W e are coming out of a crazy 16 months. While the COVID-19 pandemic did not take up two entire calendar years of our lives, it did impact two school years for our children. That’s right — students in our community have not had a normal school term in two academic years. Even though the...

At a glance Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm: 23477 Bellevue-Cascade Road, La Motte, Iowa; 563-543-1375; www.irishmeadowsalpacafarm.com. Storybook Hill Children’s Zoo: 12201 N. Cascade Road; 563-590-1019; www.storybookhillzoo.wordpress.com. Coconut Cove Beach Club & Resort: 1549 Bluff Road, Hazel Green, Wis.; 608-748-5480; www.coconutcoveresort.com.  Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark: 350 Bell St.; 593-690-4000; www.grandharborresort.com. Cloie Creek Park Splash Pad: 3031 Sanibel...

Fruit, flowers, herbs — nothing says summer more than the bounty from farmers markets or our gardens. Those fresh ingredients that fill our baskets also are the best places to start when crafting summer cocktails. “We’re seasonal drinkers here in the Midwest,” said Christian Kyllonen, a bartender. “Obviously, in summer, you think fresh and fruity.”...

A good meal is one of the simple joys of life. Food is the foundation for energizing our bodies. It’s a way in which to get out and about to see friends and family. It can bring people together, provide a sense of adventure, demonstrate family traditions and offer a sense of great comfort. A...

Let’s be realistic: All women make a difference. You should take this moment to acknowledge how much you contribute and your daily impact. How we share our skillset is a reflection of our time management and organization. As a professional organizer, I know firsthand that creating, maintaining and sticking to an action plan, a.k.a. “instruction...