Exploring the simple pleasures in life.
After many years of effort, I have found that the key to true happiness comes with learning to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. It’s in the awesome feeling that you have when the garden is full of beautiful banana peppers. It comes from spending time with the people you love and sharing fantastic adventures with them. This Uncomplicated Life is my way of sharing my journey into finding and enjoying the simple pleasures.
Hawksbill Diner Review
The amazing service absolutely made our visit.
Moonshadows Restaurant Review
For our first camping trip, almost 2 1/2 years ago, we went to Luray, VA. While there we fell in love with Moonshadows Restaurant. When we planned to return to the area this weekend, we knew we had to eat there again. This time we went for brunch.
Sine Irish Pub Review
Last weekend we went to Richmond, VA for an RV show. We decided to make it a day with a round of disc golf at Gillies Creek, dinner and a concert.
Carrot Cake
I love carrot cake and have made a few of the box variety over the years. It never occurred to me to make one from scratch.
Country Roads
Last weekend we went in search of waterfalls. I love going to waterfalls in the winter and early spring. Between the snow and the heavy rains, the waterfalls are more dramatic at that time of the year.
Peaks View Park Disc Golf Course
We first discovered Peaks View Park Disc Golf Course seven years ago. We were in Lynchburg to tour Liberty University as part of Nick's college search. We decided to check out the disc golf courses while we were there. After playing the course at Liberty (a very uphill course) we ventured across town as daylight dwindled to play at Peaks View Park. We enjoyed the course so much that we went back and played again the next day.
Farm Bell Kitchen Review
On our latest camping adventure, we stopped for brunch at Farm Bell Kitchen in Charlottesville, VA. The restaurant is in an old house, rich with character. They were busy so I was very happy that we had thought to call ahead for a reservation.
Bacon Deviled Eggs
With the Superbowl on the horizon, my thoughts turn to party foods. One of my go tos for party food is Bacon Deviled Eggs. Every time I make these, they are a complete hit.
Gingersnaps
I have never been a big fan of ginger snaps. Generally, I find them too hard and crunchy, a texture I don't necessarily enjoy in cookies. That changed this year when our pastry chef at work made some as part of a dessert special. The delicious cookies had a lovely, soft texture and a fantastic buttery flavor.
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Twenty-five years ago I hosted a Halloween party for family. I found a simple recipe for sugar cookies. Because it was a party, I went over the top and frosted the cookies. The family went wild for the cookies. Over the years I have made them for parties, as gifts and as a special treat for the holidays. My boys came to associate the cookies with happiness.
Eggnog
I have never been a big fan of eggnog. I always saw it as an overly thick not very tasty drink. This year for some reason we decided to buy a container of it. Chris diluted the mixture with milk and I enjoyed the thinner version. I decided to attempt homemade eggnog for Christmas
Garlic Rosemary Chicken with Cranberries
I found a great way to use those extra holiday cranberries.
A Whale of A Time
After about 45 minutes, the boat suddenly slowed. There was a whale close by. In just a few minutes, we saw a spray of water rising from the ocean followed by the whale's back and dorsal fin. He flipped his tail as he dove back under.