What in the world was I thinking? I should have known my older sister would do anything she could to ruin my vacation. When I was very young, Karen pulled me aside and clearly announced that I was her little brother, and I would always be her little brother. She went on to explain that in her contract as my big sister, it stated quite clearly that it was her duty, as well as her obligation, to tease me and make my life miserable on a daily basis. My duty and obligation, to pu

Heat turned down – check! All lights are off – check! Stove and oven are off – check! Plants watered – check! Mail delivery stopped – check! Doors locked – check! Everything we need is packed – hopefully! In February we escaped from the cold and snow for (only) a week to visit family in Florida. Unfortunately, we were still home when the thermometer dipped to over 40 below, but we did avoid the many large snowfalls during the week that we basked in the sun with temperatures i

This year’s summer vacation took the Palmer family to Williamsburg, Virginia. It was sort of a random vacation destination. We didn’t know anyone who lives in this part of the country, and we had not talked to anyone who had been there. That gave the trip a little mystique. I figured it was either going to be a big flop or a big success. Turns out it was higher up on the success side of things. Anyone who has taken American history in school (should be just about everyone) kn

“You’re going where?  For how long?  Just canoes and paddles?  No motors?  This is your summer vacation?” Women only  (no husbands, no kids), in our early 40s, taking time to laugh, visit, enjoy each other and relax in nature’s quiet.  We picked up our permit in Ely, getting an early morning start.  After finding our entry point, we loaded up the canoes.  We paddled to Isabella Lake in July 1991 on a glorious, sunny day, after portaging our canoes, packs and gear.  The gentle

Children always have time for watermelon, pictured here, as cousins and sisters enjoy their delicious summer treat in 1958. This summer I am going to celebrate life with family picnics and eat lots of watermelon. I’m going to clean an old mayonnaise jar, pound some nail holes in its cover and catch fireflies. I am going to watch those flies, make a wish and then I am going to set them free. I am going to watch turtles cross the road, and I am going to stop and pick up worms.

Exploring beautiful, historic San Antonio Taking a flight of steps down from the city streets makes you feel you’ve entered the world of some old Spanish fable in San Antonio’s Paseo del Rio, or River Walk. Ancient trees spread over the water of canals that don’t seem to be flowing anywhere. Flowers bloom in carefully planted patches around palm and cypress trunks. The sidewalks, some paved in stone, don’t suggest there is any need to hurry. Tables by the water’s edge invite