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Articles by Lori Erickson
Circling Lake Pepin between Minnesota and Wisconsin
A view from the bluffs shows Highway 61 on the shore of Lake Pepin along the Upper Mississippi River between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Visit Lake City photo There are road trips where the destination is the point, and then there are road trips where going in a circle is precisely the idea. Lake Pepin, a broad, beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River straddling Minnesota and Wisconsin, is made for the latter.
Explore Eastern Iowa by kayak
After living in Iowa all my life, I thought I knew the state well. It wasn’t until I bought a kayak that I discovered an Iowa I had never known: tree-lined rivers, peaceful lakes and quiet backwaters where great blue herons glide overhead and the sounds of traffic fade away. The good news is that you don’t need to own a kayak to experience these hidden corners of the state.
Explore Glenwood Springs, Colorado
On a western road trip last fall, my husband and I had logged nearly 900 miles before reaching Glenwood Springs in western Colorado. We’d planned our stay mostly as a much-needed break from driving, but the town turned out to be one of our favorite destinations on a three-week journey. With its hot springs, dramatic canyon scenery, rafting, biking and lively downtown, Glenwood Springs proved to be an ideal place to recharge before continuing our drive.
A creative detour to Mineral Point
If you’ve ever wanted to explore an art form — or discover a town that’s a work of art in its own right — Mineral Point, Wisconsin, is worth the trip. The Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts offers hands-on classes, while the town itself inspires with its historic architecture, thriving community of artists and abundance of galleries. I came to Mineral Point to take a day-long watercolor class, an adventure in creativity that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Update on Education for Families and Patients With Pediatric Heart Disease: A Focus on Technological Advancements, Procedures, and Transitions of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Rapid Communication Open Access Major advancements in pediatric cardiac care models, interventions, innovations, and clinical outcomes have occurred over the past 20 years since the first American Heart Association scientific statement on preparing children and adolescents for invasive cardiac procedures.1 Cardiologists, surgeons, and nurses have consistently provided educational information on pediatric heart disease (pedsHD) diagnoses and procedures to patients and their families.1 Complex...
Utah state parks worth visiting: Snow Canyon and Kodachrome Basin
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. If you love Utah’s national parks but dread the parking lots and shuttle lines, there’s good news. On a recent trip to southern Utah, my husband and I discovered that some of the state’s most impressive scenery lies beyond those headline destinations.
Once a shipbuilding hub, Mystic, Connecticut blends history, hospitality and harbor views
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. I’ll admit it: before I visited Mystic, Connecticut, my main reference point was the 1988 romantic comedy “Mystic Pizza,” starring Julia Roberts and Lili Taylor. When I arrived, I half-expected Roberts to appear with a slice in hand and a smile. But real life in Mystic, it turns out, serves up a far richer experience than Hollywood.
Experience the wonders of ceramics in Seagrove, North Carolina
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. Seagrove, North Carolina may be tiny, but its pottery scene is anything but small. Within a 20-mile radius, about 100 potters live and work, producing everything from utilitarian bowls to dazzling works of art. On a recent trip to Seagrove, I discovered that nearly every back road leads to a potter’s workshop, each one offering a fresh take on the region’s centuries-old clay traditions.
Graceland: A look at the man behind the rock 'n' roll legend Elvis Presley
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. When I visited Graceland, I expected rhinestones and shag carpet. I didn’t expect to be emotionally moved. Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis estate, is one of the most visited private homes in the United States, second only to the White House. Since opening to the public in 1982, it’s drawn millions of fans from around the world.
Exploring America's musical roots on the Mississippi Blues Trail
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. The birthplace of the Blues — and much of American music — lies in Mississippi’s northwest corner. In this flat, green region known as the Delta, the Blues took shape in the early twentieth century. Musicians here blended West African musical traditions with English and Scotch-Irish folk influences to create something raw and new.
Shirley is 90
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. Shirley is 90 It’s been a great ride. Love ya to the moon.... Dick, the Alphabet Crew, Grandkids, and Great-grandkids.
65th Wedding Anniversary
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. 65th Wedding Anniversary Roger and Lois Huggins were married on March 25, 1960 in Basel, Switzerland. The couple met in Europe, where Roger served as an Air Force fighter pilot and Lois was a teacher for the Department of Defense schools.
Magical Cappadocia: Visit Turkiye’s land of fairy chimneys and ancient wonders
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. While Turkiye — the nation formerly known as Turkey — is full of remarkable sites, its Cappadocia region is a world-class destination in itself. Through the millennia, its landscape of soft volcanic rock has been sculpted into honeycombed valleys and towering rock formations known as fairy chimneys.
Travel: Discover the National Eagle Center in Wabash, Minnesota
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. The bald eagle made headlines before Christmas when former President Joe Biden signed legislation that made it the country’s national bird (which most people already assumed it was, of course). The official recognition confirmed what Americans already knew: the bald eagle is our most beloved bird.
Georgie Hartson turned 1 on Sept. 27
Elijah Decious People & Places Oct. 12, 2024 7:00 am17h ago Isabela Joyce Health & Wellness Oct. 11, 2024 10:07 am1d ago By Katie Mills Giorgio, - correspondent Business News Oct. 6, 2024 5:00 am6d ago Lori Erickson Travel Sep. 29, 2024 5:00 am13d ago
Happy Birthday Shirley Witte
Happy Birthday Shirley Witte Shirley Witte celebrates her 90th Birthday on October 18! Please join us in this celebration by showering her with cards and well-wishes. Send cards to: Shirley Witte 325 Collins Rd. SE #426 Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-1034
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY MARY PHELPS SCHNEIDER!
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY MARY PHELPS SCHNEIDER! 10/14/2024 We are celebrating Mary's 90th year with a card party! She has been a trailblazer her whole life! Mary was one of the first female Airtraffic controllers and was a Master Drill Sargent in the US Army-27 years! Cards may be sent to: Mary Richeson 2925 "J" St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Roger Lee Harder
Roger Lee Harder 2/01/1936-10/11/2020 We can no longer see you with our eyes, touch you with our hands But we will feel you in our HEARTS FOREVER. -Loving you, Darlene, Brent, Debbie, Rob, Landree, Ryker, Justin, Amanda, Sophia
Quass 50th Anniversary
Quass 50th Anniversary Jim and Teresa Quass will celebrate 50 years of marriage on October 12. To help Jim and Teresa celebrate this amazing milestone, please send them a card! Jim and Teresa Quass 303 Maxine St. Arcadia, IA 51430
Happy 30 Year Anniversary Theresa and Matt Mineart!
Doesn’t seem possible. We love you so much.
Heather A Merschbrock 7/19/1976 - 10/4/2000
Heather A Merschbrock 7/19/1976 - 10/4/2000 You have been gone from our world just as long as you were in it. Learning to live without you is the hardest part of losing you. As long there is a memory you will live in our hearts forever. Love you always and forever, Mom, Dad, Rob, Amy, Abby and Jake
Happy 80th Birthday Pam Sippel
Happy 80th Birthday Pam Sippel Happy Birthday to the best mom, mother-in law and grandma. We hope you have an amazing 80th birthday. We plan on going to Dubuque on a Mississippi River Boat Cruise to celebrate her Oct 7th Birthday! We love you! -Love, Your Family
Andersen - 50th Wedding Anniversary
Andersen - 50th Wedding Anniversary Lyle and Marilyn Andersen of Springville marked the milestone of their 50th wedding anniversary on October 4, 2024. The couple were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville, Iowa on the first Friday night in October, 1974. The have been blessed with four daughters and their families, including eleven grandchildren and more than a few granddogs.
Happy 95th Birthday, Faye Roberts!
Happy 95th Birthday, Faye Roberts! Faye will celebrate her 95th year around the sun on Oct. 15! She’s blessed to celebrate with her daughter Cindy, son-in-law Jim, 4 grandchildren, Jamie (Jake), Jessica (Nick), Ryan (Megan) and Kyle; and 4 great-grandchildren, Avery, Adaline, Lincoln, and Mia. Please help shower Faye with birthday love and wishes with a card! 7710 Westbury Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Our Mom is Turning 95 on Oct. 16!
Our Mom is Turning 95 on Oct. 16! Shower Ruth Rothrock with cards: 415 Old Marion Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Love, Diane and Lynne
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a destination for art lovers
At the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sean Henry's "Lying Man" gazes into the sky. (Bob Sessions) You don’t have to be an art aficionado to love Grand Rapids, Michigan — but once you’re there, you might well become one. On a recent trip, my husband and I were dazzled by the city’s array of artistic offerings, which include one of the world’s best sculpture parks.
Thank You
Thank You What a wonderful day filled with surprises, joy and happiness. To everyone who sent me cards and came to my open house, my heartfelt Thank-You! I will have special memories of my 90th birthday. Thank you once again. Beverly Petrak Trimble
Thank You
Thank You We can’t thank everyone enough for celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was great to see so many people in person as well receiving cards and messages. A very special thanks to Kevin & Grayce Conley for facilitating the event. On to the next 50! - Hilda & Carl Machula
Thank you
Thank you The family of Virginia Stahle would like to extend our thanks to everyone who sent cards or made calls of condolence, made memorial donations, shared stories or helped support us in any way after the death of our mother. -Thank you, Rick, Kevin, Cheryl & Nedra & families.
50th Anniversary Card Shower
50th Anniversary Card Shower Donna and Tony Anderson were married August 3, 1974. They have been blessed with son Chris and daughter Jessica, son in law Tony and grandchildren Logan and Amelia Penticoff. Cards to 3584 Rogers Road NW, Cedar Rapids IA, 52405.
Keith and Katie Ervin 90th Birthdays
Keith and Kathie Ervin 90th Birthdays Please join the family and friends in honoring Keith and Kathie Ervin of Vinton, Iowa, as they reach their 90th birthdays! Celebration at Vinton Country Club on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 2-4pm. No gifts please. If you are unable to attend, well wishes may be sent to: Keith and Kathie Ervin 1518 Cedar Ridge Road Vinton, IA 52349 Kervin34@aol.com
Glenn and Cheryl Mills Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary!
Glenn and Cheryl Mills Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary! Glenn and Cheryl celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and friends on 29 June. Married in 1974 in Marion Christian Church, the couple live in Walker, Iowa on a Century Farm and have three adult children: Jason (Kim) Mills, Josh (Beth) Mills, and Jeff (Sarah) Mills. They have 10 grandchildren.
Happy 50th Birthdays
Elijah Decious People & Places Jul. 27, 2024 5:15 am19h ago Bryan Busch Health & Wellness Jul. 26, 2024 5:30 am1d ago Lori Erickson Travel Jul. 21, 2024 5:45 am6d ago Isabela Joyce Health & Wellness Jul. 12, 2024 4:30 am15d ago
70th Birthday
70th Birthday Help us celebrate Mary Doty’s 70th birthday on August 1 with prayers and wishes. 2718 28th Ave. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Love, Steve, Eric and Joel
Stones to Celebrate 60th Anniversary
Stones to Celebrate 60th Anniversary Merle and Elva Jean Stone will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on August 3, 2024. An open house will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Horseshoe Falls Lodge, 1815 Woodpecker Hill Road, Central City, Iowa. The open house will be hosted by their children, Jeff Stone of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Shelley (Brian) Schlueter of Troy, Missouri. Merle Stone and Elva Jean Sanders were married July 19, 1964 at the Church of Christ in Arlington, Iowa.
Happy July Birthdays Laird Family
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Happy 90th Birthday Donna Lala
Happy 90th Birthday Donna Lala She will be turning 90 on August 3rd and would love to hear from her friends and relatives. Let’s shower her with cards and good wishes. Cards may be sent to: Donna Lala 3821 Skylark Lane SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin is one of the nation’s best birding spots
While marshes lack the visual drama of mountains or seacoasts, these often underappreciated landscapes play an indispensable role in the health of the planet. Marshes support a diverse array of plant and animal life, purify water, provide flood control, and sequester carbon. And as any birder knows, they’re also wonderful places to bring your binoculars. On a spring trip to Wisconsin, my husband and I got the chance to experience one of the nation’s most important wetlands.
Tapas — small portions of food consumed with drinks — are one of the glories of Spanish culture.
Spain has given the world not only many delicious dishes, but also an entire way of eating. Tapas — small portions of food consumed with drinks — are one of the glories of Spanish culture. On a recent trip to Spain, my husband and I had a tasty introduction to the history and pleasures of tapas on a food tour in its capital city of Madrid.
Thank You
Thanks to everyone who sent cards, flowers, balloons, or visited me for my birthday. Each of you helped make my 95th special and memorable.
Happy 50th Anniversary to Pam and Dewayne Warthen
Happy 50th Anniversary to Pam and Dewayne Warthen Happy 50th Anniversary to Dewayne and Pam Warthen who were wed on April 6, 1974 at United Methodist Church, Viola, IA. If you would like to help them celebrate their big milestone, cards may be sent to 22479 80th St., Martelle, IA 52305.
Happy Golden Birthday Rachel Maker!
Enjoy your day, we love you!
Happy 50th Birthday in Heaven Heath
Happy 50th Birthday in Heaven Heath on April 2 Heaven is shining a bit brighter today. And the angels are singing just a bit louder because it is your 50th birthday. Happy Birthday Heath. Always loved and forever missed. Mom & Clyde, Dad & SueAnn, Kelly, Scott & Holly & Boys, Matt & Sarah & Family P.S. Happy Easter too
Visit Reiman Gardens in Ames, a Top 10 North American garden
One of Reiman Gardens' newest areas is Sycamore Falls, which includes a tower made from wood repurposed from downed trees on the Iowa State University campus. (Reiman Gardens) It’s human nature to overlook the treasures in your own backyard, but a recent international award for Reiman Gardens in Ames should make Iowans take notice.
Thank You
THANK YOU for the many wonderful birthday cards and birthdays wishes. I feel very blessed.
Dear Mommy and Daddy
Dear Mommy and Daddy A second milestone is needed on behalf of the daughter that is forever grateful that her Mommy and Daddy are safe together right now. No more fear Mommy...only peace with Daddy. I came back to say farewell to your body knowing that your soul was already with Daddy. Your two grandsons, daughter-in-law and great-granddaughter weren't able to come back, but they were with me and with you too Mommy. They all care more than words can say...just like me. We love you always.
Happy 70th Birthday Pat Boland
You give my life meaning and purpose beyond the temporary and entertaining. Love you soooo much!
Happy Golden Birthday 03/05/2019
Happy Golden Birthday 03/05/2019 Willow you would be 5 Years old this year. We miss you so much and hope your first heavenly birthday is everything you would have wanted here with us. You deserve all the dinos and digger in the world. We think of you everyday. Love, Mommies, Natasha, Matthew, Jaxon and Papa.
Happy 90th Birthday
Happy 90th Birthday March 13, 2024 Marianne Lawrence Door Swinger Mystery Tripper Chipmunk Shooter, check book balancer extraordinaire. Cards to 4655 Boulder Cemetery Rd, Central City 52214 All our love, Stan, Steve & Tracey, Kathy & Rick
Wales is full of mysterious prehistoric sites and grand cathedrals
It’s not surprising that a country that has a dragon as its national symbol is full of places that exude mystery and magic. Wales — one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom — is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in spiritual sites. In northeast Wales, a statue of the 7th-century St. Winefride overlooks a shrine that's the oldest continuously visited pilgrimage site in Britain.
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