Thursday, June 18, 2026

How to Grill Better

Prime grilling season is here! Time to get out that grill, wash it off, check the gas tank and get out those utensils. Make sure you have lots of aluminum foil, barbecue sauce, meat and vegetables because it's grilling time!

Are you worried because your grill skills are rather lackluster? Do your friends bring tacos to your barbecue? if so, here are some tips to help you on your way to becoming the perfect Grill Master!

Make sure to preheat the grill - You cannot get a good sear if you put your food down on a cold grill. The food could stick and rip to pieces when you try to turn it, and it can make meat or chicken taste different. (not in a good way) You should turn your grill on at least 10 minutes before starting to cook.

Make sure to use the right temperature - for what you are cooking. You can use positioning of the items to help with this. For chicken and thicker cuts of meat and fish, medium or medium-low heat works well for most cuts because the center needs time to cook through before the exterior burns. For hot dogs, sausages, and brats is also ideal to allow the links to cook evenly before finishing them over high heat to crisp up the casing.

Use Cooking Zones - a common mistake in grilling is to set the whole grill on the same temperature. It is so much easier to cook different things at once if you have high heat on one side, low heat on the other side and leave the middle off completely for indirect cooking or warming. Use each zone for what you are trying to accomplish on each item at the proper time.

To add hickory flavor on a gas grill- soak hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes and wrap in double aluminum foil and seal, then poke holes in it with a toothpick. Lay this packet on top of your gas grill's burner to get delicious flavor.

Use an aluminum can to hold your barbecue sauce - you don't want to save leftover sauce since it has been contaminated with your grill brush covered in raw juices, so just use a tin can and toss it when you are done!

Use a variety of sauces - BBQ sauce is not the only sauce that is great for grilling. Teriyaki or Hoisin sauce is also tasty, as is honey mustard. Red hot sauce is perfect for making hot wings!

Easy way to grill for vegetarians or veggie lovers - Make "veggie packs" and grill them before your guests arrive, then leave them on the outer edges of the grill to stay warm. To make them, simply put peppers, onions, zucchini, potatoes or any other veggies you have on hand, in tin foil with garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt, and seal. Grill for 15 or 20 minutes.

The secret to grilling fish - seal each piece in an individual foil envelope, than way it is easy to cook and you don't have to worry about it falling apart. It also helps keep the fish moist, and you can add a lemon slice and seasonings for flavor.

How to avoid dry grilled food - you can avoid problem by using a marinade. One of my favorites is Italian salad dressing. It is wonderful on any kind of meat or seafood. It also makes grilled vegetables more tasty. You can also make marinade from store bought packets or internet recipes.

Don't over flip - don't constantly flip your meat because you are bored or impatient. It will cook even more slowly if turned over excessively.

Forget the smash - Do not smash food items on your grill! All this will do is push out the juices and make them dry inside.

Grill some fruit Put sheets of aluminum foil on your grill and brush pieces of pineapple, apple, melon and cantaloupe with honey. Grill on both sides and serve warm.

When grilling shish kebobs - cut your meat and vegetable pieces bigger and use two skewers per kebob. Your pieces will be much less likely to fall off or spin on the skewer so one half is always toward the fire. Don't forget to soak wood skewers in water before use so they won't burn on the grill.

Avoid Overcooking - Once an item is removed from the grill, it continues to cook from the heat inside. To avoid overcooking, you should remove your food from the grill 5 to 10 minutes before it is fully done.

To keep food items that you grill warm - use two small 6 pack coolers, one for meat and one for vegetables to keep extra them warm and away from insects.

One of my favorite items I use in grilling is my BBQ Grill Basket. It saves time because it flips more than one item at a time and it also keeps items from falling apart, like hamburgers, or fish fillets. My favorite thing to cook in it is vegetables. I just slice up our favorite vegetables, season and brush with Italian dressing and place them in the basket, close it and place on the grill. I usually only flip it once after 10 minutes and it another 10, you are ready to serve. (Potatoes may take longer) It is the perfect side to steak, pork chops and burgers! I bought mine at Amazon and when I bought it the price was only $15 and it came with a silicone brush! I highly recommend it!

UNCO- BBQ Grill Basket

I hope these tips help to elevate your grilling talents. Your friends and family will love the results, I promise!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 - Reviewed

The Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is the world's largest operating steam engine. The Big Boy is currently on a coast-to-coast tour as part of America's 250th anniversary.

The Big Boy made one of its stops in Ripley, New York, only 30 minutes from where we live. So, we made the short trip to see this historic steam engine.

The town of Ripley and Chautauqua County did an amazing job of organizing this event. We drove to a small church just outside Ripley and boarded a shuttle into town for the event. There had to be more than 3,000 people there. We arrived early enough to be right up front for an amazing view of the Big Boy.

Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 History:

The Big Boy was built in 1941 by The American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York. It was designed for one purpose: moving enormous freight trains through the mountains of Utah and Wyoming. The Big Boy was created for the Union Pacific Railroad to handle heavy loads over steep grades.

The Boy was retired and on display in California as part of railroad history. In 2013, Union Pacicific reacquired the Big Boy and began to restore it, and in 2019, the Big Boy moved under its own power again.

Its massive size is something to see at 130 ft. long and weighing 1.2 million pounds. This was a true adventure to see a part of railroad history in action, and a true engineering marvel.

A video of the Ripley, New York, visit, along with an interview with the Big Boy engineer. The train stopped here for 30 minutes, and we had the opportunity of watching the crew perform maintenance.

Even if you're not a train enthusiast, this is well worth a trip to see part of history in action. Below is the Union Pacific Big Boy tour schedule. If it is coming anywhere near you, it is well worth the trip. Big Boy 4014 Tour Schedule.

Big Boy 4014 Train 4th of July 250 Years Retro Tee 250th Anniversary USA Big Boy 4014 Train Vintage US Flag T-Shirt Nifeliz Big Boy Locomotive, Articulated Steam Locomotive Building Block Set, Legendary Steam Train Display Kit for Gift Giving (1,818 Pieces)Kato USA Inc. N Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive #4014 KAT1264014 N Locomotives

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Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Colorful Raised Beds for Gardening

I have been gardening for decades and my desires on how I garden have changed over the years.

Without going into all the background; the short of it is that I prefer gardening in raised beds. I'm also a lover of colors; my latest purchases for my expanding garden area, are colorful raised beds.

Last year I had my old fence around my garden replaced with a black chain linked fence. The inground border that I had around my fruit and vegetable garden, became obsolete. It was no longer evenly spaced from the fence, and there was no way I wanted to resize it, and pull the weeds that had popped up from last year.

I gave it some thought as to what I might do to make gardening life easier on myself. I knew I preferred gardening in raised beds; I had so much more control on the soil that I gardened with, and it was just easier to reach whatever needed reaching.

In my search for raised bed options that I could place around the perimeter of my newly fenced in garden, I happened upon metal raised beds that came in colors! I was pretty much sold on it, but did do my diligent research. After much searching and contemplation, I decided on raised beds from Plant and Plot. You can see three of the colors that I purchased in the photo above. I also purchased two orange raised beds that are smaller.

The raised beds from Plant and Plot come in a variety of sizes, and shapes. The initial size that you order will determine whether or not there are other shapes to build from that kit. With this smaller raised bed kit, it only had the one option, a small rectangle. This finished bed measures 4 x 2 x 1.5 feet. It comes with stabilizing cords that are anchored from one side and are stretched across to the other side. All of the side and end pieces in this kit are to be screwed together. All tools are included in each kit, including the Alan wrench for installing the screws.

By the way, these have an open bottom. They are listed as weather resistant, rust proof, and are made of galvanized metal. I covered each section of ground with cardboard for several days or more to help kill off the weeds and such, before installing the raised beds.

See Small Raised Bed from Plant and Plot store on Amazon

As mentioned, the larger size offers various configurations to choose from. This particular kit that I ordered offered 9 configurations; however, you will only have enough end pieces to build one unit from the kit.

I did however find an option to purchase a 6.4 x 2 x 1.5 size kit. I used this option to build my purple raised beds. For the blue raised beds, I ordered the 8 x 2 x 1.5 size, and just used two less side panels to build those.

The larger size units, came with bendable flaps that fit into the holes of the panel installed next to it. The top, middle, and bottom holes are attached with screws and nuts the whole way. The flaps had to be lined up first though, and some of the flaps needed to be bent out more to line up correctly. I used the end of a Phillips head screwdriver to lift the end of the flap upward, away from the panel, to achieve this. Although the image in the instructions showed someone bending these flaps downward by hand, when attaching it to the next panel, I found that I needed a rubber handled tool to help do the job. That allowed me to press the flap down without slipping off of the metal flap.

The larger sized beds also had rods to install from side to side to help stabilize the bed, rather than the tension cords. This depends on the which configuration you want to build though. Overall, I was able to do it. I got most of them put together without any assistance.

One major note, if it is a windy day, it is best to build where the wind isn't and then move the bed to the desired installation location. I ended up building some of mine in the basement and then my husband and I moved them to the outdoors.

Another note, it is really best and easier if you're not trying to install these on a slope. It can require some extra digging to get the raised bed to sit down further on one end than the other, and level it out. I can honestly say that I got one of my raised beds completely level! Yay me.

Some of the installation was more time consuming than others, but once I got the hang of it, it went pretty well. I did end up ordering more, in various sizes, a total of ten in all.

This link will take you to the Plant and Plot raised bed page on Amazon. Other styles and other companies' raised beds are displayed there as well, where you can browse and see which ones you are drawn to.

Happy gardening.

Cheryl Paton

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Monday, June 15, 2026

Reviewing Svaha Dresses

My new Svaha dresses have far exceeded my expectations. They fit great, are comfortable, the deep pockets keep my phone secure, and the prints are so much fun. I needed a change in my wardrobe and I'm so glad that I went out on a limb and tried a Svaha. I'm glad I did. I feel comfortable and confident in my dresses.

Monarch Butterflies print by Svaha

Admittedly, I was skeptical of the reviews of these dresses all over social media. Claims about the Svaha dresses being so soft, durable, comfortable, and fun. I'm tired of so many clothing materials becoming more thin over the years.

Information from Svaha. The very summarized version of the Svaha beginning is that in 2015, Jaya's daughter was obsessed with astronauts. There were no space themed clothing available for little girls. Through 2 separate kickstarters, Jaya began creating clothing for children that broke through the gender stereotypes (e.g. Science Technology Engineering Mathematics themes for girls).

Specs:

100% organic cotton (preshrunk)
Care: Machine washable. Machine was cold (turned inside out). Tumble dry low or lay flat.
Styles: Twirls, maxi, sleeveless, Vneck, Aline, long tunic, long midi, skater dress and more
Prints: Constellations, Nebula, Library, Dogs, Cats, Neurotransmitters, Genetics, Birds, Bugs, Flowers, Pollinators, Math equations, Carnivorous plants, Sea bed, Sea Creatures, and so many more.
Solid Colors: If the prints are too busy, but you love the styles, there are solid colors available.
Comfort: soft cotton, tagless, and no fasteners or zippers.

For more information SvahaUsa.com

In addition to women's dresses there are Jackets, loungewear, shirts, and accessories available.

For me, the Svaha dresses with STEM-related prints made into dresses for women is such fun. My first thought is that these dresses are amazing for teachers. The dresses are appropriate (length, coverage, etc) for school staff. They are comfortable for all-day wear. The pockets are so helpful in work settings. I frequently wear my dresses for work, errands, puttering around the yard and lounging around the house.

The advertising includes a claim that these dresses have durability; that people reporting they have worn their dresses over years. And this longevity offsets the higher price. I cannot speak to that claim as my dresses are still fairly new. However, my dresses have not yet shown any wear, tear, or misshaping. And yes, the Svaha dresses are priced at higher than bargain basement prices, but completely in the same range as other name-brand dresses. As bigger, bargain box store cotton dresses become more sheer and poorly made, I am happy to pay the price for quality. And how much fun being able to go bird watching in a North American Bird print!

North American Bird print by Svaha

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Sunday, June 14, 2026

A Father's Day In Heaven - A Message From Dad

Sharing This For Those Who Have Lost Their Father

Eleven years ago, in June 2015, I found myself navigating a grief that felt impossibly heavy. It had been two years since I lost my father, and the silence he left behind was deafening. Like so many others walking the path of bereavement, I was haunted by a singular, persistent question: "Is he okay?"

That ache became the foundation of "A Father's Day in Heaven."

Back then, I did not just want to write a memorial; I needed to create a bridge. I sat down and wrote from his perspective, desperate to hear, in my own heart, the words: "I'm okay, Barb. I'm okay." Those lines were never meant to be a performance. They were my own personal lifeline, a reminder that while death changes our relationship, it does not sever the tether of love.

From a Memorial to a Musical Story

Throughout the last decade, I have seen that same question: "Is my parent okay"? echoed by so many who share in this loss. It is a universal longing for reassurance.

Because of this, I decided it was time to breathe new life into those original 2015 words. On June 13, 2026, I revisited the piece, expanding it into a full-fledged song and lyric video.

While the soul of the lyrics remains rooted in the comfort I sought years ago, I composed an entirely new second verse to deepen the narrative.

The Message: He Is Still With You

Ultimately, this song is a message of profound peace. Through these lyrics, the father figure speaks to his daughter not from a place of absence but from a place of continued presence.

He reminds her, and anyone listening, that they are never truly alone. His greatest hope, reflected in the lyrics, is that we continue to embrace our lives with joy, even in the shadow of loss.

Whether you are missing your own dad this Father's Day or grieving another cherished soul, my hope is that these lyrics offer you a moment of solace.

May these words remind you that love remains, steady and unbroken.

🎵 Production Note: I write and produce all story-driven lyrics. The vocals and instrumental elements are digitally produced. I am not the singer. I personally direct and arrange both the video and the recording. 🎵© 2026 DragedaLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved | Original Lyrics Authored: Circa 2015 | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held).

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Saturday, June 13, 2026

You’re Only Old Once! By Dr. Seuss - A Book Review

The Doctor is in...Dr. Seuss that is!

A plush stuffed hippopotamus in doctor gear

Dr. Seuss was one of the best children’s authors of all time, right up there with A.A. Milne (Winnie-The-Pooh) and Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit). Seuss wrote over 60 children’s books and is as equally well known for his final one ( Oh, the Places You'll Go! published in 1990, the year before he died) as he was for his first (The Cat in the Hat).

And then….. He wrote one for what he called ‘obsolete children’.

Synopsis of You’re Only Old Once: A Book for Obsolete Children

You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete ChildrenCheck Price

As Theodor (Ted) Geisal entered his 80s, he began treatment for oral cancer and age-related problems. He soon became tired of a social life that seemingly consisted entirely of doctor’s visits, long waits at the hospital and time spent navigating the entire medical complex! Out of this came the idea for a humorous take on aging and healthcare—something almost everyone of a certain age deals with these days.

During his waiting times at doctor’s offices, Theodor Seuss Geisel began sketching out a silly character to poke fun at this ‘medical madness’. Then he used his sharp wit and delightfully colorful imagination to describe an elderly patient who is poked, prodded and ogled during his stay at the “Golden Years Clinic on Century Square for Spleen Readjustment and Muffler Repair.”

The story is told in the Dr. Seuss style of whimsical, nonsensical poetry with a combination of a "galloping" rhythm (the anapestic tetrameter) and deeper life lessons.

Summary

You’re Only Old Once! was published on Ted Geisal’s 82nd birthday ~ March 2, 1986 ~ and subsequently became a bestseller.

Written during the time he was dealing with his own health issues, Seuss wanted to give a light-hearted look at the necessity of medical checkups and the indignities of aging. Comical and relatable to us Senior Citizens, aging Baby Boomers, and anyone having to deal with medical issues ~ always a stressful subject.

The book is a treat for readers of all ages and makes the perfect gift for retirement, birthdays, graduations, holidays, and anyone needing a little pick-me-up after a doctor’s visit!

The book ends on an upbeat note:

“You are in pretty good shape for the shape you are in,"

For More Book Reviews,

Check Out ReviewThisBooks.com

*You're Only Old Once! book review was written by Wednesday Elf

The First and the Last in the Library of Children's Books by Dr. Seuss.....

The Cat in the HatCheck Price Oh, the Places You'll Go!Check Price

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Friday, June 12, 2026

Insulated Bags to Keep Cold Groceries Cold and Carry Out Food Warm

I absolutely hate going to get fast food or pick up from a restaurant only to arrive home and the food be cold. We recently ordered pizza delivery and the pizza was "right out of the oven" hot. That is how all carry out food should arrive!

I considered the bags pizza deliverers use and set out to find an insulated bag for our pickup orders. I found a 2 pack set of heavy duty insulated bags with a zipper top. The shape of the bags is perfect for a large carry out bag of food or 2 medium size bags. Just set the bags or containers in the insulated bag, zip the top and head home.

The first time we tried them, we brought home burgers and fries. I folder over the top of the restaurant bag and set it all down in the insulted bag. When we got home, the food was still warm. What a great change!

One other unexpected benefit of using the insulated bag is that the food didn't fall over and spill out when set in the floor of the car.

I haven't tried the bags yet for cold products, but I have confidence they will be equally as wonderful. I will be very happy to bring home unmelted frozen food, especially ice cream products, during the summer months. It will also be nice to get our cold milk and orange juice home at a cooler state than room temperature.

The next time we go to a pot luck dinner, I will definitely be using the bags to transport the food we are taking regardless of whether it is hot or cold. With 2 bags, we can have one hot bag and one cold bag if needed. To be clear, you can't mix hot food with cold food in the same bag, but I bet you already knew that!

2 Pack Insulated Bags

BALEINE 2Pk Insulated Reusable Heavy Duty Large Insulated Bags, Collapsible for Storage (16''x9''x13'')Check PriceThese are the insulated bags I purchased. Not only do they keep carry-out food warm, but they fold down nicely for storage. I could even leave them folded down and stored in my car for easy access when needed

Other reviewers have stated that they are perfect for keeping groceries cold too, but I have not had the opportunity to try that yet.

Each bag is 16" tall, 13" wide, and 9" deep.

To clean, simply wipe them with a damp cloth.

I bought the 2 pack, but they are also available as a single bag or a 4 pack.

I opted for black, but they are also available in other colors and designs.

BALEINE 2Pk Insulated Reusable Heavy Duty Large Insulated Bags, Collapsible for Storage (16''x9''x13'')Check Price

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Sunflower Hill Farm

Beautiful Sunflower Silos

In this post I will be reviewing my visit to Sunflower Hill Farm and the beautiful silos painted in sunflowers that are nearby.

Sunflower Hill Farm

My cousin and I were looking for a good place to meet for lunch on a sunny afternoon in May. I mentioned I wanted to photograph the painted sunflower silos in the wine country near us and she suggested a nearby cafe at Sunflower Hill Farms. It was an excellent choice. Our food was great and the whole place was a great relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

We ate on the patio and and I enjoyed a delicious veggie grilled cheese, it consisted of provolone and cheddar cheese along with mushrooms, peppers, spinach and onions, all grilled on sourdough bread. Yummy.

Sunflower Hill Farm is a wonderful event space too. The farm is located on 130 acres. Along with the cafe there is a shop with homemade items on sale. There is also a nursery on the property and a large event space. The farm has become a delightful wedding and event space. As you can see in the photo below, the event area sits up on the hill overlooking the Missouri river valley.

Sunflower Hill Farms is located at 245 Terry Road in Augusta, Missouri. On their website www.sunflowerhillfarm.com they have listed lots of information about their events, calendar, and a menu from the cafe. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this venue. Here are a few of my photos.

Painted Silos

These beautiful silos were commissioned by the owners of the Sunflower Hill Farm. They are located near the Katy Trail just south of the entrance to the farm. It is at mile marker 661.6 on the Katy Trail. They were painted by artist Anne Molasky and her painting partner Kim Alsop and were finished in the fall of 2023.

These vibrant sunflower paintings are a nice stop for people along the Katy Trail. There is also acess to them off of Hwy 94 halfway between Defiance and Augusta deep in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.

I stopped to visit and take photographs of these beautiful works of art just before I visited Sunflower Hill Farms. They are quite amazing to look at from all different angles. I would have loved to see them as they were being painted. Very talented artists!