When we brought Mojo into our home, we planned it so that we wouldn't have to leave him in a kennel while we were on vacation.  After all, Ella and I do so much travelling on our own while Greg builds his practice.  There are times, however, when we all have to leave town.  We always prefer to bring Mojo along, but it's so hard to find a place for him. 

Well, we found one, and it's just as lovely for us as it is for him.

Morning walks were bliss as we stepped outside and heard nothing but nature sounds.  No cars, no planes, no lawnmowers...

We found this meadow and Mojo just bounded through it with joy.

We found evidence of moms and babies that had been there before. But Mojo just wanted to run.

It's like he was experiencing total freedom. He wasn't worried about mailboxes or passing cars. . . just exploring.

And, when he wasn't conquering the wild woods, he was protecting the front porch....

Or the street below from the window seat in our room.

So, not only did we find a place that welcomes Mojo, it's in one of my favorite parts of Michigan. 

And, here's what I didn't tell you (yet!)....if you're visiting the Petoskey area, you must check out Grace Grange B&B.  It's a quaint log cabin miles from the city (but only 10 minutes away!) and is a working horse farm.  Horses and dogs are welcome!  And, kids too (not always the case at B&Bs).   Our hostess, Pamela, had such a kind, gentle spirit and was so welcoming.  And, her breakfasts were phenomenal.   Extremely reasonable and serene....we'll be back.  In fact, we're spending Thanksgiving up there!  The four of us, that is.

Please check out Grace Grange!  Click here for more information or email me!

When we go to Chicago, we always try to go to Lou Mitchell's - a pre-depression restaurant on the very spot where Route 66 started.  It's only a block from Union Station and it's a family tradition.

There's always a line...good thing donut holes are passed out!

All the women get Milk Duds.  Yep, you read that right. Ladies only...

But don't worry guys....EVERYONE gets an orange slice and prune with their meal.  Ella's first prune, and she wasn't impressed.

She was impressed with the mirrors though.

This was my two-egg and potato breakfast....Yeah, you see 4 eggs there.    Oh, these were sooooooo good.

And there's soft serve for dessert.

Best breakfast this side of the Mississippi! Definitely worth the trip to Chicago (even though we did do other things!).

Today, Ella and I are heading up north to visit my dad.  We have travelled a lot together.  It started when she was 8 weeks old and I made my first long-distance trip with her.  We drove from Minneapolis to Marquette, Michigan, and she was perfect.  She's always been a great traveller, albeit a talkative one.  Those days are starting to fade away.

Even at home, I'll look over at her to say something and see this:

She's either working on something, playing a game or listening to music.

When we used to take road trips, I knew her routine - she'd talk for about a half hour, then sleep for an hour and a half, then we'd take a break, then it would start all over. 

These days, I turn around to say, "Buckle up!" only to see her already buckled and navigating the menu of a dvd.  She looks up and smiles and I smile back. Then I pause. 

I'm glad she's into her own stuff and that she can entertain herself.  It's tough for an only child to entertain herself on car trips.  Heck, I don't know what I would have done without the constant torture of my big brother or the "Whoever-stays-quiet-the-longest-gets-a-prize-at-the-next-stop" game.  I still remember getting a pair of kitty shoelaces because of that game....in South Dakota, or Colorado, or Arizona. 

Sometimes, I just look back at her while I'm driving and she's gazing out the window. I grab her foot and give it a sqeeze...we exchange smiles again...just to know we're still connected-even in silence. 

And, we are. 

As soon as we stop, she starts talking again. And when it's time to get moving again, she hops in the car without one complaint. 

As i turn my head to back out of wherever we are, she smiles again.  And so do I.    

Sometimes, I feel so fortunate to live where I do.  This last Saturday, we drove 20 miles north to a local sand sculpture competition.  A walk on the beach on a beautiful day in a beautiful area...what a blast!

There were definitely a few themes, but these were our favorites....

The World Cup...

Local pride...

The fight against Asian carp invading Lake Michigan...

Even Jabba the Hut!

And my personal favorite....a turtle pond (the picture doesn't do it justice).

We finished the day off at a local brewery - sitting on the deck watching the boats head out to Lake Michigan.  This is a happy man with a microbrew!!

So many things are taken for granted...this small-town stuff never gets old. We love it.

Natural beauty is inspiring. It's amazing and wonderful and mind-blowing.

On a recent work trip to Washington, D.C., I found that I was equally inspired by man-made beauty.

Maybe it's because I was in my all-time favorite city. Maybe it's because of the immense history.  Maybe it's just because beauty is beauty.

This photo was taken at the Environmental Protection Agency building.

I love the complimentary curves and straight lines.  I love the repetition in pattern and the movement away from the viewer. I love the marble. Marble, on it's own can seem a little cold, but when you are in a city of marble, it signifies strength, purity and timelessness.

All of these things remind me of natural beauty - especially in a photograph.  I look at this photo and it's very peaceful.  But, I remember taking it!  I heard sirens, car horns, yelling and endless car motors. 

Seeing this made the noise stop - if even for a moment. It was like a five second meditation - similar to when you're out walking in the woods and see a beautiful flower popping up through the forest floor.

These are the moments to capture, whether on film or in your mind. Beauty makes life rich, and we are all so wealthy. Beauty is everywhere. 

**NOTE: Sorry for the late post...Weebly was down this morning.***

I have always been in awe of the U.S. Capitol. When I go to D.C., I always have to see it.

I have very strong political views, but it doesn't really matter who is in control when I see the Capitol.

Since my current job involves traveling to Washington often, my naivety has faded and I've heard a lot of things that surprised me.  But, nevertheless, I still believe in what the Capitol stands for.

I still believe that most people start out in politics for the right reasons. They want to initiate and support change in the right direction based on their sense of what place laws have in our country.

I've sat through elections where I thought I would vomit.  I have listened to presidential debates that both inspired and infuriated me.  During the last round, I looked at Greg and said, "I'm so glad we're on the same side."  I believe so strongly in equality and other principles that I couldn't be married to someone who did not. 

As passionate as I am, I would never run for office.  I don't have what it takes.  I couldn't throw myself out there just to be beaten down, lied about and kicked around. 

But, I'm so appreciative for those that do.  I'm so glad that people want to see our country grow into one of tolerance and peace.  We all have different ways of getting there, but for someone to stand up and fight for what is right takes a lot of courage. 

I am still in awe of the Capitol and what it represents.  It's a beautiful building full of beautiful ideals.  To me, it's the heart of the United States of America. 

Sometimes I forget why I chose the path of law for my career...when I'm in Washington, I remember.

So, there I was, Friday night...starving in Detroit Metro Airport.  I was SO close to being home, but I had one more flight to go.

It had been a long week in Washington, D.C. on business.  I had left D.C. at 4:00 pm and it was right around 8:00.  I missed my family, I had tons of data soaking into my brain from the week's event and I was exhausted.  My gate was at the far end of Terminal A. I looked on the map at the list of possible dining options...

Fast food, bar, fast food, bar, fast food, coffee....huh? What's this? I saw the words, "Gourmet Peanut Butter & Jelly."  I looked at the corresponding number on the map.  It was the one place that was the absolute furthest from me.  I started walking.  I'd been on my rear end all day in the airport, so I thought the walk would do me good.  It might have, but I was carrying my briefcase (with my way outdated and HEAVY laptop), purse and wool coat.

For those of you familiar with Detroit Metro, yes....I could have taken the express tram, but I have a little thing called pride...also known as stupidity.

Finally, I'd made it. I looked at the menu and...WOW.  I am NOT a fan of airport food, but this menu looked terrific. 

First, you pick your butter: Peanut (crunchy or creamy) or cashew.  Then, you pick your other toppings, which included anything from traditional jellies and jams to chocolate, bananas, marshmallow creme and bacon.  Then, you pick your bread...white, wheat, 8 grain, egg, potato...

My order: Cashew butter and raspberry on wheat.

 Maybe it's because I was away from home for 4 days...maybe it's because I missed a certain 7 year old very, very much....

All I can say is, it hit the spot.