ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

My son was nine years old the first time I took him hiking.  Mark Lentz led us up Tumbling Run in Michaux State Forest.  I wasn't just hooked...Alex was too.  That hike has...over the years...become Alex's favorite.  Why wouldn't it be?  That particular trail has all you could ask for:  waterfalls, obstacles, rocks, and a spectacular view at the top!  Over the past ten years, Alex and I have hiked many other places...but Tumbling Run is still his favorite.  Usually, as we did last week, we combine a hike up Tumbling Run with a second amazing hike up to the top of Pole Steeple.  This, along with a picnic at one of the numerous state parks in the area, makes for an adventurous day.  For me, the best part of the day isn't the hikes or the food.  What I look forward to the most is sharing the day and the experiences with my son. Thank you to YOUR TRUE NATURE for the super cool bookmarks and magnets.  Your gift and your inspir...

In less than a week I will be celebrating my third wedding anniversary.  Robin and I were married on July 21, 2013.  It was, up to this point, the best day of my life. She really does bring out the best in me.   Actually, she's my moral compass.  Robin's opened my world to a whole new spectrum of things:  Korean food (yeah, my favorite restaurant is Nam King in Baltimore, Maryland), movies that don't involve Rocky Balboa or Han Solo, traveling farther than Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Eminem (didn't see that one coming!)  She's taught me to explore more  things, try to see the best in everyone, and...uh...talk about my feelings.  What have brought to her world?  Well...I guess more than anything...I think I've let her know that it's okay to be silly and completely let your guard down.  Sometimes I catch myself laughing out loud as she allows me to take pictures of her being completely silly.  She never would have done that six ye...