Brenda Mahler
Bio
Travel
Writing Lessons
Memoirs
Poetry
Books AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.
* Lockers Speak: Voices from America's Youth
* Understanding the Power Not Yet shares Kari’s story following a stroke at 33.
* Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style explains how humans can life to the fullest.
Stories (441/0)
How to Turn an RV into a Day Spa for Your Dog
We love to travel. By we, I mean Mom, Dad, my little brother Francisco, and myself. When the folks start loading the RV, we climb in. Actually, Cisco jumps into the driver's seat and doesn't leave because he is afraid he will get left. I just glue myself beside Mom to make sure she doesn't forget me when it is time to go.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Petlife
New York - Fort Ticonderoga Shares the Stories of Past Wars
If you are wondering why an article about a historical fort in Upstate New York posts a picture with two old people holding giant pencils, it's because Randy and I find the little things in life interesting. We both retired as public school teachers so when we discovered we were visiting the namesake of the writing instruments we used so often in our lives, we had to snap a picture.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in History
Living Every Day to the Fullest Makes Forgetting Your Anniversary Forgivable
We woke up on what we thought was just another day in September to cloudy skies and scattered showers. With stocking hats and light jackets in hand, we headed out the door to explore Vermont. Life couldn't be much better because we began our day with fresh, warm cider donuts and hot apple cider, a combination that can't be beat.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Longevity
Upstate New York - The Nature Around Every Turn Overwhelms the Senses
Upper New York presented a contrast to our prior experiences with The Big Apple. The scenery captivated us with unexpected pleasures. This rural area provided plush pastures with farm animals and agriculture. The hills were covered with various crops, but the grape vines climbed as far as the eyes could see, explaining why wineries littered the countryside.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Wander
New York's Best Kept Secret - Genesee Country Village and Museum
A premiere destination in New York, in my opinion, is the Genesee Country Village and Museum. When traveling extensively, museums become a stable to learn about the area. Overtime, travelers may question if another museum should be added their itinerary. In this case, YES! You must visit GCV&M.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in History
A Travelers Mindset Requires an Appreciation for the Present
Living in a motorhome for an extended period is exhilarating - if you let it be. Every day there exists the opportunity for a new adventure. Possibilities are endless. Nobody sets expectations for who you should be or what you should do. Opportunities to make new friends are around every corner. You control which path to travel. Knowledge is outside your door.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Motivation
My Wife Told Me There's a Way to Park For Free at Golf Courses and Breweries For Free
I live by the philosophies, "Read the small print, and "If it seems to good to be true, it probably is." So I often doubt before accepting new ideas. When Brenda first suggested we get a Harvest Host Membership, I figured it was easier to agree than argue. We signed up, but I made her add the golf stays to our membership. If we were going to do this I should get something out of the deal.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Men
East North, Pennsylvania - Heritage Wine Cellars
When we arrived at Heritage Wine Cellars, we didn't know what to expect which is normal for a Harvest Host stay. However, that is not a bad thing. We have never been disappointed with our Harvest Host membership and the unknowns are what makes these stays enjoyable. For instance, when we pulled up, we were welcomed by a small gravel parking lot and a oversized grassy yard. I suppose many people might call the area a pasture but where I come from that implies animals grazing.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Wander
Oregon, Ohio - Maumee Bay State Park
When traveling through Ohio consider staying at a state park to experience what nature has to offer. Some states establish complex systems to reserve a space in their parks, but that is not the case in Ohio. We reserved our space a month in advance by using the internet. The website states sites can be reserved 6 months in advance. The process was simple and the cost per night reasonable. We only stayed two nights, but this area has so much to offer that a much longer stay might be considered.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Wander
Motorhome Features Vary Drastically; Create a Wish List Before Shopping
When my husband suggested upgrading our motorhome, I shook my head and my heart jumped a beat. Our 2005 40-foot Monaco was a beauty; she and I had a bond. However once I started looking at newer models of the Tiffin, I felt my heart beat faster. Amazed at what they offered, I started to think Randy had a good idea. We started shopping. So much for that bond. If you are in the market for a RV, begin by making a list of wants and needs. Then align that list with what is available and the price you are willing to pay before beginning your search. Be careful not to be enticed to buy more than you need - or can afford. In our case, we has several criteria. Our ideal list had a want and a need column. We wanted a shorter motorhome to increase where we could venture and ease of mobility. Our fear was that smaller would jeopardize some of our wants. To be satisfied we wanted a queen size bed to accommodate two adults and two dogs, adequate storage space inside and out, a large fridge and a booth dining arrangement. We walked into many brands and styles but each left us thinking if only . . . The more we searched the longer our list grew because we fell in love with each new feature. The thought of waking up on a cold morning and cuddling in front of a fireplace excited me. Randy dreamed of using the automated leveling system. We both loved the curved u-shaped couch. Then we walked up the step of a Tiffin Open Road Allegro. It filled our dream list and more. It was hard to say goodbye to "The Beast," our pet name for the Monaco, but we have never been happier with a purchase. We discovered features we didn't even know we wanted. For instance, Dagney has her own window to observe the world as we move down the road. Randy claims the window provides a view of the blind spot from the driver's seat, but I believe it is a puppy window.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Wander
Shipshewana, Indiana - Individuals Following a Common Path
Randy and I left Shipshewana, IN this morning after a 3-day visit. As a stop on our itinerary during our travels across the United States, our experience outweighed our expectations. Thinking we would visit the world’s largest flea market, explore the museums, and tour the agriculture, we found ourselves pleasantly inspired by a simple lifestyle and friendly people. I took the picture above as we drove on a road into town. The two buggies traveled in opposite directions yet followed the same spiritual path.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Wander
Survive Living in a Small Space Without Killing Your Partner by Laughing
Marriage is hard work. I could venture into stories of why but those tales would only dissuade couples from saying, "I do." Instead the stories I share prove that every moment of living with the person you love is worth the struggle. Besides, if you are married you have your own stories to prove my point. If you are planning a marriage, you are too smitten to accept the fact there will be days you'll wish you weren't. No matter your marital status, the secret to a long and happy marriage is laughter.
By Brenda Mahler7 months ago in Humans