The gift of rural life. The stars are closer to us in Apple River. It’s an undeniable fact. They sit just above the trees surrounding me and everyone here like we’re in a little snow globe of night sky and twinkling stars. After living in a city for the last…

Time for a new adventure! This one is in the “fixer-upper” category, but it’s also a “no place like home” story! — Earlier this week, I became the proud owner of a charming home, built in 1885, located in the village of Apple River, just on the border between Illinois and Wisconsin. This 1885 charmer is where I spent the early years of my life. The story I’m about to share with…

A few weeks ago, I wrote that I would be leaving the lake house. As the wind has been so brisk, deeming half the house unlivable, I’m ready for the move. …

The holidays are the happiest time of the year. For those of us who have loved and lost someone dear to us, they can also be a reminder of voices we no longer hear at the table, of a special laugh, and a knowing glance that says you are loved. …

You may have noticed that I’ve been spending some time away from the city in Apple River, Illinois, a village in Jo Daviess County, just along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Something is happening there that I’m more than a little curious about. It’s also very personal to me. Some of my…

Hanging in the foyer of the First Presbyterian Church of Apple River is a photo from more than 60 years ago. I see my Great Uncle Harold Gallagher and his wife, Ilene, in their 20s with so much ahead of them. Growing up, I loved spending time with them. I…

Taking a Walk with Uncertainty, and Faith Rainy days are heavenly for some of us. I love listening to the quiet pelting of the rain on the window panes of the porch while the wind howls and the waves crash along the shore. …

Reflections on the year that was — Uncertainty. Fear. Death. Injustice. Scarcity. These are some of the words that painted our landscape over the last 12 months. Perhaps today, we can take a collective breath and say, “We survived it. Thank God almighty. We didn’t crumble under the weight of it.” I’ve spent the last few days…

In the winter of 1966, two “just married” people exchanged Christmas gifts. My Dad gave my Mom this typewriter. The Gift — In the winter of 1966, two “just married” people exchanged Christmas gifts. My Dad gave my Mom this typewriter. When I visited my dad for Father’s Day, I…