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Small Town Shopping

Small Town Shopping

Small-Town Shopping Makes For A Good Day Trip

I love making a day of it by shopping in old towns. I have found fantastic clothing stores in small towns and purchased a lot of clothing from them over the years. The store owners are always amiable and accommodating to your needs. Some old buildings have been re-purposed into beautiful stores. I went into an old bank building which was now a lovely restaurant. I also was in an old church, now a lovely antique store in Kalona, Iowa. I once ate in an old gas station that now served twelve people on old wooden stools in Missouri. I love looking at the lovely architecture of the old buildings in small towns.

Old Hardware Stores

I have purchased many items at old small-town hardware stores over the years. I love the hardware stores in Kalona, Iowa. I have bought old tools from them that were brand new and made much better than the new ones they make now. One of the hardware stores sold furniture upstairs, and I found a lovely table for my home. I purchased a brush cutter, a new lawn mower, and a sump pump from small-town hardware stores. I have seen old appliances that have never been used that will last many years. I still have one refrigerator going strong after 20 years of use. I also have a 1953 GE refrigerator that keeps things fresh and cool.

Antique Stores

You can find almost anything at an antique store that is made well. I purchased a lovely old settee that I had recovered and sat in my Dining room. I also bought a hand trimmer that trims my bushes to perfection. I have found lovely old oil lamps that I light when my electricity goes out in bad weather. It is nice to see some of the old toys you used to play with as a child. I found an old Doctors bag with all the plastic instruments still in it that I used to play with growing up. I found an excellent harmonica in an antique store in Southern Iowa.

Old Drug Stores

There are still a few old drug stores around that still have a soda fountain. I purchased a Green River soda from an old drugstore. A Green River Soda pop dates back to 1919, and it was also a big seller in the fifties and sixties; I have found lovely old greeting cards to send people. Some old drug stores still sell radios and other household gadgets.

Small Town Restaurants And Coffee Shops

I have found an excellent restaurant in small towns. I love the Tuscan Moon Restaurant in Kalona, Iowa. He specializes in Italian food and offers other food choices. I have ordered his lamb twice, and it is the best lamb I have ever eaten, as it was baked to perfection. I have found many small-town coffee shops in Iowa that I love to visit every time I go to their town. Most of the coffee shops have lovely baked goods for sale also. Small-town shopping keeps your money local. If we do not support small-town businesses, they will disappear completely. Make a day of it shopping and eating in small towns across America and take home some wonderful and valuable treasures with you.

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Traveling 101 Two

Traveling 101 Two

Ordering Food

One time I ordered the soup of the day, and luckily, before my waitress took off with my order, I asked her what kind of soup it was, and she said cow stomach; I canceled my soup ASAP. When I was in France, a man ordered Escargot, and he was anything but pleased when his snails arrived. If you do not know what food is, ask what it is before you call it and discover that you cannot eat it because it is not what you thought it was. I ordered a cafe latte in France and received a cup of coffee and a cup of tea. I first drank my cup of coffee, followed by my tea. The word latte sounded like tea to my waitress. You must always consider the language difference before ordering or asking for something. If you do not get what you ordered, do not be afraid to say so; I saw my food delivered to a different table and received what they ordered. When my waitress returned, she switched our plates, and we had a pleasant meal.

 

Hotel Rooms

In Europe, we got stuck in a room in their attic. It was so cramped we could hardly move. We put up with it for two nights and then asked for a different room. They gave us a huge room then, which made our stay pleasant. One time on a trip overseas, we ended up at a hotel room out of the 1940s, and they had the blankets, tables, chairs, and elevator to prove it. We left and went to another hotel which was very elegant and outstanding. One time in a hotel room, we could not operate our faucets for the shower. The manager said we had to twist the bottom of the tap sideways to get water to the battery. He thought I was stupid and could not figure that out, so I told him that if we did that in the USA, we would have a significant problem as we would break the faucet off the sink, and water would fly everywhere. We asked for a hairdryer once, and they said they had given them to all the men and told us we could use an iron. They had a convention of men there at the time. They should have kept some extras for the tour group on their way the next day.

Plan Your Days Activities

Sometimes the best-laid plans of mice or men will not happen no matter what you may try. For days like that, have a backup plan for what you may do or see that day. Try to see many things in one day without wearing yourself out by having too many planned activities for one day. Relax, unwind on your vacation, and do things your family will enjoy doing. Stop at museums, concerts, plays, theme parks, and national monuments, and shop for items that you may see that you would like to have. Travel in the good old USA as there is much to see and do; go to the country you have always dreamed about going to, and I promise you will not regret it as it will enrich your soul. Traveling is excellent; no one can take those beautiful memories and moments away from you. God bless you with safe travels.

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Walking On Your Vacation

Walking On Your Vacation

Shopping At Stores

My friend and I stayed in a hotel in the central part of town. We would take off from the hotel in the morning and shop at the local stores. It is fun to look at the sights and shops while walking around. We would stop at local museums and buy concert tickets in the evening. I tried on a pair of shoes I liked and carried them back to my hotel room. I once purchased a Christmas wreath that I moved to the local post office I sent home. Many stores would offer free shipping to your beautiful home, so I would not have to return it to my hotel room. I found an old toy store on vacation in France with beautiful toys like those I had years ago. I purchased a wind-up toy pig, a robot, and an old car with a man driving it with his duster outfit on. I have found beautiful crosses in the windows of stores that I love to wear.

Looking At Sights And Scenery While You Walk

I have walked into bakeries and purchased their excellent baked goods. They make for a good evening dessert after a day of walking and taking in all of the sights and sounds. After reviewing their menu, you can walk into the local restaurants and see which one you want to eat. My friend and I went on an old train engine for a ride after we saw their sign that the train ride would start in one hour. It was so much fun riding in that little passenger train car. We have walked up to old lighthouses and taken a tour of them. I love old lighthouses, what they stand for, and how many lives they have saved over the years.

Outdoor Markets

I love going to the outdoor markets in Europe. I have found beautiful gifts to give people for Christmas. I have found a unique one of the k and items. I have purchased old books, handmade wooden items for kitchen use, socks, shirts, toys for my pet cats, and much more. I bought a big antique serving plate for my friend for her birthday. I purchased a handmade flute and Turkish delights in Turkey. I also purchased a small Turkish rug. I love looking at fresh-cut flowers and produce items. I have purchased fresh fruit at outdoor markets to eat in my hotel room at night, which is a healthy snack to eat in the evening. I bought a cuckoo clock in Germany.

Walking On A Vacation Is Good For You

You can talk to some locals as you walk along and ask them where you might go for a concert, opera, play, and more tickets. I asked them where some of their favorite restaurants were located. People tend to be very helpful in directing you to find something you may want to look at in town. The exercise you get while walking will keep you from gaining weight on your trip. Keep walking, and you will be surprised by what you will see and be able to do on your walking adventures on your upcoming vacations.

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I Can Accomplish That

I Can Accomplish That

Determination

If I am determined to do something, I can get it done. If one has their mind set on accomplishing a goal and keeps working on it, one can most likely reach your goal. Think of your mission coming to fruition and how wonderful that will be. Never let someone tell you not to try something because they don’t think you can do it. If they are correct, at least you tried to do it, which is an achievement. If you never try to enrich your life and move forward with new plans and ideas, you will stagnate and not be happy or accomplish what you could have to improve the world.

Education

You will never regret going to college as you can accomplish much more with a college degree than without one. Most jobs require at least a master’s degree today, which are high-paying, lasting jobs. You must have the vast computer knowledge to get top-quality employment today. If you do not know how to use a computer effectively and efficiently,

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Bean & Bistro Located In Northwood

Bean & Bistro Located In Northwood, Iowa

Coffee, Chai Tea, And More

I love the coffee at Bean and Bistro. I have had their lattes, cappuccinos, and regular and decaffeinated coffee. Their coffee has a nice mild flavor, and I love the aroma of the coffee. I love their vanilla chai tea and their hot chocolate. I have had vanilla, pumpkin spice, caramel, and other flavored coffee drinks. All of their coffee is made to perfection. If you ask for a lot of foam in your coffee, you will get that.

Breakfast and Cinnamon Rolls And Cookies

I love their Wednesday burrito breakfast special. I order the burrito with ham in it, which is delicious. I love all the food at Bean & BistroĀ in Northwood, Iowa. The burrito is filled with hash browns and cheese that I ordered. You can get your burrito with ham, bacon, or sausage, which also comes with sour cream. The special comes with a large cup of coffee and cream if you want it. Their cinnamon rolls are the best cinnamon rolls that I have ever eaten in my life. The frosting is a light brown cinnamon that gives it the right amount of sweetness. I wouldn’t say I like cake icing cinnamon rolls as they are way too sweet, and they do not make those which I am glad for. They also make another outstanding cheesecake cinnamon roll. The cinnamon roll has cheesecake on top of it, and I love cheesecake. I generally take home two cinnamon rolls to have later on. I would highly recommend trying their cinnamon rolls as they are mouth-watering. I like to take home some of their cookies to snack on. I have tried their chocolate chip cookies and more.

Lunch

They have various kinds of wraps that come with chips. They have a grilled cheese sandwich which comes with tomato soup. I have tried their soup and loved that it was not spicy, as I wouldn’t say I like spicy foods. Their grilled chicken wrap is delicious. They have smash burgers with caramelized onions, bacon, Swiss cheese, and homemade chips. They have daily lunch specials that are very generous and filling. I love all the food at Bean and Bistro n Northwood, Iowa.

The Owner And Staff

The owner always asked me how my food was, which I appreciated. She works in the kitchen with gloves on while she prepares your food. Her co-worker is an excellent barista, and they both have pleasant personalities. They take time to visit with you and put a smile on your face. I ordered six cinnamon rolls one day for other pothers to pick up when I arrived. They were ready to go when I got there.

The Atmosphere

The restaurant is nicely decorated. I love the antiques in the restaurant, as there are two old coffee grinders and a neat little antique corner table with a mirror. She has pictures of people drinking coffee and old coffee signs on the walls. There are more interesting antique pieces to look at. You can see her care in preparing food in the kitchen while waiting. Take a nice little drive and have coffee, breakfast, lunch, cinnamon rolls, and more at Bean & Bistro in Northwood, Iowa.

Italian Night

She will start Italian night starting Saturday in March from 5 to 8 PM; she will bring your wine or spirits to enjoy while eating Italian food. There will be an uncorking fee for your wine or spirits. What an excellent way to spend a Saturday evening with friends or family.

The Bistro Bed and Breakfast

She has a Bed and Breakfast above her Bistro. You can spend a lovely quiet evening above her Bistro and get served one of her fantastic breakfast items and your choice of hot coffee or other hot drinks that she has.

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The Art Of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler Part 2

The Art of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler Part 2

Keep Your Passport And Valuables Attached To Your Person

Keep your passport in a passport holder that goes around your neck with a metal rope that cannot be cut. Keep your money in a money belt or have a zippered container to safely pin to your clothing with a place for your passport. Make sure you always have them attached to your person. Make sure your plane tickets are where you can find them in a hurry. Keep a copy of your receipt for your hotel room and vouchers that you will have to see local attractions. Keep phone numbers for your hotel on you if you get lost while walking about, as they can direct you back to your room. Take a cell phone with you that can be used abroad using a different sim card. Keep emergency numbers with you at all times if someone has to tell someone that you are sick and need medical care.

Take Change With You For Using Rest Rooms Abroad

Most restrooms abroad require you to put the exact amount of change in so a bar will lift all, lowing you use the bathroom. They will not let you in if you do not have a chance. Some bathrooms have matrons sitting by the door asking for more money than they should before they will let you in. Stores do not have bathrooms for the general public. Gas stations also charge users for their toilets. Restaurants want you to buy something before they let you use their restrooms. Once, I used a toilet in a drug store, and she locked me in the bathroom. My friend told her she had to let me out, and luckily, she let me out before we missed our bus back to our hotel for the night. The matron barely let us in one restroom, and she started pounding on the door with a billy club. The matron yelled at us in a train station while we used the restroom. One restroom at a restaurant had men and women using the same toilet. Using the bathroom overseas can be quite an experience you will soon forget.

Allow Time For Unexpected Adventures On Your Trip

We had a plane ride over the islands in Hawaii that I genuinely enjoyed. Our guide told us the history of each island, and we toured an orchid greenhouse. He sold one orchid bulb overseas for $10000.00. We went in a submarine and saw fish and giant turtles in the clear waters of Hawaii. We visited Stonehenge in England, which I had always wanted to see. If you see a day trip, make reservations to go on it since you will probably regret that you did not see it if your heart was set on seeing it. We booked several ballets, operas, and concerts, which I enjoyed immensely. Do not be afraid to look at local attractions such as monuments, museums, and much more on the spur of the moment, as that moment may never reoccur.

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The Black Sheep Coffee Baa Located In Greene

The Black Sheep Coffee Baa Located In Greene, Iowa

Awesome Baked Goods

I ordered a vanilla chai latte and an Almond poppy seed muffin. My chai tea was excellent, and my Almond poppy seed muffin was delicious. My muffin was fresh and tasted like almonds, and the poppy seeds added to the delicate taste. Patrons started coming into the coffee shop and bakery. The Almond poppy seed muffins were flying off the sleeves as they were a big hit with everyone. I ordered six almond sticks to take home. I ate one for an evening snack, and it melted in my mouth. I love almond letters; the almond sticks taste like almond letters. They had scones, cinnamon rolls, colossal chocolate chip cookies, baked bread, and much more to take home.

Lunch Items

I ordered a bowl of their hamburger cheesy soup, which I took home to eat for lunch. The soup was packaged in a microwave container that was vented. I also took home four extra large chocolate chip cookies. I heated the soup in my microwave at noon. My soup was excellent as it had a hamburger, broccoli, and cheese. I enjoyed my soup while I watched TV. They sell paninis, Reubens, salads, and breakfast items.

Friendly Staff

The employees were amiable and accommodating. My barista knew how to make a perfect froth for my latte. All of the food items were handled with gloves on. The coffee shop and bakery owner came out to greet me and see how everything was. I appreciate it when the owner comes out to talk to her customers, as it shows she wants everything done to satisfy the customers. She was charming to visit with. The Black Sheep Coffee Baa is located on Traer Street in Greene, Iowa. A lovely coffee shop to go to for a pleasant morning drive or for a beautiful lunch and delicious baked goods to take home and enjoy throughout the week.

Nicely Decorated

I love the little black sheep in the coffee shop, the old antique stove, the pictures of sheep on the walls, and the old coffee signs. The coffee shop is nicely appointed and has a relaxing atmosphere.

My Morning Breakfast

I ate one of the fantastic chocolate chip cookies for breakfast this morning. I figure why not start your day with sweets, as you can work it off throughout your day. I also heated my leftover chai latte. I enjoyed my breakfast today.

Baked Goods I Will Savor Throughout The Week

I will be munching away on my almond sticks, which I love immensely. I will also be eating more chocolate chip cookies. When I run out of baked goods, I will return to The Black Sheep Coffee Baa and Bakery on Traer Street in Greene, Iowa.

I look forward to trying more of their coffee, lunch items, and baked goods.

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The Art Of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler

The Art Of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler

Plan Out Your Trip

Have a general idea of what you want to see and do on your trip, and do not pack too many activities into one day, as you do not wish to be worn out and tired at the start of your journey. If a museum closes that you had planned to see, look at something else that might pique your interest. Museums do remodel and rearrange now and then, and must be completed to do that. Sometimes Forrest fires will prevent you from seeing something. Drive to a park and look at the beautiful scenery there. I love to look at and visit historical places. Do not get bent out of shape if you have to change your plans for the day, as that is just part of life.

Packing Your Suitcase

When you first start traveling, you pack everything but the kitchen sink. My first suitcase was vast and hard to maneuver in small areas. My bag got caught in a train door and almost became a suitcase of two cities before I ranked it clear from the train’s entrance. Trying to move it down the train isles was virtually impossible. I soon packed a sizeable carry-on suitcase for my main bag, and I did not miss a thing as I soon found out I could get by without all those extra items I used to pack in my giant suitcase.

Expect A lot Of Delays.

You will wait a long time at the airport before your plane departs. Getting through security may take up to two hours alone. Take a book to read, have a cup of Joe, and relax. Pay attention to potential gate changes and different times of departure. It will take a while for you to collect your luggage after you land. It takes time for your taxi to come and take you to your place of destination. Buses may run behind schedule occasionally, so be patient, wait, and be friendly and kind to people, as they cannot help with traffic delays. If the weather is terrible, you must stay overnight and hope the weather is better so you can fly out the next day. One time we had to drive home the next day from the airport because the weather would not improve shortly.

Take A Lot Of Pictures

I love to look at pictures of my trips in the USA and abroad. You can relive your special moments through your photographs. I take pictures of architecture, beautiful scenery, flowers, historic homes, animals, monuments, and the friends I travel with.

Buying Treasures And Gifts

I collect crosses that do not take up much room and are easy to carry with you on a trip. If you buy many items for gifts or family members, find your nearest post office and send them home, so you are not burdened trying to maneuver with them on your trip. Try to buy small items that do not take up much room. Do not over-pack your suitcase; some countries make you pick and choose what you want to keep or throw away until your bag reaches the required weight limit.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Keep an eye on your luggage and purse at all times. One woman in England left her bag under her chair at a buffet, it went missing along with her passport, and she could not get home for ten days even though she was on tour with us. No one wants their beautiful trip to end that way. God bless you, and have a safe and memorable trip,

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Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

Traveling

When you travel, you learn a lot about the area you have traveled to. You taste new foods and learn about the mannerisms and traditions of the people in the area. You see breathtaking scenery, sights, sounds, and much more. I love history and the history of the places I visit. I enjoy looking at the architecture of the old buildings as they took a lot of pride in their work and details, such as the magnificent archways, woodwork, and details in the wood and ceilings. I love vaulted ceilings, dish rails, built-in bookcases, and more. Traveling broadens your horizons, and you learn that other people around the World want the same things that you do. We all want to be healthy, have a sense that we have a purpose on Earth, have a wonderful family, have peace, joy, hope, and love, be happy and feel secure in life.

Time With Family, Friends, And God

Spending time with friends uplifts your spirit as you do and see things together. Traveling with a friend makes the trip much more enjoyable. Friends bring out the sunshine on dark and dreary days. Spending time with family is fun as you have shared the same experiences in your life, and you can talk over old times together and laugh at funny things that happened years ago. Spending time with God should be your top priority in life. Read the bible and read a daily devotion every day. Spend time with your church family and check up on those with health and other concerns. People need someone to talk to and reach out to be that person. Pray to God without ceasing, as he will answer your prayers.

Read A Book

Reading a book is relaxing, and you will learn something new daily. I like to read non-fiction books about Presidents, books on war, science, holy books, biographies, and travel. If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it. You can plan where you want to travel next year by reading travel books.

Keep Things Well Organized

Put things back where you found them, as it will save you valuable time. Keep your files organized and pay your bills as soon as you get them in the mail, and then you will never have to pay late fees. Keep your home and garage organized, and you can get things done quickly and efficiently.

Pay Attention To Your Health And Take Time To Relax

If you feel tired and run down during the day, take time for at least a 20-minute nap, and you will feel revived at the end. Tell your doctor about any health concerns which could save your life. Ensure you take all the necessary steps for your particular age group, so minor things do not become significant. Take time for yourself and relax and unwind from your hectic day. Doing the things I mentioned will genuinely be time well spent.

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In Search Of Beautiful Fall Foliage

In Search Of Beautiful Fall Foliage

In Search Of Beautiful Fall Foliage

I have always loved to go for a drive and look at the beautiful colors of fall foliage. As a child, my parents and I drove to McGregor, Iowa, along the Mississippi River. The leaves are spectacular in this area. We would cross the other side of the river, go to Praire du Chien, Wisconsin, and visit the Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark on St. Feriole Island in Praire du Chien, Wisconsin. We would also drive to Galena, Illinois, and look at President Grant’s home, which was built in 1859-1860. We would go to an apple orchard in Nashua, Iowa, and stop and look at the Little Brown Church.

Looking At Leaves Along River Roads

I like driving to Keosauqua, Iowa, along the Des Moines River. Keosauqua is one of the villages in Van Buren county. I love to stay at the Historic Hotel Manning overnight when traveling in the fall and to look at the villages of Van Buren county. I like to look at Bonaparte and Bentonsport, Iowa, as these villages have changed very little over the steamboat days of old. Farmington, Iowa, is a city in Van Buren county. They have lots of interesting old stores to see and shop in. I love this beautiful historic area. River roads are a great place to drive along and enjoy the fantastic fall foliage.

Governor Larabee’s Mansion is Located In Clermont, Iowa

I love this drive and looking at his beautiful mansion and all its beautiful rooms and furniture, which sits up high on a hill looking down at the town. He would purchase five or more items at once and sell them at a small profit except for one, and then the one he wanted would be free. He had a pet ocelot, and when she died, he had a taxidermist prepare her body to look lifelike, and you can see her when you tour his magnificent mansion. The outdoor area is well-manicured and stunning.

Fall Foliage In Vermont, New Hampshire, And Maine

Now is the peak time for looking at the fall foliage in Vermont and enjoying their homemade Maple Syrup. I loved driving to Stowe, Vermont, and staying at the TrappĀ  Family Lodge. The Sound of Music is based on the Trapp family. The leaves in this area I would rank no. 1 on my list. Driving through the White Mountains in New Hampshire will amaze you with the colors of the beautiful fall leaves. Traveling through the New England states is lovely. We saw the Cog Railway. The White Mountain Lodge has 5-star accommodations and excellent food. We were driving in Coastal Maine to see the fall foliage. We drove along the coast in Camden, Maine. We also stopped and toured several of the lighthouses in the area. At night we had a wonderful lobster dinner. We drove to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine. We drove past President George H. W. Bush’s house in Kennebunkport, Maine. We went along the Hwy next to the Atlantic Ocean and enjoyed our spectacular scenery. We ate some fried fish and chips at a minor road stand that was very popular. We had an excellent duck dinner in Kennebunkport, Maine, in the evening.

Boulder and Estes Park, Colorado

When traveling in Colorado, go early before some roads close in higher elevations due to snow. I love driving in Boulder and Estes Park; I also love driving on Hwy 7, which takes you to Lyons, Colorado, where I always have to stop for homemade Bing Cherry Juice. Estes Park has magnificent fall foliage. Drive along the Big Thompson River for spectacular fall colors.

Enjoy The Colors of Fall

Find the peak time of year for the best fall colors in the state you will be traveling to. Looking at leaves and taking drives in the fall is fun and relaxing. You can shop in the town’s stores and maybe buy some new fall clothing. Enjoy coffee at a coffee shop and dine at a new restaurant. I also look for gifts that I can give to friends at Christmas. Enjoy the fruits of your labor this fall by driving in search of the perfect fall foliage.

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