Author Archives: Karen

About Karen

While loving the wizardry of words, I also love to travel because of that present-moment sense that each day is a gift to unwrap that the experience of travel conveys so well. Other passions include hiking, gardening, photographing, movies and documentaries, reading, writing (I've finished my first novel .... and seeking an agent) and entering recipe contests. Michael and I are both fascinated with factory tours, literary landmarks, and seeking restaurants mentioned in novels - just to see if they exist. Our favorite restaurant we've found this way is the Nuevo Latino-style Yuca (www.yuca.com) in Miami.

A Road Trip to a Really Cool Time at Norris Hot Springs

Posted on July 16, 2014

It’s that time of year in Montana when we couldn’t agree more with Henry James:  “The two most beautiful words in the English language are summer afternoon.”  Especially after this past winter, we’ve been thoroughly enjoying not just summer afternoons, … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Fun Stuff, Montana, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Two Ingredient Goodness …. and a Step Back In Time

Posted on January 31, 2014

Those of us who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s remember, with fondness, the ubiquitous Icebox Cakes.   From what little information I’ve been able to find, Icebox cakes became popular in this country in the 20’s and 30’s … Continue reading →

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Hurts So Good

Posted on October 2, 2013

When it comes to high-octane food, there’s nothing with more oomph than chile peppers from the Genus Capsicum. When you’re looking for a little extra sizzle for your vittles, these culinary gems offer a wide range of heat-enhancement options.  That heat … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Fun Stuff, Gardening, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Our Spiritual – and Spirited – Summer Thursday Nights at St. John’s

Posted on August 13, 2013

Despite the weather and the date on the calendar, summer for us doesn’t officially begin until the advent of St. John’s Summer Concert Series in Billings in early July.  This retirement and nursing home community has as its mission to … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiestas, Fun Stuff, Montana, Music, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Maybe the Best Margarita …… Ever?

Posted on May 22, 2013

For year and years, we pursued a noble quest, traipsing throughout our good lands, to find the best Margarita in the country.  Particularly, on our road trips down and back to the Everglades, we haunted bars and restaurants in pursuit … Continue reading →

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Neon, Nectar, and a Guitar-Pickin’ Knight

Posted on January 29, 2013

This past Friday night, at the invitation of our No-Blood-Kin Cuzzin Al Cooper, we headed south to Red Lodge, Mt to spend an evening listening to this guitar-pickin’ knight – the revered Reverend Al – perform at Snow Creek Saloon. Now I’ve … Continue reading →

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On a Roll ……… or how Making Some Dough Can, Sometimes, Change A Life

Posted on January 13, 2013

I’ve always been intrigued by bread.  To me, it’s total alchemy – to take the simplest and plainest of ingredients (flour, water, salt, and yeast), mix ’em all together, and come up with something that’s so totally morphed and changed … Continue reading →

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It Tastes Just Like Summer!

Posted on July 19, 2012

I am not a vodka fan (sorry, Barb).  It has no flavor, so I’ve just never been able to see the point.  I love a rich, layered, full-bodied cab or merlot, a festive margarita, a smokey Laphroaig Scotch (back in … Continue reading →

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How We Went to Church on Saturday ….

Posted on February 5, 2012

….. or at least that’s what it felt like when Michael and I took a little road trip – about 45 miles to the north – to Molt, MT Saturday morning.   Here’s the view on the way to Molt (where … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Montana, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Some Fun in the Winter Sun ….. and Moonlight, too

Posted on January 29, 2012

I’ll admit it – I’m challenged by winter in Montana.   It’s not so much the cold, as the fact that it’s dark for most of the day (or so it seems) and I just want to sit inside, next … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun Stuff, Montana, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments