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Little bread-and-butterflies kiss the tulips
And the sun is like a toy balloon
There are get up in the morning glories
In the golden afternoon
There are dizzy daffodils on the hillside
Strings of violets are all in tune
Tiger lilies love the dandy lions
In the golden afternoon...

~Alice in Wonderland

Spring will be making its grand entrance this weekend.  I am looking forward to the brilliant sunlight and the warm breezes that sway the buds that are ready to blossom on the trees. In addition to the warmth of the sunlight, I love the hypnotic sound of the rain that rhythmically falls upon my roof. Rain or shine, spring is wonderful.

I love how nature comes back to life with grand splendor. You can see daffodils growing in fields, and you can you hear birds chirping their happy tune. Another sign of spring is the beautiful farm fields that are freshly tilled or observing the newborn calves as they cling to their mother's side. If you have never been to a farm before or are looking to experience the spring season at its best, I suggest visiting one of our farms. Whether you are visiting a farm that has livestock, crops, flowers or an historic farm you will get the full understanding of how spring brings a natural renewal. Some of my favorite agricultural sites are:

• Couttes Berry Farm
• Cherry Valley Vineyards
• Reminiscent Gardens
• Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

Many local farms in the Pocono Mountains offer tours and have items for sale. So enjoy the bright yellow of the daffodils, or the song of the robin. But most of all enjoy the beautiful weather with your family. Until next time... celebrate family, friends and traditions.

Green paper shamrocks are displayed in windows; Irish flags proudly flutter in the breeze next to the American flag, as the sound of bagpipes echo off the historic buildings of downtown Jim Thorpe. Walking the streets you can hear the clank of glasses in the local pubs as fellow Irishmen shout Sláinte before taking a swig of their green beer, or the "black stuff" aka Guinness. For over a thousand years, the Irish (and pseudo-Irish) have been celebrating the patron saint of Ireland every March 17.

On March 14, in the historic town of Jim Thorpe, everyone is Irish for the day! Celebrate the joyous history and culture of the Irish with your family. Festivities start early and will spill throughout the streets. Enjoy live entertainment, as well as the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Treat your family to a lunch or dinner of corned beef and cabbage, or maybe some Guinness beef stew at one of the many restaurants. This is a great day for you and your family to learn about the rich history and deep Irish roots of the area while enjoying a celebratory parade.

Entertainment will be available all weekend long starting with the Tartan Terrors on Friday and Saturday and The Barley Boys on Sunday at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. So put on your kilts and get ready to jig.  Slán agus beannacht leat (Irish blessing). And to all of my favorite lads and lasses...celebrate family, friends and traditions.

Video games, TV and texting...it's no doubt that this is what children are into these days.  I'm not saying that there is anything flawed with these things.  Personally, I take pleasure in my Wednesday night lineup of TV shows, I love my whimsical video games and I enjoy texting, maybe a bit more than I should.  Before Nicholas gets old enough to comprehend the brilliance of technology, and how fun (and addicting) it can be, I want to introduce him to a more hands-on approach to fun. Aside from our regular outdoor hiking expeditions, festival jaunts and snow play, I try to be a little more "crafty." 

It was around Thanksgiving when I thought (and I stress the word thought), it would be cute to help Nicholas create his first work of art for his scrapbook.  My kitchen table was stocked with a variety of non-toxic paint, construction paper, ribbon and buttons. My idea for his project was to make a Thanksgiving turkey portrait by using his hand as the turkey.  Carefully, I painted Nicholas' tiny hand with red paint.  My PLAN was to place his painted hand on the center of the paper and pepper the rest of the masterpiece with buttons and ribbons.  Unfortunately, Nicholas wasn't having it.  He cried and slapped his hand all over the construction paper.  The finished product ended up looking like a picture of a murder scene rather than a cutesy turkey picture.  Perhaps I should wait until he is a little older for crafts that include paint.  All in all, it was a great memory and looking back at it now, it's funny. 

My craft material collection is adding up quite nicely thanks to the American Ribbon Outlet in Stroudsburg. They have a variety of ribbons, fabric and other essential craft supplies.  I spend hours there rummaging the shelves and browsing the extensive collection of ribbon and fabric.  Needless to say, Nicholas will be entertained on those rainy summer days or frigid winter evenings.  So whether you have a hobby or you are looking for something new to do, why not visit the American Ribbon and Craft Outlet!  Until next time...celebrate family, friends and traditions.

This weekend we took Nicholas to Crystal Cabin Fever. I highly recommend making it a point to visit the Pocono Mountains to attend this spectacular event! I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, taking Nicholas down the ice slide or looking at the intricate details of the ice sculptures. It was a perfect way to enjoy a day with my family. On the way home we stopped at Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort for lunch. Carl enjoyed barbeque cheddar sliders, and I had a scrumptious prime rib cheesesteak with au ju on the side. Lucky for us, we received a 10%-off coupon from Crystal Cabin, so not only was lunch delicious, but it was also reasonably priced.

Now that I had my fill of the cold, I am ready to fill up with a hot cup of tea. Do you have any princesses or princes in your family? If so, polish up their crowns and visit the enchanting Shawnee Castle for the Princess Tea. All princesses and princes throughout the land are invited for a spot of tea with the Queen of Shawnee and His Royal Highness, the Prince Warren at Shawnee Inn. This delightful tea party will include finger sandwiches, freshly baked breads, scones, stories by the fireplace and of course tea. What a magical day for the royalty of your household. Please call the Shawnee Inn at 800-SHAWNEE for more details.

I sure am glad that I have a camera, because Nicholas is growing so fast. I'm grateful that he enjoys going out just as much as we do. The happiness that I feel when I see him smiling is pure bliss. Until next time... celebrate family, friends and traditions.

A cold icy weekend is approaching, with a hot Caribbean flair.   It sounds strange when you mention the words ice and Caribbean in the same sentence, unless of course you are speaking of a frozen cocktail. This weekend, Carl, Nicholas and I will be spending the day in Lakeville at Crystal Cabin Fever for Caribbean Ice. 

Crystal Cabin Fever is an impressive ice display that features different themes each year.  This year the theme is Caribbean Ice.  Visitors can slide down the pirate ship ice slides, walk through a life-sized ice tiki hut and explore an ice treasure maze. The display will also include ice dolphins, a coral reef display, reptiles, birds and much more all carved out of ice. Yes, ice! I can't wait to see it...hard to imagine. I wonder how many blocks of ice were needed to create this masterpiece. I'll make Carl count!

A friend of mine attended Crystal Cabin Fever and said she had a blast.  She mentioned the ice slide was her favorite part, and that I must give it a try.  Due to the fact you will be indoors and surrounded by ice, I'd suggest dressing warm and be sure to bundle up your kids up in their snow gear. 

There is still lots of time to plan your Crystal Cabin Fever experience as it will be open daily through February 28. Visit their Web site for admission rates, directions, and further information.

I'm not sure what I'm more excited about; the slide, the ice maze or dressing Nicholas up in his adorable little snow suit and boots.  Whatever it is, I'm pretty excited and I can't wait go.  Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions.

What do doves, wolves, termites, bald eagles and a few humans all have in common?  They only have one mate for their whole life.  Who knew a termite could be so romantic?!  I think the human species could take a few pointers from nature.

This Valentine's Day, I'm not going to be celebrating romance (sorry Carl), but I will be celebrating the love I have for my family. With that said, why not try something fun and informative as a family on the ‘day of love'.  The Eagle Institute in Lackawaxen will be holding a Valentine's Guided Eagle Excursion on Saturday, February 13.  Enjoy a day out at various eagle viewing sites, as you learn about the majestic bald eagle.  If Valentine's weekend is out of the question, don't worry, the Eagle Institute will be holding another excursion on February 20.  For more information, call the Eagle Institute at 570-685-5960 or visit them online.

Hmmmmm... I wonder what an eagle gives their mate for Valentine's Day.  I highly doubt it's a box of Godiva and bottle of Chardonnay.  Regardless, the fact that certain creatures have one mate for their whole life is much more romantic than a box of Godiva any day.  Be sure to get out and experience the romance of nature.  Until next time...celebrate family, friends and traditions.

As a child, I would never sit still.  I was up early every morning bouncing off the walls and driving my parents crazy until I fell asleep at night.   I would often dance around the living room and pretend I was putting on a Broadway production.  In 1987, my mother and father put my energy to good use by signing me up for dance lessons.  As time went on, I blossomed into a talented tap and jazz performer.  By the time I was 10, I was competing in (and wining) state and national dance competitions.  Around the age of 11, I decided to take things a step further and I auditioned for my first musical at a local theater.  For the next five years, I performed in plays taking on leading children's roles, as well as supporting roles.

As an adult, the performing arts are still a huge passion of mine.  Thankfully, musical productions, dance revues, acting workshops and dramatic theater are alive and well in the Pocono Mountains.  Many theaters in our four counties present a variety of plays and dance performances year-round.   While visiting the area, introduce your family to one of our theaters who passionately and proudly showcase the beauty of our local arts and diverse culture.

• Ritz Company Playhouse, Hawley, PA
• Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, PA
• Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe , PA
• Pocono Arts Council, Stroudsburg, PA
• Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg, PA
• Wayne County Arts Alliance, Honesdale, PA

With my husband Carl being a gifted clarinet player and my "twinkle toes," Nicholas just might have the same appreciation for the performing arts as I do.  Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions.

On this early Monday morning, sheets of rain dash across the street and the wind blows so hard that it curves the trees to an angle.  By the looks of it, one might assume it is midsummer.  What a strange January morning!

You might be asking yourself: What on earth can I do with my family on a day like this?  Believe it or not, there are plenty of options.  I did some browsing and found that there are a ton of indoor family fun activities.  Here is a small sampling to ponder:

• Big Wheel Family Roller Skating
• Callie's Candy Kitchen or Callie's Pretzel Factory
• S&S Speedways - Indoor Go-Karts
• Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
• No. 9 Mine & Museum
• PPL Environmental Learning Center
• H20ooohh Indoor Waterpark

I've learned that as mom, you constantly have to have a backup plan; so when unforeseeable things happen (like 50 degree, rainy weather in January), you are prepared. Luckily, there are a plethora of things to see and do for everyone.  I know no matter what time of year it may be, or what kind of weather we are enduring, there is always something to keep the family active and content.  Until next time, remember to celebrate family, friends and traditions.

"More coffee, honey?"  I would have to say that is definitely my favorite question on a Saturday morning.  I love a nice home-style breakfast on a cold winter's weekend, especially at one of my favorite local diners.  And by the looks of all the cars in the parking lot, many of the snow enthusiasts do too.

Cars, SUV's, minivans and jeeps with ski and snowboard racks attached to the roof, fill restaurant parking lots for a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes, halfpipe or snow tubing hills.  This weekend, my family and I visited local favorite, Landmark Diner, for some country fried steak with sausage gravy, eggs and homefries, with plenty of coffee to wash it down.  The cozy diner was full of hungry skiers and snowboarders.  You could hear the families talk about their plans for the day as they waited for their breakfast. 

If you ever drive on Route 209 in the East Stroudsburg/Marshalls Creek area, you will find many places to eat that offer lip-smacking breakfast specials.  Homemade waffles with fresh fruit toppings, stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy...now that is good eatin'!

Not a breakfast person?  No worries, lunch specials are always available and giant, fresh off the grill burgers, milkshakes, homemade soups and so much more.  So before or after your day on the slopes, be sure to unwind (or recharge) with your family and eat a tasty meal. Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions. 

Cooped up.  Dreary.  Gloomy.  Blah!  Sound like you?  You must have a case of cabin fever. Yes I know it's only January, but I'm in need of some sunshine, warm weather and fresh air.  Fortunately, here in the Pocono Mountains I luck out with two of the three... Old Man Winter isn't a fan of warm weather. With that, I need to treat my family to a little weekend getaway and beat these winter blues.  Swimming, spa service and dining ...ah yes, that's what I'm talking about!

Fortunately, many of the family-friendly lodging properties offer such amenities.  On my search for a weekend getaway, I came across a great package at Skytop Lodge.  Skytop Lodge is a historic lodge that has been serving the Pocono Mountains for over 75 years.  The lodge offers lavish accommodations, sophisticated dining, an indoor pool, lounge, kid's activities and so much more.  Skytop is offering a money saving package that really caught my eye.  The Hot Winter Sports.  Cool Rates package offers three meals daily, full use of seasonal recreational facilities and activities, a lift ticket to Skytop's ski slope, ski rentals (downhill and cross-country), snow shoe and ice skate rentals, sledding and a toboggan run.  I'm thinking a visit to Skytop is exactly what I need.  I couldn't picture anything better than a little snowshoeing followed by a dip in the indoor pool with my family.  Nicholas enjoys the snow and the water, so technically he can have the best of both worlds! 

Skytop is not the only family-friendly lodging accommodation in the Pocono Mountains, be sure to browse our web site for more family-friendly vacations.  Whether you visit a country inn, bed and breakfast, motel, hotel or resort, there is nothing better than packing up the family and getting away.  Until next time, celebrate family, friends and traditions.