Here are some recent pictures of adventures in November and December thus far.
I don’t always read YA literature but when I do I like it to be a good read, and this one is! While preparing for Thanksgiving I started listening to this audiobook. I quickly got sucked in and borrowed the physical book as well. Here is my review for your reading pleasure.
What is funny? Do you have a hard time explaining why something is funny to you? Does it start to break down if you think about it too much? Do you like the comments section on YouTube videos? Reply in the comments below.
Sometimes great ideas come to me for products that I wish were on the market. I would like a to invent a line of biodegradable pictures because I have photo guilt? Do you? How do you deal with it?
Playlist for Mid-November 2024 Even in non-election years, mid-November can be a tricky time. In my neck of the woods, it finally feels like the end of the year has…
Recently, I read the New York Times Opinion newsletter and I learned about vnutrennaya emigratsia “a term the Russians use to describe their “internal exiles,” people so disillusioned by the chaos around them that they turn away from politics to the comfort of their family, to the refuge of books and art.”
Is this what I have been doing lately? Have I found the word to describe it?
Here are some recent artistic explorations.
Yesterday, our friends invited us to join them at the WK&S Railroad for a special dog inclusive train ride. It was a one day only event.
It was as special as you might imagine. Open this blog to see some pictures.
See our 2024 Halloween pictures.
Our borough had trick-or-treating last Friday night, the same day as their school parade. We also enjoyed Boo at the Zoo in Philadelphia last Saturday.
We had a busy few days enjoying Halloween.
Here are some pictures from our yearly October family picnic at Laurel Hill State Park. We love the Laurel Highlands.
I love reading this book! Michelle is very inspiring and relatable. Sometimes when I reading it though, I get caught up in mind game where I ask myself why I haven’t accomplished as much as Michelle Obama.
Did you read it? What did you think?
Sometimes I start writing a post, then I run out of time and never finish the post. I was going to delete those posts, but then I realized that they share some cute pictures and fun memories. Here is one of those posts.
The annual family reunion picnic is coming in October.
I am still working on my food ideas for the weekend. What would you make for a fall picnic? What would you make to eat around the campfire when not at the reunion?
Last weekend, we all remembered my parents in our thoughts as it would have been their 50th wedding anniversary if they were still with us on this on earth. They…
You know me, I’m a high class girl! I like things fancy. That’s why I like to start thinking about my Halloween ideas early.
Here is a post about what organized activities my family is participating in this fall.
I recently came across an email reminding libraries to check the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Unclaimed property website. Then I remembered that people in my life should check and see if they have unclaimed money coming to them.
We took our annual camping trip to Hickory Run State Park last week, Labor Day weekend. Hickory Run State Park is probably our favorite Pennsylvania State Park. It is located…
H. Nugget lost his first tooth. Here are some pictures. of his new mouth.
I recently came into possession of a digital advanced reader’s copy of “Heartbreak is the National Anthem: how Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music” by Rob Sheffield and it is scratching all the right itches for me.
I feel like I am taking crazy pills this week.
Here they are. The traditional first day of school pictures.
The impending school year is breaking my brain a little. See some pictures, read my thoughts
One high of the “big stones” of our summer was Mr. Man participating in the swim team at our local community pool. We belong to the Southern Lehigh Community Pool.
One morning after sleeping in the camper in our yard, the boys and I traveled to Doylestown, PA and took a tour of Fonthill Castle. I have been curious for some time about what it looks like inside.
Summer really got away from me. Over the next few weeks, I hope to share some of the highlights with you from our summer vacation
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this.
You know it is a good book when you wish that is wasn’t over. Reading Lessons in Chemistry was like eating a delicious box of chocolates.
I subscribe to my cousin James’s blog. It called Stylish. I get a lot out of it and appreciate his take on life. He is a much more prolific blogger…
“But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.“
-Thomas Jefferson
I just got my first tomato of the season. I feel like “a noob” but also excited about gardening.
We have some new pets in our house, that’s right—Worms!
Here’s a little information about Mr. Katie’s new adventure.
The latest book that I read using my NetGalley Account is Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant by Stephanie Kiser. It will be published on August 6, 2024. It is a memoir…
All the hail the short book, I say. They are the “short kings” of the book world.
Today, I review Flora and Ulysses and discuss why short books are awesome.
I am sending out this Father’s Day present to you all instead (late of course, which is exactly what I would have done for my Father too).
Thank you everyone for playing. There were 24 players last night. Congratulations to Axolotler last night’s top finishers. See you in the fall for more trivia.
Hi All,
I have a brand new trivia quiz for you tonight. Play until 9 pm. Open this post for the link.
Play some online trivia this evening. Today is Thursday, June 13th. This is a picture Mr. Man recently drew. If you know you know. See you tonight
Back in the day, I was given free Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of physical books . Now you can get them digitally. I tried out Netgalley. Also here is a review of a book that I got from Netgalley.
People who know me well know that I hate beginnings. I don’t usually like the first few episodes of TV shows. I don’t always like the first 15 minutes of…
I believe that reading can change the way we live our lives. It can change the way we look at the world. Reading makes people more empathetic and open to…
It’s the last day of May. Find out what I have been up to this May.
If you were alive in the 1990’s and you have two ears connected to a heart you might know of a little Dave Matthew’s album called Crash. “Proudest Monkey” is the last song on the album. Today, I feel like the proudest monkey.
Back at the beginning of May we joined Mr. Man’s cub scout troop at the Franklin Institute. It was a very fun day where we saw many things that captured our imaginations
Thank you to everyone who played last night. There were 32 participating teams. The winning team last night was Dr. BoogEFeeva with 23,295 points! Also making the top five are:…
Today, I ran the St. Luke’s Half Marathon, in beautiful Allentown, PA. I took the above picture around 7:40 am this morning after I parked but before I walked over…
I haven’t blogged much lately because springtime has gotten very busy. Maybe some of you have been wondering what we have been up to so I thought that I would…
Thank you all for playing. Congratulations to Raider Dave our first place finisher tonight!
While cleaning out my parent’s house, I found a book written by my 6th grade class. It can’t believe how much it tickles me now to look at it now.
This is the picture from my most recent in person trivia night, Island Breeze placed first for the second month in a row. Also there will be online trivia this coming Thursday
Enjoy some pictures from Easter Weekend.
I have been thinking deeply about what we as a people can offer that is unique and special and can’t be replicated by machines? What special skills do we as humans have that AI will never possess?
I was going through my phone’s pictures and I remembered a little funny happening from last week.
I like design. I like walking. I like Pleasure Gardens. I like taking an adventure. Every few years, or sometimes less than that, I like to make a 1.5 hour…
Sometimes people say to me “Hey, your online trivia stuff is really fun, I heard you do it in-person, is it the same?” Today I hope to tell you about that.
Here is the winning teams podium from last night’s trivia contest. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for playing and I will have another online challenge for you in…
Remember a few days ago when I published 7 Food and Activity Pairings for Tax Season? Well, I realized that there is one tax activity and food pairing that completely…
Can you name the businesses each logo is from? 10 Points possible.
Are you at a loss as to what foods pair well with your tax season activities? Look no further than this post. I have been where you are. I am here to be your guide to how to navigate the tricky world of how to balance food with tax season activities. Come along with me.
Are you wearing your blue and yellow? What are you going to do today to enjoy the extra day that you would not get in any other year?
Today is the last day of meteorological winter. Live up winter. Eat something hardy.
Take this Lesser Known American Presidents Quiz. Match the pictures of these lesser known US Presidents with the facts about them. An answer key is available at the end of…
Hi All, This past weekend, we celebrated Kindergarten Nugget’s 6th birthday. We went to the Please Touch Museum (again) in Philadelphia because he had a such a good time last…
Congratulations to last night’s top finisher Jeremy! In second place was Weikiki and in third place is AJM. The sneezes and MLS finished out the top five. Thank you all…
Happy Mardi Gras. Happy Carnival. Happy Shrove Tuesday. Happy Faschnaut Day. Enjoy your treats today. Here are some food and activity pairings just for today.
Are you looking to get back into reading? Are you looking for something that can be enjoyable but you don’t feel like you have to worry too much about the characters or what happens? Something that you can enjoy but not worry about too much. I’ve got the book for you.
The weather was warmer and sunnier than it has been so on Sunday we took a nice little hike. It was a little like that time on the show Portlandia when everyone ran to the little bit of sunshine that was poking through the trees.
Happy Groundhog Day! I hope you are doing well this lovely Friday morning.
Groundhog Day is celebrated as the halfway point of winter.
I hope to give you some ideas of how you can celebrate Groundhog Day as well as take advantage of this 2nd half of the winter season.
My plans developing an extremely specific stand-up comedy act.
Plus an exploration of the yin and yang especially in how to relates to how male and female authors structure their self-help books.
Look what I found this weekend!
I have been up to some winter activities this January.
Play online trivia on my blog on Thursday, January 18 in the evening. Also enjoy these pictures from the Please Touch Museum.
Here’s what Katie has been up to so far in 2024
Here are My Favorite Books of 2023 (Out of the 27 that I Read) These are the top four books that I read this year: Life After Life by Katie…
Did I reach my reading goal for 2023?
Read this post to find out. Also be on the lookout for the list of Best Books That I Read in 2023 coming later this week.
Hi All, I will be hosting Quizzo on Thursday, December 28th at 7 pm at the Indian Valley Public Library in Telford, PA. If you are in the area or…
Blessings to you this Christmas season. I googled “how to write a Christmas letter” and the internet had many ideas. One suggestion, that I thought was rather good at first,…
Don’t Indulge Too Hard in Cyber Monday And Celebrate Cyborg Monday Instead.
Do what you want with your own life. It’s your life. It’s just that maybe avoiding Cyber Monday might quell a robot uprising. This is just a theory.
This Thanksgiving I am grateful for this little turkey. . . Here he is enjoying his kindergarten Friendship Feast which consists of the all the little kindergarten turkeys wearing paper…
Yes, it is important to count your blessings on Thanksgiving. You should definitely do that.
But, Thanksgiving is also about the food and the floats. The floats in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade that is! Here is the definitive guide to great food and float pairings for the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what to eat or drink when Santa ends the parade on Herald Square, I’ve got you covered!
See some pictures from my trip to Harpers Ferry
Here’s something new. This little November baby is now eight years old. How time flies! Lucky guy, he got to have an extra hour of birthday this year as his…
Wouldn’t it be great to know what Katie has been doing lately. Good thing this post exists so you can find out. I haven’t checked in too much about what…
In my town, almost all of the Halloween-ness of Halloween happens before October 31. Mr. Man and Kindergarten Nugget had their school Halloween parade and town trick or treat night…
I have another list.. It’s never too early to start thinking about election day.
Here are some pairings that you should try before or on Tuesday, November 7th.
You know you were clamoring for this!
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
– L. M. Montgomery from Anne of Green Gables
On my Dad’s side of the family, October is serious business. Well, seriously fun business! This is when we celebrate many birthdays. The weekend before the second Monday in October…
Oops! . . I Did It Again. 18 More Fall Food and Activity Pairings Outside of the Pumpkin Spice Realm
You thought that it couldn’t be done. That I couldn’t think of any more. To that I say, Don’t doubt me.
The work week is almost over that means you just one more day to plan an amazing autumn weekend.
Let me help you. This is happening. You can thank me later.
Maybe you read my original list and thought, wouldn’t it be great if there were more ideas?
You’ve come to the right place because I have 18 more suggestions!
Today is the first full day of Autumn! Welcome to fall. Are you looking for the most quintessentially fall activity to do this season?
Here are 18 Fall Food and Activity Pairings for you to try this fall!
Here are the top Eight Trends for September in Katieworld:
I also love being introduced to books that I might not have picked out for myself otherwise. This month the book club that I belong to is reading West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.
It is a great book for American history enthusiasts and people who loved the movie Forest Gump. You might like it as well . . .
I am trying to figure whether I will use the items that I have at my house. I found yogurt starter and some glass jars that I saved.
This past weekend I made yogurt for the first time. How did it turn out? Read and find out.
It’s that time of year. Summer is over now, sort of. School is back in session.
This means that I finally have to do all those things around the house that I told myself that I would do once summer is over.
The chickens have come home to roast y’all.
This weekend I finished reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (published 2012 by Simon and Schuster) by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Perhaps, I should be more truthful,…
Hi All, We had an exciting last week of August into the beginning of September. Several exciting things happened: We took of annual birthday camping trip at Hickory Run State…
While on our beach vacation, we watched a rocket launch. It was quite an educational experience. I recommend it.
Goodnight all, I hope you are having a good summer. Love, Katie
Since the early July, when Mr. Katie returned from the hospital after his appendix surgery, I have been leaning heavily on fixing our previously neglected raised bed garden as my…
I have been 44 for one whole entire day now and I think it is going pretty good so far. I like 44 because 4 is my favorite number and…
Tomorrow is my birthday. Sometimes turning another year older makes me feel agitated. However tonight, I am not feeling too bothered by the idea of turning another year older tomorrow.…
On Goodreads, the book social media website where I like to log my reading, I have set a 2023 reading goal. My goal for 2023 is 25 books. Right now…
After a detour in our summer plans, I decided that we should reclaim our untended raised beds and plant a vegetable and herb garden.
A week and a half ago now, my household traveled to western Pennsylvania to attend a four day long festival at Camp Sequanota, which is a Lutheran summer camp that…
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is the 2022 novel by Gabrielle Zevin that fed my Xenial heart. I was born in 1979 in a microgeneration that sort of belongs to…
Here are some pictures from this evening.
The boys have been off for summer vacation for over 2 weeks now. In all honesty, we haven’t been terribly exciting. Mr. Katie and I have been working with Preschool…
I have been wanting to write more about myself, but sometimes I worry that I do not have anything profound to say. But I have small things to say, so…
All of the pictures featured today have been taken from Sunday-Wednesday this week. It seem that we When I look at my pictures now, it seem we have had a…
Hey All, It’s almost halfway through 2023. Crazy right? The school year is over for Preschool Nugget and he is currently enrolled in “Summer Camp” for this week and next…
“I’m so proud of them all”
Olivia Gaffron
Circa 2005 (?)
Since preschool is over for the year, H. is going to get a job with the township in their public works department. I think he is going to be a…
Hi All, Play some trivia until 9 pm tonight. Come up with a fun team name. Share your link with friends and family who might not have trivia night on…
Today Mr. Katie and I participated in something that I have wanted to bepart of for a long time.We ran in the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. It is the…
Yesterday, Mr. Katie ran in Allentown’s St. Luke’s Half Marathon. He finished and did great! The music is wonderful, and the support is great. It is a good race. I…
Mr. Katie and I were talking last night about what makes people interesting. I said having “cool interests” makes people interesting. I then said that I judged certain interests to…
Hi All, I had hoped to write more to you all today. I generally write blog entries on Monday evenings but I got very busy today writing my trivia quiz…
Here are some pictures from the past week (Holy Week, if you will). The boys had some time off of school and we have been having some fun adventures.
On Sunday, I ran in the Hair of the Bear 15k held at the Shawnee Inn and Brewery in the foothills of the Poconos. In this picture of my medal,…
Even Claire and Jamie are waiting for the big reveal Here is the inspiring quote I chose to use: Je Suis Prest. It means: I am ready! It is also…
About a month ago, a library customer asked me to help them find this movie on the shelf. She said that she saw a movie preview for it last summer…
Last night I was invited by a friend of mine to attend the local high school’s musical production of Rock of Ages, Teen Edition. I was blown away by the…
I’m having a little bit of trouble getting excited about participating in the Broad Street Run coming up on April 30. Could it be apathy or is it
because I don’t have the right outfit concept yet?
Hi Friends, Did you know that once a month, September- May (except December), I lead an in-person trivia night at the Indian Valley Public Library? We call Quizzo. If you…
Preschool Nugget was born on a calm, very early morning in late February. He is our quiet sometimes very calm child. He likes trucks, cars, tractors, the children’s show Blippi,…
Hi Friends, It’s been a while since I checked in. Here is what has going on in Katie World. I made this update as a bullet point list so that…
Hi All, I wanted to share some pictures with you all of our recent everyday adventures. Life has been going by lately at a steady clip. We have been busy…
I wanted to let those of you who follow my life know that I finished all twelve weeks of the The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Here are my thoughts two weeks out.
Today I want to share some adventures we had this past Saturday when Mr. Man participated in two library programs at two different libraries and the entire family attended our…
A little over a week ago, Mr. Katie, the boys and I took a trip to Philadelphia (about an hour a way) to visit the Please Touch Museum. We had…
I am learning a new hobby right now. I hope writing this post will help me stick with it.
Remember this post from late October? I am here today to update you on exactly how my pumpkin spice journey continued since the end of pumpkin season. When we last…
Hi Friends, It’s January so it is the time of year where people make resolutions. I do not have any resolutions this year per se but I do have goals…
People who experience synesthesia see emotions are colors. I do not have that.
But maybe I do have something I just invented called: eatnthesia. This means that I need to eat and cook while expressing the dominant feeling of the season and I feel a little lost right now.
Christmas came early in the form of clothing choices!
Yesterday when I was cleaning up paper in the area where we keep the boy’s coloring books and things, I found this map. I do not even know how it…
The Oxford Languages, producers of the Oxford English Dictionary named, Goblin Mode the word of the year for 2022.
I like Christmas letters but let’s face it, sometimes Christmas letters are hated as much as fruitcake (which I also like). Not to get off topic, but have you ever…
I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while now. I do not know if I am able to give it all the oomph that it deserves but I…
Hey guys, I have been busy. My journey through The Artist’s Way, has inspired me to try something new. I am going to have my conversation stickers printed so that I can sell them at a Christmas Bazaar next week.
Open this post to play trivia tonight. Play until 9 pm. Share with friends, family and trivia lovers. Come up with a funny team name. You will love it. Brought to you by the Indian Valley Public Library.
Hi Guys, It’s getting to be that time of year. It’s the holiday season. . . There’s a chill in the air and a gleam in our hearts. It is…
On Thursday, my sister Liz and I ran in a Turkey Trot race for a fun morning Thanksgiving activity. We both found it to be fun and life affirming! Thanks…
What do you think about the concept of Friendsgiving? This is the post where I share my thoughts on all that.
This past weekend we had a Gravity Falls themed birthday party for old son’s (Mr. Man) 7th Birthday. At some point in the last year, Mr. Man discovered Gravity Falls…
My four year old son H. put on his winter coat on both Monday and Tuesday morning this week even though, for a mid-fall morning, it was definitely too warm…
We made an ofrenda today for Día de los Muertos. It is the first time that we did this. Next year we hope to incorporate marigolds and more decorations. Still…
I recently switched from Pumpkin Spice Creamer Brand and have saved substantially. Can I spend my new-found wealth on other fun seasonal products?
![Spooky Halloween Trivia [Updated With Podium 10/26 at 8 am]](https://i0.wp.com/everydayadventureswithkatie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-5732486.jpeg?resize=660%2C577&ssl=1)
Open this post to play trivia tonight until 9 pm. It is spooky Halloween Trivia so beware. No prizes just internet glory. Share with friends and family and see who is the ultimate Halloween Trivia master.
Cheers,
Katie
A few weeks ago we took a long weekend trip to visit Laurel Hill State Park located near Somerset, Pennsylvania to see family and friends. We had a wonderful, bucket filling time.
The fall is moving quickly. . .
See some pictures from a fun, Touch-a-Truck event we attended back in September.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I am writing a post to encourage you to keep going with your chosen thing. I don’t know what your chosen…
What is the artist’s way? How do they walk the earth? Am I am artist? Are you an artist? Creating is fun!
Join me in running or walking in the 7th Annual Motown Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 24th, 2022
Lately, I have been noticing a lot of negativity in the ways people express themselves with bumper stickers.
Let’s counter that negativity with positivity! People should feel free to tell the world about the awesome things that they have accomplished with car stickers!
Friends let’s be real with one another. Do you have a stack of unfinished books in your house? Do you have big plans for books that never quite happen? I might never have the aptitude to lead an exercise class despite being a regular attendee . . .but I might be able to help you with your reading woes.
There was a point yesterday morning where I wished that I had Facebook, or God-forbid Twitter, so I could poll humanity and ask them, “What do you think the song…
During our 2nd Annual Mr. Katie Hickory Run Birthday Camping Trip, we almost met several animals. Then we had a bit of an showdown with one particular night visitor. . .
Could the pigeon be somebody’s pet?
In regards to yesterday’s story, I realized that there were some additional pigeon encounter details that I wanted to share with you.
Lately, I have been having some intense animal encounters. Find out about my run-in with a pigeon that left me shaken.
Last week the boys and I ventured to Chanticleer, an amazing garden in the Philadelphia area. Located in Wayne, PA it is not as large or as well known as some other Philadelphia area garden but it has some really special features. Find out what makes it so unique.
Enjoy some new backpack and first day of school photos featuring Mr. Man. Preschool Nugget starts next week.
What has Katie been up to lately? Read on to find out.
There used to be a general feeling in the world that viewing other people’s vacation slides was about as interesting as watching paint dry.
But not for me. . .
I love seeing vacation pictures and reading a vacation review!
So I wrote one about a place we visited this summer.
Have you ever thought about quitting social media but you were afraid that you would lose contact with your connections?
Start your own blog. Here is a guide to get yourself started.
It’s been a minute! I have missed you all, sincerely. Recently, the guys and I took a vacation to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island on the eastern coast of Virginia.…
Last weekend I was fortunate enough to the 75th Anniversary celebration for Camp Sequanota. It is the Lutheran Church camp that I attended in my teens, at the invitation of…
My adventures in reading broadly continue this summer. Enjoy this book review of Normal People by Sally Rooney, a relationship drama about two young people Ireland. The critically acclaimed book was turned into a Hulu mini-series in 2020.
Honestly, in life, I am a little bit of a trouble maker.
Sometimes I like to play a game where I think of a question that I have been asked and try to figure out what would be the “worst” answer that I could give in response.
Sometimes I play it with music.
Sometimes I play it with Beatles songs. . .
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am on a reading-spree right now. I find myself in a place where I have an interest in reading things outside off my…
I am interested in everything books related right now. I do not know how I have turned this book lust faucet on, but I am so grateful that it is flowing.
Read about my current project: reading broadly to build my empathy muscle.
It’s been a minute. Lately things have felt busy. Here are some pictures of our recent adventures.
2022 has been a big year for me. No, I did not do anything extremely life altering like moving to a different country or buying Twitter or anything like that.
I have fallen in love. . . with my Kindle.
Lately, I have been reading the book Outlander, which takes place in Scottish. The setting must be getting to me because recently I persuaded my family to visit an outdoor sancuary in the Lehigh Valley that is inspired by Celtic culture and the Scotland.
Thank you all for playing. There were 31 teams playing tonight. See the post for the top 5 finishing teams. This was the last match until late September 2022. See you all in the fall for trivia but feel free to follow my blog till then. Lots of love,
Katie
Preschool Nugget has recently come into a stage where he is obsessed with our next-door neighbor, who tows things and towing things. Enjoy this post about Preschool Nugget.
Today I have an adventure for you in domesticity!
For a while now, I have been into making and enjoying tea lattes. What is a tea latte you ask? Well, its a lot like a coffee latte except its made of tea.
What are the major differences between Sheetz and Wawa? I have outlined the major differences.
Happy May the 4th, aka Star Wars Day (as in May the Fourth Be With You). Remember when I said all those bad things about Star Wars. If you forgot,…
Are you struggling to figure out the perfect way to celebrate your western Pennsylvania Mother this Mother’s Day? 10 Ideas for Treating Your Pittsburgh Area Mother: 1. Nothing says love…
Everyday Adventures With Katie just Celebrated Its 5th anniversary. Yay!
Check out this selection of seven favorite posts from the past five years.
Yesterday I ran in the St. Luke’s Half Marathon in sunny Allentown, PA. Find out how it all went. Did I finish? Did I get picked up by the shame van? Find out.
Once, I wanted to get a tattoo that said No Regerts because then I really couldn’t not commit to the ethos Luckily, my husband talked me out of it.
Hi Friends, It’s officially been more than 5 months now since I quit all Meta properties, you know what I mean: Facebook and Instagram. A few weeks ago a friend…
Around this time last year, when I was still on Instagram, a friend posted a picture of a flower with snow around it and wrote a caption that said something…
I hope you are having a happy start of spring. Find out what Katie and family have been up to since I last posted.
Our little Henry turned four years old recently. See some of the pictures from that magical time.
This post is about what my spring running plans entail. I have a new things on the horizon.
Recently, we took a short trip to Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains. It was great fun. Included are stories, pictures and tips for visiting the lodge.
Earlier this month, we took our annual trip to Hershey Park’s ZooAmerica and Chocolate World. We had a great time. as always.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are some songs to get you crying. It can be the worst when you hear them by accident but when you play them on purpose, you have the power!
I am feeling so many feels about the YMCA this season. That’s what this post is about.
Find out about how I already scrapped my reading resolution and learn more about one part of my running resolution. January is for goal setting or going crazy, maybe both, me thinks. . .
The last three weeks told in pictures
New Year’s Resolutions are cool, trust me. Here are some resolutions that I have done in the past, then see what I want to do this year.
See some pictures and hear some stories of our adventures during the Christmas to New Year’s Day holiday break.
2021 was a year of outside socializing, self reliance, nature, speech therapy, endings and new beginnings.
I meant to write about the entire year in this post but I have only finished remembering January.
We ended up having a bit more of an intimate, quiet Christmas than orginally planned but it was nice nonetheless
I just want to enter this into the public record that Katie and Brendan Nicholson went on a date where they chose to run 4 miles together, on purpose.
Remember when I said all that stuff about Facebook, I am going to backpedal my stance, a little . but not wholly.
This past Saturday we were fortunate enough to take a trip to Kempton, PA in Berks County to ride the Santa Claus Express, an annual, one-weekend-only, event held by the…
This past weekend, I went through some pictures from 15-20 years ago in preparation for a friend’s wedding. My friends has a wedding website and might also be projecting the…
Happy Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I wish you a peaceful day where you can find sometime to relax and take a deep breath. The above picture is one that Patrick made…
I am going to post a trivia link on Thanksgiving Day. Play until 9pm at night.
Let it be known. I am finally an adult. It only took 42 years, 3 months, and and 21 days.
Guess Who Got Glasses? Is that Harry Potter or is that Patrick? Check out this newly minted six year old with his new glasses. The journey toward glasses wearing began…
In this post we learn about how Katie’s half marathon on Sunday, November 7th went down.
Saturday, we took a short trip north to Leaser Lake, a Lehigh County Park. We then had a late lunch at Wanamakers General Store.
Great hikes, mountain streams, lake swimming, a boulder field and oh yes, bears! What’s not to love about this gem.
For the July 4th weekend we took a trip to western, Pennsylvania’s Laurel Hills State Park–Let me tell you about it!
In April, I was lucky enough to take a hiking vacation with Liz, one of my younger sisters. The way I happened upon this grand adventure is that early last…
We have had several new adventures recently. The boys started school and soccer. Also we went camping six times this summer in our pop up camper.
Have you ever wanted something that you pretend you don’t really want. You should Treat Yo’ Self!
Hi Friends, It’s been a while. What have I been up to? Well, we bought a used pop-up camper in June and we have been out on weekends camping with…
On Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 we decided that you had officially left us from this world. It was a landmark day, in that we decided we could officially upgrade.
When a getting in trouble with the park ranger really sums up the central theme of the parenting struggle. How wild should life in this age be?
Don’t stew about how the last 14 months are just one comedy of errors after another, look on the bright side!
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On your next yard sale campaign, try this scavenger hunt and see how many items you can find.
All it takes is an interesting interaction with other children at a playground to put your situation in perspective.
Some big news in my life if that I am taking an extended break from Instagram and Facebook. It might be a forever choice, we will see. The good news…
I keep walking past this sign at the cart return at my local Giant grocery store for Yasso Greek Yogurt Sandwich treats (kind of ice cream sandwiches) that reads “The…
A week in pictures
The internet is ruining my instincts. I am beginning a month long writing challenge.
A few months ago, I was looking through the comment section of my blog and I found some a gift from a reader.
I have been wearing eye makeup daily. This is very unlike me. Like mixing cheese into spreads at the cheese shop, I am calling this “value adding” in quotes.
It does seem like to me at least there is a pressure right now to level-yourself out right now.
1) Flip the Calendar to March. I actually did that yesterday, but still, I think the 4th is kind of late for that. 2) Read all the Nora Ephron I can get my hands on. I ordered…
How you regroup now that winter’s biggest event is over?
This pandemic is getting very old. Last week, we made cheese because we are grasping for straws. It was very good cheese though.
The January Blues start for me somewhere around January 2nd. Here are some tips I have for making it through January.
One very small, part time job gave me what I had been looking for as a writer.
I have long thought that that Facebook is like that mirror that Harry finds on Christmas break.
Today, is the first day back to real life. Real life is for March?. . . (thanks 30 Rock) No not really, real life is for January 4th. I am starting this thing today…
According to some researchers, people are the unhappiest at age 47.2. I am no longer afraid of getting there.
I hate the darkness but I do it all for the endorphins.
He smiled and said, “My Inception of you has finally born fruit after almost 13 years together.”
In September, Mr. Katie bought himself a new bike. It was exciting for me because I love bike riding. I have hybrid bike and when I was a young, recently college…
Today I learned from Alexa that Elvis was 42 when he died. I could have sworn he was 57 or something. Instead of making me feel old, it makes me…
Community is one of my television favorite shows of all time. I have created quizzes on television shows American Dad and BoJack Horseman. I have been hesitant to create a quiz about…
I recently read that Americans are sticking to basic products instead of interesting variations in their grocery shopping thanks to the rise in popularity of drive-up grocery pickup services due to the Covid-19. What a shame,…
I didn’t know how to write this first post back. Let me address the elephant in the room
A lot of life has happened in the past six weeks and was getting to the point where it felt like too much to write about. Every time I would…
Today the 4 year old asked me if vultures eat bunnies. I said no, they only eat dead things. They eat carrion, so if the bunny is dead they would…
[This post is not sponsored by anybody. These are just some hacks that I have been using to make the days a little easier and more fun] 1) Tired of cooking? For…
What’s getting us through these trying times?
The grass feels soft beneath me. We are all lounge lizards, to borrow an expression from an old friend.
One of things that is really getting me though these times is being obsessed about the Netflix show Bojack Horseman. The hubs and I have been watching it since it was released by Netflix in 2014. …
To grok something is to love and hate something
In short, I have been keeping the memoir industry in business with ravenous reading appetites for true stories.
It is humbling to be taken down a notch because the life that we lived on January 1, 2020 seems like a very different world than the life that we live now.
Remember that time that I wrote a post about how we should all hit up a Leave-a-Book, Take-a-Took areas?
1) I am lying to my preschooler to keep the peace. On Friday at dinner, I put red food coloring in my glass of ginger ale, so it matched the red Kool-Aid that was in his cup. You see, his…
When I came up with my new life plan, I thought that I was novel. You want to know what is really novel. . .the Novel Coronavirus,
How are you going to get by if things get scarce. Here are some ideas.
Did I stick with running post half marathon?
What are some things you can do to make parties more fun for you? This post is all about you.
Think back to all the classics. What characters would make you want to swipe right and who would make you swipe left?
Our favorite part of the arboretum was the fernery, which is a warm, wet greenhouse for growing ferns.
By posting these Karen memes, are we saying as a society that we should all take what we get and not complain to the manager to fix our problems. Because it seems to me that the main complaint against Karen is that she is a woman who is complaining.
What has Katie been using to get herself through winter?
My father came to visit my last weekend. While he was sitting in my living room he asked me why I was writing in a little blue book in my…
What am I up to now?
Hi Friends, tonight I have for you a real round of Music trivia that I used at last week’s Library Quizzo Night. See if you can name the movie that…
It’s Blue Tuesday, treat your self to something silly and frivolous!
I did the opposite of what Hilary did—I deleted some e-mails.
If you like looking at pictures, this is the post to check out. It has lots of summer vacation pictures
I am writing this, partially as a reminder to myself for the future of all the things that happened in 2019.
I do enjoy when I have the time and inspiration to really flesh out a subject but sometimes I don’t have the time or energy needed to make that happen.…
On the last night I did Quizzo in 2019, back at the end of November, the members of one of my Quizzo teams at the library brought me this gift.…
Last Days of August– I love Jon Ronson, who is the host and writer of the podcast. I first heard his voice on the radio show This American Life about…
Everything between Thansgiving and New Year’s Day is supposed to be chocolate covered but what if you aren’t feeling chocolate?
I don’t know that much about the actual man. I like the Bobby Moynihan impression of Guy Fieri from SNL.
My half marathon has come and went. I trained, I ran, I finished. Now I am onto the processing stage. I don’t really want to go into the play-by-play of…
It is fitting that I should be talking about how my Quizzo presentation went this week because my Mom inspired all of it.
Hi Friends, Sorry it’s been so long. When I have a goal in mind , or two goals in this case, I get into these very focused states where all…
I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, I promise. I just started a new website. Read on to learn more.
I used to be addicted to watching funny videos on Youtube while emptying the dishwasher now I have a new obsession.
I feel so conflicted about Minions, Movies, Libraries and Five Dollars
I was challenged to write a story. This is a story that I have never told anyone before.
Now that I am 40 I think we can all agree that I am probably pretty wise. I am not saying that I am like a guru or anything but if anyone wanted to seek me out to find the meaning of life I won’t blame them.
Today’s the big day. What opportunities do I see for myself in the future?
What Threats might inhibit me from experiencing another 40 years of joy and happiness on earth?
We are now about the explore the top 10 low-lights of the past 40 years.
What some of the highlights of my life thus far?
Right now Mr. Katie and I are listening have a little book club going on. Actually, it is more of a listening club. Right now we are listening to the…
I don’t often follow famous people on Instagram but when I do, they are usually memoirists.
Yesterday, after Mr. Man, Baby Nugget, and I attended a storytime at the PBS 39 Studios on the southside of Bethlehem, PA we decided to check out the “sky walkway”…
My older son’s preschool wrapped up last week and now I am a little scared that I will not be able to fill all of that time.
Hi Friends, It’s been a long time. Sorry about that. I still really like writing this blog but life sure gets busy sometimes. Mr. Man will be done school soon…
These are merely my thoughts on the article: Welcome to NYT Parenting: Here is Why We Won’t Say Natural Childbirth that first appeared on May 7, 2019.
Last night I wrapped up my last session of Quizzo at the library for the spring. I feel really positive about it because I have had some people come to…
Easter, it’s coming up and the candy is everywhere in stores right now. Here are some fun ideas of what to do with it this season. 1) Buy the Easter…
Several months ago I wrote a piece on going back to work after having a baby it was called The Value of a Paycheck These Days. In it, I summed…
I wanted to give you readers an update on how Quizzo is going at the library. it has more than exceeded my expectations.
Dearest Little One, Very soon your will be turning one year old and that is a very big deal. It seems like only yesterday we were eagerly awaiting your arrival.…
Figure out what books had these original covers with the words removed. S
I wanted to give you a good brain teaser today so I have included a 10 question movie picture quiz. See how many movies you can identify from these pictures. Theme: Winter
I wanted to check in with you all and let you know how my New Year’s Resolutions are going since it is February now. You can check out my original…
Did you know that today, January 24th is National Compliment Day? Some of my favorite people have important days today too. Today is my friend Mandy C.’s Birthday. It is…
About a week and a half ago I saw the author David Sedaris read from his newest book Calypso at the Keswick Theater near Philadelphia. I was really excited to…
It is hard to overstate just how much Quizzo meant to my life during the years of 2012 and 2013. When I say I played Quizzo at least once a week, I was not overselling it. Quizzo was the major thing I did during that time.
How Do You Know It Is Almost Mid-January? The New Year’s clearance sales are over but things are just starting to heat up for the pre-Martin Luther King Jr. sales
I have a big announcement, an Oprah sized announcement, “2019 will be the year Katie Notices Stuff. It will also the year that Katie Gets Younger.”
More gems from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Some might say it was the golden age of television.
“Enough with books, TV is for me!”
What Christmas TV fed my Xenial soul?
I like parties, for the most part, and I like my children but I don’t always like attending parties with my children. Maybe the key to getting through it is to just it and to not worry about earning style points.
Have you ever wanted your own private librarian? If you donate to my Relay for Life Team from now until December 31, 2018 you could win: A Birthday themed storytime…
I learned something in my college freshman orientation that I would not understand until almost an entire lifetime later, age 36 when I became a mother for the first time.
You will suddenly remember the voice of the “helpful relative” saying to your child, “DO YOU HELP MOMMY PUSH YOUR BROTHER IN THE STROLLER?” And even though that relative has never been anything short of nice you will, in that moment, hate that person furiously, with the power of a thousand suns.
Last year for Christmas I made Mr. Man his own personalized Alphabet Book. I got the idea because when he was a baby he had been give a soft cloth…
I had known my mother was sick for several months before she passed away. I have a few thoughts now that I am a few weeks away from it all.…
Fall is in full bloom. The leaves are finally changing around here and we have some fall feeling weather. Grieving is hard work but even so I certainly have some…
Last night I took a very short walk around my neighborhood, probably lasting 15 minutes or less. I walked between the break in the rain drops between 4:45 pm and…
Fill your bucket. Here are some reasons to donate blood.
I have a long relationship with Phil the Groundhog