Tricked out custom motorcycles sent a thrum and raw energy ricocheting across the gulf and beyond as my family and I attended this one of a kind motorcycle event. The cool November afternoon had us all humming with various live bands and music that throbbed from decked out motorbikes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The biggest motorcycle rally in Texas is the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas, which occurs over four days, November 6 th  through November 9 th, 2025

It was the 60’s, people were on the move but wanting to relax and be comfortable, spending time with their loved ones. There was an emphasis on family life, which for us meant being centered around food and pets. They were as much part of the American dream as apple pie. We owned the original Alta Loma Café, which took on a life of its own, but when we were home, our aim was to cook and relax, but not in that order.  Speaking of pets, most people had a dog or a cat, and we’d

Every year, we have a Fall Costume Contest & Pumpkin Carving Halloween Party.  Here, please come to ours with us. It's informal, fun and everybody gets creative about what they want to come dressed as and what their carved pumpkin at the end of the night should look like.  We ordered from The Original Mexican Café  in Galveston and made some dishes of our own. We often do this combo for parties, cook some and order food delivered to the house, that way it’s not overwhelming.

You know Marilyn , my friend from nursing school and fellow ER nurse that worked with me. Yes, that Marilyn, that totally insanely crazy friend of mine had somehow talked me into taking an art class, convincing me that we could hang our pictures proudly in our homes, people would admire  them when they came to visit, stare  at them fondly.  Marilyn thought she had real promise as an up-and-coming artist, as for me, neither of us held out a glimmer of hope. I couldn’t draw if

Holidays or unexpected popover guests don’t need to be stressful, anxiety-provoking, or expensive. Even if it’s an impromptu Halloween party, a cozy fall evening with friends, or Thanksgiving company that pops by, a few simple touches can make your home feel warm and welcoming. With just a few quick tips and ideas, see what works for your group or family. Keep a few items in a box or area of your home for quick access season to season, and let the good times roll! Holidays  o

Marilyn is an original, I’ll give her that. More than outspoken, more than verbose. She is one of a kind, when they made her, they threw away the key. When she was around, if you heard laughter, it was coming from somewhere in her vicinity. She was funny, but I liked to tell her she was funny looking. I hurried across campus, taking the stairs two at a time to Old Red, also known as the Ashbel Smith Building, on the University of Texas Medical Branch Campus in Galveston, Texa

The drive to Aunt Ruby’s wasn’t far, just about forty-five minutes or so to Baytown Texas, from our home In Alta Loma, Texas, but it seemed like forever. Just along the highway of the rugged coastline, salt air filled my nose as I dreamed of crabs, juicy oysters, crawfish, and shrimp. Aunt Ruby was the only sister of my Daddy. He had two other brothers that we didn’t see much, she was quite a prize. A smile started that I could not contain. Aunt Ruby really was like a queen,

This Texas Chocolate-Cinnamon Sheet Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a gooey chocolate frosting studded with toasted pecans. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy evening treat, it’s a slice of Southern comfort in every bite.

This delightful, carbonated punch is for any holiday or event, not just Christmas! Its fizzy, refreshing and gets oohs and aahs from far and wide. You’ll be glad you made it, and do have some extra ready, it’s good to the last drop!

Looking for a fresh mustard greens recipe? Learn how my friend Otto inspired my gardening journey and try this flavorful dish straight from the garden.

This hardy tomato-based soup is surprisingly delicious and simple to make. The onions, bell peppers and garlic add depth and richness to this buttery chicken flavored broth that satisfies in a most delightful way!

It was 1962, the world was expanding, everything from retail to outer space was growing, people were going places, more connected to each other than ever before. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth, Pope John Paul XXlll was Time Man of the Year and the first Walmart opened in Rogers, Arkansas, just months after the first Target store opened in Roseville, Minnesota. My world was changing too, expanding from being an orphan at The Galveston Orphan’s Home , t