Hello Blog Friends– This August marks my tenth year of typing away on this blog. Really it’s more of a scrapbook of recipes and thoughts I want to hang on to.
I’ve been thinking for a while that I would use this anniversary to close the site down. Life is full. And there are so many things I want to give more time to–people we love and projects we never seem to get done!
But when I then I thought about now much I would miss it–especially keeping in touch with old and new blog friends (that means you– Lacey, Mollie, Kat, Marcia, Daisy, Suzanne, Lisa, Mary, Carol, Lilly, Cindy, Brigid, Vero, Ursula and Susie!!)
So I’m cutting back to once a week– less recipes, more of life and faith and family. I think that will fit just fine.
And to mark the happy event of Ten Blogging Years, I thought I’d link to my favorite posts (just click on the blue letters to link through):
FAVORITE RECIPES — DISHES FO FAMILY & FRIENDS
Chocolate Cream Cake with Ganache Frosting
Books & Breakfast– A Morning with Friends
Swedish Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Apricot Couscous
FAVORITE THOUGHTS ON LIFE AND FAITH:
.
FAVORITE BLOG MEMORIES WITH THE FAMILY:
Wonderful Woodsy Wisconsin Wedding Weekend
Grammy Camp 2017
.
FAVORITE BOOK POSTS OVER THE YEARS:
Booklist Page (Notations of books I’ve read the last 3 years)
Five Favorite Children’s Books!
At Home in the World (& Other Travel Books)
30 Years of Books (Lit Group favorites)
.
FAVORITE TRAVELS FROM HERE TO THERE:
Family Trek Through the Sequoias!
San Francisco with the Grand-Girls (or Fun in SF with kids!)
Wisconsin Part #2– Off to the North Woods!!
Whew! That’s a whole lot of posts. It wasn’t easy narrowing down to very favorites!! And if you, by chance, are still reading this overwrought posting– thank you!! It’s been a joy to send out posts for the last ten years to dear people like you. I remain thankful.
The Thankful Heart 
Congratulations on your 10 year blogging anniversary 😀 I cannot wait to read more in the next years to come!
Thanks Isabel! So good to hear from you!! Have you stopped blogging?? Or changed sites? Would love to be in touch…
Dear Rhonda,
Every day I come to your site for a peek into the positive life you lead: the time you spend with family, the wonderfully homey recipes you cook up, your thoughts on faith, your latest literary adventures. I don’t know if you consider this a project, but I can tell you that it brings me much joy and brief respite in a busy day. You remind me to zoom out and focus on what’s important in life, and I truly respect your dedication to this platform and those of us who anxiously await your next post. In an internet full of things to read, your site is truly my favorite. I do hope you’ll reconsider decreasing your posting frequency and breadth of subjects. Your posts on breakfast boards and simple dinners bring me as much joy as your posts on faith.
With respect,
Bobalina
Oh thank you Bobalina!! You are so so kind and encouraging! You really have warmed my heart. So thankful to hear from you. I’m wondering what part of the world you live in– or are you a California girl too?? So wonderful to hear from you– would like to be in touch… xo
Wow! Congrats! I’m thrilled that I found you and happy to hear you’ll continue your lovely blog! Receivng it is always a bright spot in my Blog life! I appreciate all the work in compiling your favorites for us! Here’s to the next 10! Cheers!
Thanks Carol– I feel the same way about your blog– pour over it. You have so much in each post!! And– just finished Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (starts quirky, then sad and finally heartwarming– Can’t remember it you’ve read it) And now I”m a few pages in to A Place For Us (on your good recommendation!). I’ll let you know when I’m finished!! hugs hugs!
Oh I love Eleanor! Give me all the quirky characters! I read it before I started my blog but I have referenced the book in other posts. I’m eager to hear what you think of A Place For Us! It’s a bit of a slow build and the names are not easy to remember because culture (!) but I made connections with the characters on so many levels! (Also the changing perspectives even within a chapter are challenging at first) I love family dynamics as much as quirky characters! Happy reading my bookish friend and #1 commenter!
Me too Carol– love a good family story. I think that’s why I like memoirs more as I get older. Glad you loved Eleanor too– weren’t you happy how well she was doing by the end?? xox
I think we need a sequel! I was amazed that it was her debut novel! The structure of the story and character development was amazing…..I didn’t see the plot twist (revelation) coming and sat there with jaw dropped! Eleanor is so brave.
So agree– I’d love to hear the rest of her story! I didn’t expect that twist either. Both Eleanor and Raymond were so quirky and endearing.
Congratulations Rhonda. You were a blogging pioneer. I am so glad you have decided to continue. You brighten up the blogosphere. 🌼
You are always so kind and full of sweet comments Brigid– that’s why I love reading your posts! thank you. xox
Wow! I’ve only been at it for 4 months! How do you stay so motivated?
Hi Emily! Feels like blogging is a way to keep creating and also a great record to look back on for myself– and I’ve loved being in touch with a few other bloggers, really from all over. — Checked on your posts — and I agree fall is the best season!! Glad to find your blog! xo
I’m so glad to read that you DO plan to continue, if only weekly. I have so enjoyed following along with you. I will say that you gave me a few chuckles today though. I love that you lead off with a Chocolate Cake! Such a girl after my own heart. Second, the first favorite post link I clicked on
(not chocolate!, Hmm, that’s not like me!)was True Home. Wonderful! The second was Rethinking Christmas. Beautiful. The third, Five Favorite Children’s Books (for the grands, of course) and the link took me to……Mocha Cheesecake! Chuckle, chuckle. Guess I’ll have to search your blog for those 5 favorite books.
Enjoy your time with family. And getting to spend more time in pursuit of our Wonderful Lord and all matters of faith is wonderful. It comes full circle and leads to True Home.
Much Love and Hugs, Susie
Hi Susie– you re so so kind and encouraging– thanks for being in touch!!
And I so agree with you on chocolate cake! I’m up at my daughter’s to help with a new baby bon 3 days ago– and to welcome them home from the hospital, I made a chocolate cake!! Anyway– so wonderful to hear from you. I’ve been checking on your blog the last few weeks and have missed your posts– So glad glad you’re back! (And thanks for the info on the glitch!! I’ll fix it!) Hope your summer is winding down well. Blessings, xo
Congrats on the newly arrived one! What fun for you. Hope you have a baby quilt planned? I’ve been in a bit of a blogging funk lately. But, I’m finishing up a 4-season Quilt as a fundraiser for my baby boys Montessori school that I’ll post about soon. Hope you’re getting cooler weather. Enjoy the little one.
Oh fun Susie– look forward to seeing your quilt!! How great of you to use it for the fundraiser! I did a simple quilt for new baby Oscar– it’s really one of my favorites. I’ll post it next week– along with pics of out little guy. So glad to hear from you– I know sometimes you just need a blog break! hugs!
Happy 10th Anniversary! By the way, your Moroccan chicken with Apricot cous cous is a family favorite here!
I did substitute quinoa to make it GF though!
Oh gosh –thanks Dan!! Loved your crazy rooster story!! He’s one tough bird!
so blessed to be one of your followers. i love your stories, family pix, travel adventures, book recommendations, and of course all your wonderful recipes! Dennis loves this too…Congrats on such a milestone and thank you for continuing. love and hugs
debi
Hey Debi– I always love hearing from you– you are as kind and gracious as ever. I’m up in SF with Ani & Brian and new baby Oscar– 3 days old! But when I get home, can we have lunch?? xox
Congratulations! 10 years! Your recipes and family have enriched my life. I absolutely love everything about your blog. I’m so happy you decided to share your life and amazing recipes with us. Thank you, Rhonda! Love and hugs to you! 😊
Oh Lisa– thank you for being your kind encouraging self. I’m grateful to be in touch with you… Will be reading along on yourposts ahead… Happy weekend!
Wow, Rhonda! Congratulations 🤩 10 years is a long time. What a wonderful array of posts. I love Granny camp. Lots of love to you. Glad you’re going to stay blogging! Debbie xo
Thanks Debbie– you’re one of my oldest blogging buddies– love being in touch. xox
Congratulations on your ten year mark, Rhonda!
I’m so glad to have found you.
💕🦋💕 Cate B
I say the same thing Cate– you’ve been my blog buddy for so long!! Been a joy to get to know you and your family. xo
Ten years…that’s amazing! I’m so glad you’re not quitting since I just found you! I can’t wait till I make it to the ten year mark and every mark after that. I know, at times, in my life I’ll be able to dedicate more and less time to it but I don’t ever want to let it go. I hope you don’t either. Happy Anniversary! 💖
Hi Jenny– It’s easy to do if you are enjoying it– just keep typing. And you’re so right that there are seasons where you just don’t have the time. It will be fun to see what you come up with ahead… xo
Thanks! I also agree that it will be fun to see where it goes! I learn something new every day!
Hello! Great site! Looking forward to following – here’s hoping you blog at least another 10 years.
thanks– fun to hear from you! Your lemon blueberry cake looked wonderful!!
Happy anniversary on your 10 year blogging! Take care! 😊
thanks thanks! so good to hear from you!
First Congratulations on your ten years of blogging. Maybe I’m selfish but I’m very happy to know that you will be continuing on…you would be very missed if you stopped. Thank you for sharing all your favorites as I’ve only been following for a couple of years. I’m looking forward to many more posts.
HI Karen– Always enjoy your travels… How long have you been blogging now?? xo
Seven years and they seem to have flown by.
I get it. xo
Happy tenth blog anniversary, Rhonda! What beautiful pictures and I’ll take some time soon to read your favorites! I will miss you but look forward to your once a week post. Life is precious and giving that valuable time to positive actions is awesome! ❤️❤️❤️
You’re so right Mary– I know you have so many people you care for there– so you know what I mean. Hope you had a wonderful weekend away! xox
Thank you. Enjoy your time away from blogging, dear friend.xoxo
Happy 10 th anniversary for you & your lovely blog! I think that is fine with us, dear friend!
Enjoy life to the fullest & enjoy your family too! I will be thinking of you a lot & our blog friendship too! I made several lovely recipes from you & I will keep enjoying home too! xxxx Hugs & Cheers! x
Thanks Sophie– love how you are always so positive and upbeat! hugs!
Congratulations on 10 years, Rhonda. I have a lot of reading to catch up to you. Once a week sounds perfect.
Thanks Lisa– Are you in a book group?? I have these smart friends that keep me reading every month– books I might not have chosen. But I love listening to them as we read together. Hugs from here!
I am not. I would rather read and discuss but not in a group setting. And I always like recommendations from fellow book lovers
You do have the advantage of picking your own books! I have a hard time reading the books I want to get to– plus and monthly one for our book group! Happy reading Lisa!! xox
And I like discussing books among friends. Maybe one day….
Wish I could invite you to drop into our book group!! I love listening to those smart ladies! xo
If I am ever in the neighbourhood….
Would be awesome! xo
WOW! Ten years, congratulations!!
I’m glad you decided to continue blogging. I don’t get by often, but when I do I always enjoy your blog!
Congrats on a new little one for you to shower with love, too!
Blessings~
Thanks RobbyFaye! I’d say the same– always love your reviews!!
Aww, thank you so much, it means a lot to me that you feel that way!
Blessings~💖
Wow, what a milestone! Ten years looks good on ya! -Kat
You’re so dear Kat– always know how to write the most encouraging things– love your sense of humor. I was going to quit when I hit 10 years– but decided to try once a week. And it’s been good not not think about blogging so much! Low key is good. Wonder what you’re thinking about it… xoxo
I just started blogging today actually. Ten years is definitely an incredible accomplishment and such an amazing way to share experiences with others!
Wow Chelsi– Good for you! I’d love to check in on your, but couldn’t link through. Could you send me the url?? Hope you really enjoy the process of blogging– and all the new blog friends you’ll meet!
10 years, Rhonda? That is an amazing accomplishment. I could see how you might be ready to shut down but am so grateful you are going to slow down instead. I love touching base with you every week. I really do look forward to it. Congratulations on a HUGE milestone.
I would say the same thing Lacey– always love reading your real and insightful posts– Love being your blog-friend and watching your family grow… xox
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Oh my gosh, my heart went to my throat when I read the first paragraph! I’m so glad you’re not closing down your site. (And thanks for the shout-out, btw!) I would miss you & your blog terribly.
Just look at what you’ve accomplished over these past 10 years, and think about how many lives you brighten not just with recipes, or your gorgeous photography, book reviews and your faith, but with you just being you and generously sharing all of the above. Yep, I just decided you are a public service and shouldn’t be allowed to shut down, lol!!
ha ha ha! You are the best blog friend a girl could have Mollie! Love your sense of humor (and kind words). That’s why I appreciate your blog so much too, I guess! hugs!
I love your blog. There are some beautiful photos, delicious looking recipes, and book recommendations. I can’t wait to peruse through your site and be inspired.
So kind–thanks. I hope you enjoy it.
Rhoda, congratulation on 10 years of blogging!! ❤ You are inspiring! Lot of hugs!!!
Hi Vero — thanks. I’ve decided to slow don– just post once a week and for me, it’s more fun this way! So glad to have you has my blog buddy! xo
Hi Rhonda, I have decided as well and I absolutely agree with you – it is more fun! ❤ I am so glad too, you are amazing and inspiring person! ❤
Life is just too full to spend so much time typing away here– and you have so much going Vero. I don’t know how you do it! xo
Belated congrats and have fun whenever you are:)
The most important is we enjoy our life and blogging shouldn’t depress us.
We also have trouble to keep up with other blogger posts since we have our daily life and we commit only 3x a week for a new post.
I look forward for your new post:)
Thanks Yunni! I’m really trying to cut back– I think you know what I mean. Life is full and there are family & friends to take care of close at hand. But it’s a fun hobby. Love you’re amazing travels! xo
Happy anniversary! I’m so happy you are not leaving us, I would miss you dearly! But I also understand it just sometimes can be too much to keep up with. Thanks for beeing my blogging friend! xox
Thanks Ursula!! Yep, there’s only so much time– and so many things to do/people to take care of. So I’m posting lots less– but just couldn’t think of stopping all together. You know what I mean?? Love your beautiful posts– xox