Coffee – Live Laugh RV

A Mixed Bag

June 28, 2020June 28, 2020by Ingrid110 Comments

We arrived at our summer destination a little over two weeks ago. Those two weeks have been filled with a mixed bag of emotions, poor energy, and stress. In addition, we celebrated an anniversary.

Wedding Anniversary

Al and I met toward the tail end of 1980 … nearly 40 years ago. That’s a lot of time to spend with one person. We’ve certainly had our fair share of ups and downs but no regrets. During the month of June, we celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary.

Our special day was spent visiting the city of Duluth, Minnesota. We had some errands to run while we were in the ‘big city’. After our errands and lunch, we strolled a Lake Superior beach and talked … reminiscing and wondering where has the time gone. Northeast Minnesota – Minnesota’s Arrowhead, will always hold a special place in our hearts.

This photo of Al was taken 38 years ago. Near Gunflint Lake, MN

Al and I used to spend our summer vacations in northeast Minnesota camping and canoeing. At the time, we worked in the airline industry; he a Pilot and me a Flight Attendant. We could’ve flown anywhere in the world for either free or mere pennies, but we chose to escape civilization and immerse ourselves in Minnesota’s Northwoods. Ah, the memories!

In light of those memories, our anniversary gift to each other was a couple of Minnesota coffee mugs. We rarely set foot into a Starbucks, but when our daughter introduced us to the “been there series” of mugs, well let’s just say it was time for a Starbucks visit. These mugs make us smile every morning while enjoying our coffee.

By the way, Al spent seven years in the Navy, twenty-two years as a Commercial Airline Pilot, and twelve years as a Residential General Contractor and NEVER drank coffee. But after just two short years of living full-time in an RV with me, I was finally able to corrupt him, and for the past five years, he has been an official coffee drinker. I started drinking coffee when I was sixteen during a summer spent in Germany and it took me 35 years to bring Al to the dark side. And yes, he drinks coffee black just as I do!

Other news – RV repairs and Stress

So although we enjoyed our actual anniversary, those first two weeks in Wisconsin were very stressful and sleep-deprived. During our long drive to northern Wisconsin, we encountered some problematic issues with our RV.

Anytime the belly of the beast leaks, that’s an issue for immediate attention. Fortunately, it was not of the stinky nature, but a serious problem nonetheless.

Slicing open the belly of the RV, diagnosing the problem, AND then figuring out the fix was a stressful situation … a situation that caused many sleepless nights.

First, we wondered if this was a project we could tackle, and second if we couldn’t, would we be able to find a place to get it fixed? Oh, and we haven’t even addressed the money issue yet.

Spoiler alert – the RV is almost put back together. Al and I fixed her up and are in the testing phase to make sure there won’t be any future leaks. We’ll give her another week or so before we close up the RV belly with new material that is on order.

So while we’re almost done with this major RV project (relief), how about doing some more projects – fun projects? Insert serious eye-rolling/head shaking from husband Al. Ah, and to think he thought he’d have nothing to do all summer but fish 😁. After thirty-seven years of marriage, did he really think he could just idle away his summer? He should know better! Besides I can be rather persuasive … lots of fresh baked goods, steaming hot coffee, and logical reasoning are in his future, amongst other rewards. Stay tuned for RV Fixer Upper!

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Ingrid's Corner

Florence’s Greatest Coffee Shops

November 24, 2019November 23, 2019by Ingrid35 Comments

Have you ever dreamed of international travel? My daughter does and after our recent mother-daughter trip, more travel adventures are being discussed. In our typical fashion, these discussions usually occur over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Many years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Europe a few times, predominantly Germany. Aside from the wonderful architecture, my favorite experience was the tradition of an afternoon cup of coffee accompanied by a delectable pastry. Local cafés are bustling around two or three o’clock in the afternoon. After sharing this experience with my daughter, we started doing a little research … research on Italy and coffee shops.

Sunrise over Italy and Coffee Shops

In search of coffee shops.

Nestled in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence is a haven of fantastic food, exceptional wine and beautiful coffee. If you are planning a trip to Florence in the near future, you might be wondering which are the best places to enjoy some traditional Italian coffee. If so, then look no further! Here are six of the best places for a coffee-lover to relax in Florence.

1. La Ménagère

If you are looking for a coffee-shop that provides terrific coffee as well as an Instagrammable backdrop, then head on down to La Ménagère for a cup of locally sourced coffee. The inside of this café looks like an old brickwork warehouse which has been transformed into a chic garden terrace.

2. Caffe Gilli

Caffe Gilli was first established in 1733 and worked to provide the finest pastries, chocolates, cakes and coffee to the high society of Florence. The remnants of this luxury can still be seen in the decadent Belle Epoque interior and their open terrace, where you can sit back and enjoy watching the world go by while you sip on a cappuccino. Step back in time by visiting Caffe Gilli and order one of their many delicious handmade cakes to accompany your traditional Italian coffee.

Coffee and biscotti

3. Le Murate Caffè Letterario

The best time to visit Italy is definitely during the Spring and Autumn when the temperatures are still comfortable, but the crowds of tourists have gone home. If you are traveling during these times, you will definitely want to visit Le Murate Literary Café’s uncovered outdoor terrace and enjoy people watching as you indulge in a decadent mocha coffee. The building was originally a monastery and then a prison, but it’s now home to one of the coolest coffee shops in all of Florence.

4. Caffè Concerto Paszkowski

This café is so well-loved by Florentines and tourists alike that it was named a National Monument in 1991. Perhaps the real reason this was declared a national treasure has less to do with the delicious coffee and more to do with the history of the building as a concert hall attended by many great European intellectuals throughout history! In any case, The Caffè Concerto Paszkowski is a great place to sit down (or stand up, as the Italians do) for an espresso and an Italian pastry.

5. Ditta Artigianale

This coffee shop is so good that there are two of them in Florence! The Florentine Starbucks serves a modern coffee menu – which is something of a relief if you have ever tried ordering an americano or café au lait in Italy. Ditta Artigianale offers a comfortable and modern environment for customers, which makes it easy to sit for hours working, reading or just relaxing while enjoying a simple yet intense coffee experience.

coffee cup with blurred background

6. Le Vespe Cafe

This coffee shop not only offers mind-blowingly good coffee, but it also serves one of the best brunches in Florence. So, if you are heading to Florence anytime soon, don’t miss out on their tantalizing menu and reserve a table at Le Vespe Café. This café is popular with tourists and locals, so if you don’t reserve a table you may end up being disappointed when you get there.

The cafés are worth the visit!

Hmm, I’m not sure there’s a European excursion in our future anytime soon, but those coffee shops sure are enticing. And of course, I do have a rather persuasive daughter who is teething at the bit to cross the pond.

Photography

Sunrise – A New Day, a New View

September 5, 2018March 26, 2019by Ingrid73 Comments

With a strong cup of coffee in hand while watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico … Ah, could there possibly be a better way to start a new day? I know it’s one of my favorites; a strong cup of coffee and a beautiful sunrise.

The dawning of a new day brings about a sense of hope, a sense of new beginnings, a fresh start. All the problems of yesterday are just that – yesterday’s problems.

Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico

I love watching a beautiful sunrise, but I don’t always love jumping out of the RV so early in the morning in search of those wonderful views. Summer is particularly difficult for me to photograph sunrise considering the sun graces us with her presence so incredibly early in the morning.

It’s too tempting to stay snuggled up in the RV until a more reasonable hour. I guess that’s why I enjoy visiting the Texas Gulf Coast during the winter months. Sunrise is at a more sensible hour and I have no trouble loading up my travel mug with a steaming cup of strong black coffee, tossing the camera in the truck, and heading off in search of capturing an inspiring sunrise photograph. It’s not uncommon for me to be driving along the coast, sipping coffee, long before the sun makes her appearance.

Dock of the Bay

I find these early morning solo excursions to be refreshing. It’s the perfect way to start my day, and I always look forward to our visits to this special place in Texas. I was so looking forward to repeating our usual January – February Texas sojourn, but after much discussion and lots of hemming and hawing, Al and I have decided to stay in Phoenix, Arizona, the entire winter and forgo the Texas journey … this winter, anyway.

I’ll miss those Gulf Coast sunrises, but now I have the challenge of finding the perfect sunrise view in the desert southwest. Hmm, I think I’m up for the photo challenge! If anyone is interested in joining me on a photographic outing in Arizona this winter, please, do reach out … I love company and exploring new locations.

sunrise over the bay

I will miss those coastal views and shore birds, but I look forward to embracing new views, new photographic challenges, and meeting new friends. A new day, a new view, and a new adventure … bring it on!

For this weeks photo challenge, let’s share images of sunrise. Feel free to share a link in the comments below or link back to this page on your own post. I’d love to see your favorite sunrise location.

sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico

Wandering Wednesday –

Each Wednesday I post a different photo prompt / challenge as a way for bloggers to share their love of photography and engage with other like-minded bloggers. Whether you shoot with your phone, a DSLR or something in-between, don’t be shy, share and connect 🤗

Upcoming prompt – Zoo …. get out and shoot or peruse those archives!

(affiliate links)
Travel Mug
Camping Coffee Mugs
French Press Coffee Maker
365 Best Inspirational Quotes: Daily Motivation For Your Best Year Ever

Utah

A Popular Trail in Zion

June 7, 2017September 15, 2023by Ingrid58 Comments

When Ashton and I chose Zion National Park as the destination for our road trip, I had only two requests … stop at the Zion Lodge and hike the trail that was accessed across from the lodge. Other than that, I left it all up to my daughter. Sure, I’d offer my input, but ultimately, we’d do and see whatever she would like. Zion National Park

Back in the early to mid-nineties, we lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for a few years, and it’s an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. While living in Las Vegas, Al and I visited Zion once with the kids in tow and later I revisited with a girlfriend. Both times, I overnighted at the Zion Lodge in one of the rustic cabins. The buildings themselves are unassuming, but the huge green lawn accompanied by a bunch of benches left an indelible impression on me. A visitor can sit, and admire the soaring canyon walls …

Zion wildlife As I sat on one of those benches looking up, I remember feeling awed by the beauty around me. This former flatlander from Illinois was overwhelmed by the unique and stunning landscape.

Today, I was equally awed, if not more so. I’m not sure if it’s my age or the fact that I’m able to travel leisurely on a regular basis, but there was a relaxed calmness about me that allowed me to savor the scenery along with each experience and hike I accomplished. Zion National Park

As any parent knows, traveling with small children is a huge distraction which I’m sure had an impact on my first visit to Zion. This go around was different. Instead of me, the mom, constantly concerned about the whereabouts and antics of a six-year-old and four-year-old, my adult daughter was the one in charge and it was her responsibility to keep me (dear old mom) from getting into trouble. No easy task 😆 This new-found lack of responsibility on my part was oh-so fun!

Zion National Park After our Riverside Walk, we took the shuttle bus back down the canyon to the Zion Lodge and bought a couple of lattes at the cafe.

We found a bench near the large grass lawn and sat in silence while sipping our coffee. The last time my daughter and I sat here, she was four years old. Wow, how those twenty-three years seemed to have whizzed by!

Not only was I awed by the majestic landscape surrounding me, but I was equally awed by the young lady sitting next to me. What a beautiful, caring, and successful person my daughter has become. A mom can’t ask for much more!

With our energy boosted from the caffeinated coffees and a stop at the Zion Lodge checked off my list, it was time for a little more nostalgia. I wasn’t sure which trail hubby and I took with the kids all those years ago, but I was pretty sure the trailhead was near the Zion Lodge, which meant it had to be the Emerald Pools Trail. What I do remember as the highlight of that day for our family of four was walking behind a waterfall. Thus, Ashton and I were off in search of that waterfall.

Emerald Pools Trail Zion National Park — Walking behind a waterfall – Emerald Pools Trail

Yep, I found the right trail and memories flooded back. It was every bit as entertaining during this visit as it was all those years ago, even though the amount of water falling was light in comparison.

The Emerald Pools Trail is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting pools. Since the trailhead is located across the street from the Zion Lodge making it easily accessible, the Emerald Pools trail is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. With that in mind, we weren’t surprised we encountered plenty of other hikers on the trail, but even though we had to share the trail, it was still worth the hike.

Emerald Pools

We did the entire hike from the lower pools to the upper pools, which is about 3 miles round trip. The last stretch to the upper pools was the most difficult, partly due to the number of other hikers on the trail and partly because of the elevation gain.

Emerald Pools Trail Zion National Park

This was a lovely hike that we enjoyed, but personally, I liked the super easy Riverside Walk Trail a little more. Not because it was easy (well, maybe) but because it offered open views of the soaring canyon walls, the rushing Virgin River, and of course, those lush hanging gardens. The Emerald Pools trail is more about the waterfalls and pools of water. The trail to the lower pool is rated easy, but as the trail climbs to the middle pool and eventually the upper pool, it gets a little more difficult which is why this stretch is considered moderate.

From the Zion Lodge to the Upper Pool there’s a 350-foot elevation gain. It’s about 3 miles round trip. Plan around 2 hours – depending on photo stops.

Next up, we’re in search of more stunning scenery, and we’ll tackle the hike of all hikes … our epic hike ….

Campgrounds, Colorado

Wildlife, Views, and Friendships

September 12, 2014September 11, 2014by Ingrid32 Comments

Alas, our five glorious days spent at Rocky Mountain National Park had come to an end.

Hubby and I were definitely not ready to leave and since the campground was only half full, we figured if we really wanted to extend our stay at the Glacier Basin Campground, we probably could.

But as we were enjoying our morning coffee, we watched the wall of weather move ever more closely toward our camp. That was our cue that it was indeed time to move on. That sky looked nasty and I assure you a dusting of snow that third week of August was not out of the question.

We arrived back at the Westminster Elks Lodge and set up residency in ‘our’ spot. The camp host informed us some folks arrived the previous day asking about us. Hmm, were these blog followers or folks we’d already met somewhere along our travels? Turns out both.

We met Bob and Kathy a couple of winters ago at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. We were RV newbies with our new fifth wheel and had been on a six week road trip. We credit Kathy for fixing our TV.

You see, no matter what we tried or who we asked, we couldn’t get any reception with the RV antenna. That is until Kathy asked, “Did you push the little button and get a green light”. Say what? Ah ha, all this time Al and I had been focused on the living room area around our one and only TV and the magic button was located in a cabinet in the bedroom. There sure is a learning curve to this RVing thing but once learned, you don’t forget 😉

We had a great time visiting with this couple and swapping travel tales before it was time for them to hit the road and start their slow meander back to Phoenix, AZ. You can read about how we met Bob and Kathy here.

Although the Elks campground facility has worked out beautifully this summer allowing us to park close to our daughters place, it isn’t the most scenic and I’m all about the views. I’m happiest when I have lovely scenery around me and if we get to park near water to boot…. well let’s just say, I’m in my element.

Rocky Mountains — Marmot – Rocky Mountain National Park

So when I heard fellow blogger LuAnn was going to be camped just north of Denver at the St. Vrain State Park which has mountain views AND ponds, I couldn’t make a reservation fast enough, even if for just a few days….

coffee with a view — I enjoy morning coffee and a sunrise at St. Vrain State Park, Colorado

Keurig K130/B130 Brewing System

Colorado

Crested Butte

September 5, 2013by Ingrid52 Comments

Hubby and I always look forward to visiting one of our favorite Colorado mountain towns. Our friends are just as much a fan of Crested Butte, Colorado, as are we, but it’s been years since they last visited this well-known ski town. Crested Butte isn’t just known for its awesome skiing…..it is considered the birth place of mountain biking. Now I’m sure there’s some folks that might disagree, but keep in mind, I’m just repeating the Crested Butte information that I’ve read.

This quaint little mountain town is also home to the Wildflower Festival held each July when the mountain meadows are covered in blooms. Hubby and I visited this area last year for exactly that reason. However, 2012 brought very little moisture to Colorado; producing drought conditions and a poor showing of blooms….so we were told. The locals – from shop keepers, to wait staff, to city workers – all apologized for the poor display of wildflowers and encouraged us to revisit. Ok….twist my arm!

So revisit we shall and we can’t wait to share the day with our friends. Last year’s trip was a lot of fun even though the showing of wildflowers wasn’t spectacular. I was indeed a very happy camper. You can read about our 2012 tenting adventure in Crested Butte here.

On last year’s trip, we discovered a great little place for breakfast called McGill’s. Al and I knew any return trip to Crested Butte would include a stop at McGill’s for breakfast. With our friends in tow and tummies gurgling, we arrived at McGill’s for a late breakfast around 9 a.m. First order of business – coffee. They serve the yummiest coffee, roasted right there in Crested Butte.

Camp 4 Coffee is a locally owned coffee shop and roaster. Before heading out of town, we purchased a couple of pounds of the “Sledgehammer” roast. McGill’s serves the “Blue Mesa” blend which Al really enjoys….and he’s not normally a coffee drinker, but he is at McGill’s.

With tummies full and plenty of coffee to keep us zinging for a few hours, we’re off to explore the backcountry. We head north past Mount Crested Butte and toward the town of Gothic. Our goal today was Emerald Lake. Last year we never made it to the lake because traffic was too heavy for our liking. The Wildflower Festival brings folks in from around the world, thus tourists everywhere.

Our trip today was perfect…..perfect weather, few tourists, and enjoyable company. The road got a little rough in spots, but nothing my Toyota couldn’t handle. We enjoy our photo op at Emerald Lake then meander our way back to our camp at Blue Mesa.

I wrote three posts last year with a little more information on Crested Butte and the surrounding area. Feel free to check out the posts starting here.

Once again, we did not get our fill of the area and Al and I vow to return again next summer. I believe our friends share our sentiment and are ready to return with a moments notice.

Tag: Coffee