There would be no Easter if there was no Christmas. ~ Gordon B. Hinkley When the time came this year to take down my Christmas trees (yes, "Christmas" is the correct term for why I had them up, and yes, there were two of them, small ones that don't overwhelm my living space, and yes, … Continue reading The Holiday Tree: Happy Easter!
A Bird the Size of the Moon
If there's an unofficial mascot of Campfire Tales, it's probably the moon. (Oh, such a troublemaker!) I found this juxtaposition after I reviewed these two photos: the bird is the same size as the moon. I wanted to write a post about perspective, and how our problems can seem so big (like the water tower) … Continue reading A Bird the Size of the Moon
Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
This is just my national parks story. There are, of course, millions like it. Stories about people lost, places that remain, and how the two are intertwined. ~ Mark Woods, Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America's National Parks The intent behind Lassoing the Sun — telling our stories in, of and through National Parks … Continue reading Book Review: Lassoing the Sun
Year O: Launch!
As I climbed out of the crater, the calendar said it was the end of the year. But there are other calendars. Nan told me that her people live by three of them. "The stars tell us what to do," she said. "The moon tells us when to do these things, and the sun gives … Continue reading Year O: Launch!
Hit the Road Jack & Jill!
A Campfire Tales tradition is to provide an interesting link to start the new year. Whoopsie! Since it's the third month of 2021, here are three links to websites we like: Outdoorsy — Website to help find the right RV, van, whatever, for your next camping and/or National Park road trip. Kibbo — Website that … Continue reading Hit the Road Jack & Jill!
Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
At my current job, all the snacks come wrapped in plastic. Here's my favorite: I haven't tried preparing or eating these while camping yet, but they seem like an obvious choice. Healthy, filling, portable, shelf-stable, and delicious. Please sign me up! There are actually two rings in the one ring pictured, and the peanut butter … Continue reading Camping Cuisine: Apple Rings
Morning Warning
In Jurrassic Park, tremors in a cup of water signal the approach of a T-Rex. When I stepped from the shower this morning, the water in my toilet bowl sloshed gently side to side. Uh-oh, I thought. That's either an earthquake, or the wind is shaking my entire building. I didn't feel an earthquake in … Continue reading Morning Warning
The Real Think vs The Real Thing
Forecasting a hectic day for today, last night I brewed a pot of coffee and filled my ice trays, then chilled both before going to bed, a ritual I occasionally practice in order to wake up to iced coffee.*** The smell of that coffee, though... Two hours later, still tossing and turning in bed, bone-weary … Continue reading The Real Think vs The Real Thing
Stump Speech: Exit Interview
"Are you a sore loser?" "Can't be. I never lose." "You lost the election — " "Wrong. No. Uh-uh. Fake news." "People died. Staff resigned. They muzzled your Twitter. The Senate's rejection — " "Quitter, quitter, quitter." "Last words? Any regrets?" "I scorn what that imputes. Although, on reflection — I'd put down deeper roots." … Continue reading Stump Speech: Exit Interview