Learn more Hoof It — Goat Treks Location: 616 S. Devil’s Ladder Road, Galena, Ill. Contact: 563-663-6944 | hoof.it.galena@gmail.com Online: hoofit-galena.com More ways to get your goat on While in Galena visiting Hoof It — Goat Treks, consider booking a class at Galena Goat Yoga. Located on a historic farm between Galena and Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort...

LA MOTTE, Iowa — After canceling a trip to Canada last year when the border shut, Libby Burkhart hopes to take another shot at canoeing 460 miles down the Yukon River. During the past year, she has, like many people, experienced the stress of hunkering through the COVID-19 pandemic and forgoing visits to loved ones....

For more than a year, travel outfits probably were the last thing on your mind. But now that traveling is becoming an option again, you might find yourself needing a refresher on what to wear that is stylish and comfortable. Whether you find yourself on a plane or a fun road trip, here are five...

Oh, what a year we’ve had. In an industry hit had by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a local travel consultant immersed in the changes that have taken place within the industry, it has been my job to make sure clients understand the new ways of travel. Gone are the days of simply picking out...

W ith the encouragement and support of parents, a love of learning can begin early and last a lifetime. To inspire kids to have fun while learning this summer, consider the following tips: Reward curiosity. Children naturally are curious, and the way you respond to their questions, stories and observations about the world around them...

Spring has sprung, and gardeners are busy. But so is the local wildlife. Wildlife, in particular deer and rabbits, can raze a garden of vegetables or flowers in no time. And while gardeners rationally know animals are just trying to find sustenance, it’s frustrating when hours of hard work are diminished to nothing more than...

“Nature can bring you stillness, that is its gift to you.” — Tolle There is something about nature that touches the human spirit. From Hippocrates, The Buddha, Muir, Emerson and Tolle, there is enduring wisdom about the healing and restorative power that nature holds for us. Recent research has shown even more evidence of this...

I am a child of water. My parents bought a cottage on Lake Michigan north of Milwaukee the year I was born. When I was 8, we were evacuated because of a seiche — a sudden shift in barometric pressure — tilting the surface of the lake, piling up water, threatening shoreline residences. It could...

Before you know it, summer will be in full swing. And even though the past year didn’t play out quite like parents might have expected, many will be looking for activities to keep their keep kids’ brains and bodies active once the school year wraps up. Here are a few ideas, with additional resources to...

In my work, the topic of home often comes up. When I ask people what home is to them, I receive a rainbow of answers. Some tell me about their house and garden. Some tell me about their favorite home when they were a kid. Some say it is where their family is. Some say...

Are you crafty? Do you like to build with your hands? We all have a creative side. It just shows in different ways. This past year my husband, John, found his hidden, creative talent — woodworking. He built me a standing desk, perfect for my height. Then, he created a quilt rack by reusing spindles...

Warmer weather is a great time to experiment with color and add some boldness to your look. We know that pastels always are a go-to for spring, but why not step out of the box a little? Here are 4 super chic spring and summer color combos to try: 1. Hot pink + yellow Bold...

With savings account rates at historic lows, many retirees and other savers are uncertain where to go to stretch their dollars while keeping their assets as safe as possible. Options include certificates of deposit, money market accounts, U.S. Treasury securities and fixed-deferred annuities. How do they compare? Here’s an overview Certificates of deposits (CDs): Issued...

Chances are you’ve spent more time in the kitchen this past year. And the COVID-19 cooking craze hasn’t only been about putting dinner on the table; it has been a great way to tune out and decompress from the stress of living through a pandemic. Now that you have (almost) perfected your sourdough, it’s time...

During the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party. All this time in the kitchen also can mean it becomes the catch-all room for everything and everyone, making now the perfect time to...

Feeling the urge to purge? Then it’s time for some spring cleaning. With a few simple tips and tricks, your home — and mood — can be refreshed and revitalized. For the biggest payoff for your efforts, focus spring cleaning in the areas of the home that are used most: The kitchen and bathroom. Clear...

For the past year, many of us have lived, played, worked and gone to school at home, making clutter inevitable — especially when it comes to kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. No matter how many times parents tell their children to clean their rooms, the collection of clothes, schoolwork and toys seems to build endlessly. Take...

Upon setting foot in Living on Main in downtown Dubuque, it’s evident that owner Kris Gorton has a keen eye for what makes a space work well. Her philosophy? “A space has to be functional,” Gorton said. “But it can also be aesthetically beautiful. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. You don’t have to trade in...

Home. We’ve spent a lot of time there in the past year. It’s become the place where we not only live but also work, teach and, in some cases, spend our vacation days. The pandemic forced us to make those changes, but now that we’re slowly but surely inching toward normalcy, many people have found...

With spring brings certain colors. Perhaps yellow and lilac come to mind. These days, unexpected colors and pairings are considered modern and fresh. Many of the colors are warm surprises but on trend and modern. Here are some spring color tips: 1. Consider mustard tones instead of traditional pale shades of yellow. 2. Mix different...

The COVID-19 pandemic permanently evolved our definition of “home,” inspiring us to reconsider how we use and live in our spaces. For many, it’s no longer just the place where we relax and regroup at the end of the day. It’s also an office, day care, eatery, gym or classroom. Whether you’re looking to create...

An old boyfriend once suggested to me that if I didn’t have such fat legs, I would be “perfect.” I feared to ask exactly what “perfect” meant. I always had been insecure about my legs. I have legs from my mom’s side of the family: Short and chunky. If there ever were a cankle, I...

According to the calendar, spring arrived a few weeks ago. The longer days, an abundance of birds in my yard and the fresh scent in the air have convinced me that we are moving in a warmer direction. They also have motivated me to take on another popular spring activity — spring cleaning. I prefer...

Most business owners want to grow their businesses and maybe pass them on to the next generation. But how many owners succeed? Relatively few, as it turns out. Studies show that only one-third of family firms make it to the second generation, and just a sliver get passed on to the third generation. A key...

Architects and furniture designers have long been inspired by the fashion industry. Charles and Ray Eames, the husband and wife team who were active in the mid-20th century and who designed the iconic and timeless Eames chair, often used fashion to influence their designs. Frank Lloyd Wright was known for his forward-thinking modern residential designs,...

Although my days in Dubuque were years after the demise of the flagship department store, Roshek’s, I notice that the very mention of the epic department store’s name induces the misty-eyed look people get when remembering first love. The fragrant tobacco counter. The vast notions department. The record racks with listening booths on the mezzanine,...

As Chrystina Morteo forged her way into the entrepreneurial realm, it became clear that she wasn’t cut from the same cloth as many others in the business community. Morteo said her Mexican-American heritage set her apart, especially in a small community. On top of that, being a woman only complicated efforts to get her foot...

For Dubuque resident Anna Schuster, finding the time to volunteer is part of a broader effort to strike the proper balance. Schuster, a mother of two, already has her hands full with family and work obligations. However, she finds the time to give back to an organization she has come to appreciate immensely as a...

We all have our sense of style. The way we dress is one of our basic rights and privileges. We know what we look good in, and our compass tells us what looks and feels right for us. If you are familiar with Marie Kondo’s philosophy, she guides us to only wear clothing that “sparks...

Spring is such a happy and inspiring time, you’d think we’d always know what to wear. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. Despite the mental reset the season can bring, we all get stuck. But we don’t have to stay that way. Here are 5 cute spring outfit ideas to get you started on what to wear...

While comfort will continue to reign supreme for clothing and accessories in 2021, when it comes to footwear, there are a variety of fun fashion trends that make a statement. The good news is that there’s no need to overhaul your entire closet. And it’s easier than ever to incorporate trendy pieces into a comfortable...

Did you know that approximately 80% to 99% of what we see on our skin as adults is a result of our exposure to daylight? This is known as photoaging. According to the International Dermal Institute, photoaging is an increase in wrinkle formation, a loss of tension and elasticity, degeneration of the vascular supply and...

Upon setting foot into Spark On Bluff, one might be able to draw an unlikely comparison to the famous sitcom watering hole, “Cheers.” It might boast barbers instead of bartenders. And for what Spark lacks in sudsy brews it more than makes up for in hair care products. However, one key similarity is clear: Everybody...

Spring is a time of renewal not only in nature but also in the fashion world. It’s an exciting time for clothing boutiques, whose owners and stylists visit trade shows and markets, scoping out new colors, fashions and styles to bring into their shops for the season. “I just went to the Atlanta market and...

Spring has sprung, but more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that it might not not look like it has in years past. But we need bright spots and sunshine now more than ever. So this spring, we’ll travel by way of our imaginations — and taste buds. Let’s picture spring of...

Have you ever heard that imitation is the highest form of flattery? Do you have any mini-mes at home who have mastered imitating you? Are you flattered? I have seen my children imitate my words, my tone of voice, even my cooking and cleaning habits. Sometimes, I am flattered and proud. Other times, I am...

Marie Lourdie Pierre-Jacques still breaks down when she recounts the phone call that pulled the rug out from under her. One of thousands of hotel workers placed on temporary layoff at the start of the pandemic, she thought the October call with her employer was to discuss health insurance. Instead, she said, she was told...

There is a close-up photo of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking from a podium, holding on to it firmly as if he is leaning in to the enormous task ahead. In the new book, “That They Lived: African Americans Who Changed the World,” that photo is paired with a portrait of Rochelle Riley’s grandson,...

When it comes to fashion, there are no rules. Although there always is a place for classic looks and timeless outfits, sometimes you’ve got to wear something a little outside of the box. That’s where these unexpected fashion combos come in. Pairing items that you wouldn’t normally expect is a great way to stand out...

When interest rates are low, you might have questions about how this affects your financial strategy. Low interest rates often make investors worry about lagging returns. Investors might consider adding income annuities to their retirement portfolio. How to compare income-generating solutions when interest rates are low When looking at ways to achieve financial security in...

Much as MTV and Saturday morning cartoons stood in as de facto parents for our generation, Tik Tok and Instagram are serving in loco parentis for the next generation of tech-obsessed youth. But there is another way. A better way. A hacking way. In hackis parentis, if you will allow a bit of Latin in...

Katherine and Rebekah have seven children between them, degrees in education and psychology, experience as educators and developmental therapists. Parenting experts, right? No, we’re all amateurs. As mother (Katherine) and daughter (Rebekah), we believe “children should be seen but not heard” is pond scum advice. But we also have contrasting experiences. In the 1980s, Katherine...

“When I have kids, they are not going to watch TV.” “When I have kids, they are not going to have such an extreme number of toys.” “Oh, I will never let my kid play video games.” “iPad? Are you kidding me? Never will my kid’s beautiful little eyes be exposed to a screen.” These...

When you’re looking at the college admissions timeline, now is the time for parents to be planning ahead. There are two key items that need to be addressed: Campus visits This is when families need to get serious about which colleges they plan on visiting during spring break, if it’s possible. Surprisingly, some college tours...

As our theme this month is all about parenting, I thought we would discuss how to optimize your caregiving when caring for your children. My expertise is in guiding adults to care for other adults, but the main practices are similar. Caregiving done properly takes much time, energy and attention. Many caregivers don’t realize how...

Congratulations! You have a new bundle of joy. There are many changes that occur after the birth of your baby, all of which can be new and exciting. However, what happens when these changes are not welcome? Whether you recently had a baby or if your baby now is in high school, there are several...

Children look forward to opening birthday presents and gifts for special occasions. However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate. To help you make savvy selections, PlaySafe.org from The Toy Association, a leading site for toy safety information, is offering the following guidance: Avoid shady sellers...

With kids and teens spending more time online than ever these days due to social distancing guidelines and remote-learning, you might believe the time is now to graduate them to their very own device. However, as a result of all that additional screen time, families should be doubly sure that kids use their devices safely...

The words “empty nest” have become so synonymous with children leaving home that psychologists even have a term for the parental depression that often accompanies it: Empty nest syndrome. Although we know from the moment they’re born that raising a child to be an independent soul is the end goal, letting go can be painful....

1. Thou shalt offer neither suggestions nor commentary regarding names for thy expected grandchild, even if the proffered name is that of a fruit, an animal or a day of the week. 2. Thou shalt not permit thy grandchild to cheat at games; neither shall thee stop playing until said grandchild has won. 3. Thou...

DURANGO, Iowa — Jade O’Connell knew from an early age that she wanted to be a mom. Even when her son, Finnian, arrived 16 days ahead of schedule on Sept. 1, 2019, the 26-year-old Durango native could not have been more elated. “I already had names picked out when I was in high school,” O’Connell...

If you are newly pregnant or contemplating starting a family, you probably have many questions, including how you will feed your baby. It always is encouraged to ask questions and seek out the answers you need when it comes to your baby. These are some of the most common questions new parents and parents-to-be ask...

A quick look back at all the pandemic cooking I’ve done reveals a penchant for soup and sandwiches. Chiefly because it’s easy and economical to keep ingredients for those dishes on hand. Quality rolls in the freezer, sliced cheese and deli meats in the fridge. For soups, I rely on a stock of vegetables that...

GALENA, Ill. — In honor of Women’s History Month, the Galena Center for the Arts will host its fourth annual Broad Ideas, with virtual events scheduled throughout March. Zoom links for all events are available by visiting www.broadideas.org. Schedule March 1-31: Broad Intentions Weather-grams. The activity will be done at home to decorate trees throughout...

When interest rates are low, you might have questions about how this affects your financial strategy. Low interest rates often make investors worry about lagging returns. Investors might consider adding income annuities to their retirement portfolio. How to compare income-generating solutions when interest rates are low When looking at ways to achieve financial security in...

Caregiving done properly takes time, energy and attention. Many caregivers don’t realize how demanding it can be until they are caring for a child or parent. And what often happens is that caregivers “borrow time” from their partner, children, work, school or friendships. Caregivers might feel anxious, frustrated, overwhelmed, tired, stressed, sad and perhaps angry...

When it comes to Social Security payouts, the “when” can be as important as the “how much.” Americans in retirement, or nearing it, have multiple options as to when to start collecting Social Security benefits. The attractiveness of each option depends on a myriad of factors, including income need, health and career/retirement status. Make no...

I felt validated recently to read that researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that more than a third of U.S. marriages between 2005 and 2012 began online and that early research shows online couples tend to have longer, happier marriages. I’m half of such a couple, having met my husband of six years...

Knowing how to shop your closet is a valuable skill to have. Not only do you save money by shopping less, but you also get more use out of what you already have. Take these tips on how to shop your closet for a new outlook and appreciation of what’s already in your wardrobe. 1....

If someone wanted to show you their undying love for you, what should they do? Would you want gifts or a kind touch or compliments? Maybe you would prefer this person to do something for you or with you. Gary Chapman labels these options as our love languages. Our preferred way to be loved falls...

“The hand you hold the longest is your own.” — Libba Bray We spend so much energy on finding that “special” relationship, believing that a person will complete us. No one else can complete us or make us whole. Our happiness and fulfillment in life are not dependent on anyone but ourselves. Having a loving,...

All of this wedding and relationship talk has made me think back to a time when I thought wedded bliss would never happen for me. I am talking about a time that I convinced myself I never wanted to get married. I lied to myself and others, saying marriage was not for me, when deep...

C.S. Lewis wrote, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art … It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” Life without a friend would indeed be life but such a sad one that it would barely count as life at all. Of course, some friendships are...

We all know relationships are hard, even in the best of times. Throw in the domino effect of a worldwide pandemic that affects our jobs, our routines and our everyday way of life, and that could spell disaster for even the strongest of unions. “A successful relationship has a fair amount of autonomy,” said Colleen...

”Now is the winter of our discotheque.” — Me, misquoting Shakespeare Yes, those endless days of summer are in the rearview for the moment, but don’t let that get you down. After all, we’ve got Netflix and the warm glow of a pine-scented candle. What more can we ask for as the daylight hours are...

Despite all of the challenges that 2020 brought, Ally O’Rourke will always a have a reason to be happy when she reflects on 2020. The Dubuque resident got engaged to her fiancé, Adam Goerdt, in July, and the couple is now planning a wedding for November 2021. The occasion will serve as more than just...

Last year, Makayla Bellis got engaged to her best friend. It was an exciting moment for the 25-year-old Dubuque resident and her partner, Matthew, 26. “We got engaged at the end of February, right before all the lockdowns started,” Bellis said. As the couple began planning their wedding, they realized that it would be a...

For many couples, there’s nothing more exciting than creating wedding wish lists. Almost half (45%) of U.S. adults who are or ever have been married or engaged have had a bridal registry, according to a Moen survey conducted online by Harris Poll. Registries can help you avoid receiving disappointing gifts. Respondents to the Moen survey...

When Matt Gregory first asked A Alanda to marry him more than 30 years ago, he was taken aback by her answer. “He was going away, and before he did, he asked me; I said no,” said A Alanda, as she’s known professionally, slowly breaking into a laugh. “He didn’t wait for me. He left....

Brunch. The dine-in restaurant occasion many of us miss most during this pandemic. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday, we’ve rounded up a few restaurant-worthy recipes fit for the day. Cinnamon Muesli Pancakes, with Cranberry, Fig and Ginger Jam Prep: 20 minutes. Cook: 20 minutes. Makes: 16 four-inch pancakes. • 1 cup all-purpose flour...

Trying out online dating for the first time or frustrated by the experience? Here are five online dating tips from Andrea McGinty, dating expert and founder of 33 Thousand Dates, a coaching platform designed to help millennial and Gen X women and men navigate online dating. In her 20-plus years as a matchmaker, McGinty arranged...

Did you know that 25% of the 805,000 heart attacks per year in the U.S. are recurrent? The American Heart Association reports that once you’ve experienced a heart attack, your chances of having another one is higher. In fact, nearly one in five patients who’ve had a heart attack will have another cardiovascular event, such...

In her last trimester, in the midst of dealing with family and work issues as well as preparing for a new baby, Michelle Emebo felt stressed. “I didn’t realize how much it was impacting me until I went to see my health care provider and my blood pressure was up,” she said. Doctors monitored her...

UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital ER nurse Jen Hanks often sings to her patients. She’s the first to say it has nothing to do with a good singing voice. “I find that nursing is the art of humanity,” said Hanks, 38. “So, to be able to connect with another human being and show vulnerability and to access...

Sexual intimacy is something that varies greatly between couples. “How much sex should I be having?” one might ask. This is something that each couple must decide for themselves, and for many couples, the average number of sexual encounters will be set by the partner who desires it the least. That said, it is never...

During cold and flu season and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be more medicines in homes being used to treat symptoms. You can keep curious kids safe by keeping medicine up and away and out of sight and reach. The Up and Away campaign, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Have you put off making a will? If so, you’re not alone. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Caring.com, only 32% of American adults have estate planning documents, such as wills and living trusts, in place. While preparing a will might not be the most pleasant way to spend an afternoon, it could be...

If you’re going to think positive during a pandemic, then one thing you should add to your list is self-care. And Faces MedSpa aims to help with that. Daniel Givens, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and his staff have been in their new office home on Cedar Cross Road for a little more than...

Who knew that when Mom was admonishing us young hackers to sit farther away from the television because it would damage our eyes that she was not only right but also prescient? One of the many challenges of our modern world is the omnipresence of screens. Screens for work, screens for play, screens in our...

It is the new year, and I am going to take a wild guess as to what your resolution is going to be? Does it have anything to do with weight loss or wellness? I am betting so, considering that almost 50% of the population resolutions are just this. So, what will it be? Cutting...

The New Year is the perfect time to hit “reset” and start over with fresh dental habits that can help improve your health. “As we move into the new year, so many of us are looking at our health and wellness through a new lens,” said Ruchi Sahota, American Dental Association spokesperson. “Your oral and...

I was startled when a young woman I know — a promising scientist — said she is grateful for her learning disabilities because they enable her to peer through a unique prism and appreciate others who are different in other ways. Similarly, I’m (almost) glad I had cancer because it profoundly changed my view of...

After 15 years as a full-time massage therapist, Jaime Ellerie was ready to call it quits five years ago. As much as she loved her practice, which she ran out of her home in Dubuque, the art of massage had taken a physical toll toll on her hands, shoulders and back. She knew making the...

Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking. Well, maybe not exactly. However, sitting does cause adverse health conditions. For me, prolonged sitting causes weaker back muscles and painful headaches. It does not help that my posture gets worse the longer that I sit. According to the Better Health Channel, sitting too long increases your...

Happy New Year! 2021 finally is here. For some of us, turning a new year has us celebrating and looking ahead to new and brighter days. Others might be downright too exhausted to notice or care that 2020 has ended and a new year has begun. While 2020 might have required modifications to our usual...

Adults and kids alike might be enjoying the excitement of digital devices received as gifts during the holidays. However, the new year always is a great time for a reset. Alongside those new devices, consider adopting some new digital habits. Here are some great ideas for helping your family build healthier relationships with their digital...

As we get older and wiser, it seems that health is one of our biggest treasures. Many seniors tell me that they wish they would have paid closer attention to healthy habits throughout their lifetime. The good news is that it is never too late to start. The classic scenario presents itself far too often:...

High blood pressure — the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke — continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Addressing this health inequity is especially important now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19. According to the American Heart...

Gretchen Hong knew from an early age that she wanted to do something in the field of health care — and that she wanted a large scope of her focus to be on women’s health. “I was in third grade, and it was career day at Hoover Elementary School,” Hong said, as if the experience...

I’m sure this will come as no surprise, but when I open up my Pinterest app, I always am treated to a lot of beautiful food images. There is one particular image that floats by fairly regularly: It’s a recipe for detox soup. The image shows a healthy, lentil-based vegetable soup in an off-white speckled,...

Whether you’re someone who sets resolutions or not, there’s just something about a fresh start and getting the new year off on the right foot. Many are re-examining their eating and workout habits, but there’s one place not many think to evaluate: The closet. After all, a decluttered closet is a decluttered mind. Here are...

Starting a new fitness routine as part of your New Year’s resolutions? Protecting your feet and ankles is critical. “‘No pain, no gain’ may be a motto for most workouts, but ‘too much, too soon’ can lead to foot and ankle injuries, which can sabotage fitness goals,” said Jeffrey Loveland, a foot and ankle surgeon...

We are celebrating the winter holidays during a unique time in our history. There are many feelings swirling in our minds as we contemplate what life will look like in the weeks ahead — worry, fear, confusion, anger and sadness to name a few. While most of us want to make this holiday season as...

As Americans, we can take pride in the fact that we are a nation of givers. And as the economy improves, charitable giving is on the rise. In fact, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, in 2016, total charitable giving from U.S. individuals, corporations, foundations and bequests exceeded $390 billion, with 72% coming from individuals....

As the New Year draws near, a sigh of relief is anticipated, along with the hopeful promises of a fresh start. While end-of-year celebrations are likely to look different due a lack of gathering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Year’s Eve parties have an opportunity to be festive, with champagne flowing, hors d’oeuvres...

Muscle tension. Pounding heart. Rapid breathing. Elevated blood pressure. Whether the threat is real or perceived, it has the same physiological response in the body. Stress is the body’s response — mentally, emotionally and/or physically — to change. Even positive change produces stress. The stress response can help to protect us in life-threatening situations. Or,...

For many of us, this holiday season is going to look a whole lot different than it has in years past. And for many others, it is going to be pretty much like any other holiday season. Whatever your plans, this article definitely is for you because it is about cheese log. And who can...

Eat, cook, read. If that’s your mantra, feast on these books — new and old, factual and fanciful— and all odes to food, glorious food. New this year is “Everything Is Under Control: A Memoir with Recipes,” by Phyllis Grant (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux). If you’ve intuited that the title is ironic, you are right....

Think about “home” and what that has meant to you throughout your lifetime. Home used to be where you lived with your family of origin, with your parents and your siblings. Then, home was defined to be college or your apartment as a young adult. A few years later, perhaps home became where you and...

I admit, I am a Hallmark Christmas movie junkie. I am addicted to the happy feeling that I have when a movie is over, even though I shed some tears. I know that the movies are predictable and unrealistic, but that is part of the enjoyment. The movies are so pure and innocent. My mom...