Author Archives: Janette

Italy Chronicles: Part 2 (Orvieto, Castiglione Del Lago, Siena, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano)

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Janette

Orvieto was the first of many hilltop towns we would explore. From the outside, we could see the large walls surrounding the city. Using an elevator to reach the city we experienced the amazing views of the surrounding area below … Continue reading →

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Italy Chronicles: Part 1 (Rome and Vatican City)

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Janette

Setting out on a family vacation as adults was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The last time we were all together having an adventure was nearly 25 years ago, so traveling to Europe was sure to be memorable…for … Continue reading →

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Beginning Anew

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Janette

I know we are already well into January, but the holidays got away from me this year, and I always try to appreciate the year that has ended before moving forward. In the spirit of setting myself up for 2024, … Continue reading →

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Auld Lang Syne Again

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Janette

The end of 2023 did not pan out as expected. A Fall family trip was postponed, a case of COVID-19 caused a Thanksgiving cancelation, and I had a terrible head cold that lasted over two weeks in December. But, in … Continue reading →

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A Summer of Growth

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Janette

Hurricanes and tropical storms aside, this summer has been a great year for blooming. Everything from tomatoes to tulips had a great season with bountiful yields. Luckily, we planted some new items in our yard that seem to be very … Continue reading →

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Foliage from my travels

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Janette

Looking back on my travels, I can easily remember where I traveled by looking at pictures of plants. Many places I have explored have palm trees or other tropical elements making it hard to tell one location from another. But … Continue reading →

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Fonthill Castle

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Janette

In the early 1900s, Henry Mercer acquired about 70 acres of land in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA.  Adding onto a small farmhouse, Mercer constructed a reinforced concrete castle home that welcomes guests today. Funded by a wealthy Aunt, Mercer was … Continue reading →

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Austria, a quick stop

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Janette

Going to Germany to see our friends was exciting enough, but on one of our excursions, they surprised us with a day trip to Austria.  Southern Germany is close to a few different countries so dipping our toes into another … Continue reading →

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The Village of a Million People: Munich, Germany

Posted on June 24, 2023 by Janette

Before traveling to southern Germany to visit friends, I purposely did NOT research the area, which is the opposite of my typical travel prep.  Unsure of exactly what I would see with friends, I let everything happen organically.  Besides learning … Continue reading →

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Castles, castles, castles!

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Janette

On our recent trip to Southern Germany, I was blown away by the number and age of various nearby castles.  There are a few that I knew would be in the area as they are commonly photographed, but I was … Continue reading →

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