue reading CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, SIGHTS, & SOUNDS
It's the year 2035, and you have been asked to write a chapter on the pandemic of 2020 in a history text book to discuss its impact on Southern Illinois. (By 2035, Southern Illinois is NOT referred to as "flyover country. " It becomes a highly sought after cultural, culinary, and natural destination... ) What … Continue reading Surviving 2020 in Southern Illinois
If you've driven around in the country by Salem, this serene scene might be familiar... Beer Can Alley, a name that appears to make no sense now, was once lined with beer cans, among other things. That changed dramatically when the recycling movement really took off in the late 70's and early 80's. Fortunately, the … Continue reading Beer Can Alley
A Slice of Southern Illinois had the pleasure of spending this past Saturday in Salem participating in the vendor fair for Royal Kids Camp and visiting familiar Salem icons. Each vendor donated items to the quarter auction to raise money for foster kids from group homes and in foster families to be able to attend … Continue reading Saturday in Salem
Easter is quickly approaching. There are many celebrations planned in Southern Illinois. These range from special worship services on Resurrection Day to specialty Easter Egg Hunts. One of the sure signs that Easter was coming as a little kid was that the candy isle in Tresslar's at Salem filled with beautiful Easter candies and baskets. … Continue reading Easter Celebrations in Southern Illinois
I have a confession to make. As a child I never understood why so many people hated fruitcake, or even why it was called "cake." You see, my Mom's fruitcake was more like candy. She got the recipe from a fancy restaurant somewhere, and it was pretty much pecans and candied fruit. Every year, growing … Continue reading My Mom’s Christmas Tray
Southern Illinois is home to many Fourth of July celebrations. This year, some start as early as June 28, and others are not until July 7. Hopefully, there is an event that fits everyone's schedule. This is by no means a list of all fireworks and celebrations in Southern Illinois, but there are links to … Continue reading Fourth of July Celebrations in Southern Illinois
