Miscellaneous

From the Bay of the West Coast to the Bay of the East Coast: My Journey Across the Country

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I grew up in the vibrant Bay Area of California, in San Jose, a bustling city with a population of over 839,000 in the 1990s. Life there was full of energy and activity, but I’ve come to realize that I feel far more content in smaller towns.

At 24, I moved to Ocean City, Maryland, a lively beach resort town with a smaller population of just 5,168 at the time, for an internship. Ocean City sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Isle of Wight Bay, right at the start of Highway 50. Living there gave me my first taste of East Coast life, and I began to appreciate the charm of small-town living.

After my internship ended, I returned to California, this time to South Lake Tahoe, a resort town perched at 6,250 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along Highway 50 as well, right on the California–Nevada border. In 1998, the population was 23,378. It was there that I got married and welcomed my three children, who were born and raised amidst the snow, lake, mountains, and fresh mountain air.

For 15 years, we lived in Gardnerville, Nevada, a small town with a population of around 5,656, just a 30-minute drive from Tahoe. After my marriage ended, I moved back full-time to South Lake Tahoe because that’s where my heart was at the time. Having lived more than half my life in the Sierra Mountains, I knew I would never feel at home in a large city like San Jose again.

Eventually, Maryland quietly tugged at my heart, drawing me back to the East Coast. At age 52, my children, our animals, and I moved to Elkton, Maryland, a town of 16,064 and right outside the college town – literally just ten minutes from the University of Delaware. My oldest son just started 11th grade, my youngest son started 9th grade, and my daughter is beginning her first semester of college here.

Each place I’ve called home has shaped me in unique ways, teaching resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of embracing change. From coast to coast, from mountains to bays, and from resort towns to college towns, I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place; it’s the journey, the people you love, and the life you build along the way.

The Maryland Italian Festival kicks off this Friday, September 26th, at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen and runs all weekend long!

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🇮🇹 Thanks to the festival hosts for providing us with tickets — we’ll be there and can’t wait to share our experience. Hope to see everyone out there enjoying the food, music, rides, and family fun! 🎉

🎟️ When and Where

  • Dates: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
  • Times: Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Location: Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, Aberdeen, Maryland
  • Admission: $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free with a parent
  • Parking: Free on-site and at satellite lots with shuttle service

🇮🇹 Maryland’s Largest Italian Festival: A Weekend of Fun for Gluten-Free Families

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My three kids (ages 14–18) and I are excited to check out the Maryland Italian Festival this year, happening for the first time at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. We were given passes by the hosts to review the festival and share our honest thoughts, especially for families like ours who are gluten-intolerant.

🎟️ When and Where

  • Dates: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
  • Times: Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Location: Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, Aberdeen, Maryland
  • Admission: $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free with a parent
  • Parking: Free on-site and at satellite lots with shuttle service

🍝 Gluten-Free Options

Finding gluten-free options at festivals can be tricky, but some vendors are making it easier:

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Crunchy Almond Cookies – Perfect for dessert.
  • Sausage and Peppers – Skip the bun and enjoy classic flavor.

Cross-contamination is always a risk, so planning ahead or bringing your own gluten-free snacks is smart.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun for Teens

The festival isn’t just for little kids, there’s plenty for teens too:

  • Bocce Tournament – Fun to play or watch.
  • Carnival Rides and Midway Games – Classic fair attractions that teens will enjoy.
  • Live Entertainment – Music, performances, and a lively atmosphere.

✅ Our Take

The Maryland Italian Festival at Ripken Stadium promises a weekend full of food, fun, and Italian culture. While gluten-free options are limited, with a little planning, families managing gluten intolerance can still enjoy everything the festival has to offer. I’m Italian, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and seeing the festival with my kids. I’ll be there that weekend, and I hope those in the area will be able to make it out as well to support this great cause.

Life Beside the Tracks and Finding Peace with the Trains in My Backyard

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When I first moved into my home, I knew I was making a trade-off. The house and yard were exactly what I had been searching for, spacious, welcoming, and full of potential. But just beyond my backyard fence, the Amtrak Acela speed trains and long cargo trains zip by.

The Acela is no ordinary train. It’s the fastest train in North America, reaching speeds of up to 160 mph as it travels the busy Northeast Corridor from Boston through New Haven Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and all the way to Washington, D.C. At first, the kind of speed right outside my yard felt overwhelming because the whistles were sharp, the vibrations were noticeable, and the thought of constant noise was a real concern.

But something surprising happened: I adapted. Some days, I forget the tracks are even there. The rumble of cargo trains has become routine, and the sleek blur of the Acela feels more like a marker of time than an intrusion. The whistles and vibrations have blended into the background of daily life, and instead of being disruptive, they’re simply part of the rhythm of my home.

In a strange way, I’ve grown to appreciate it. There’s a certain energy in watching the Acela flash by, knowing it’s carrying people to major cities in record time. It reminds me that while life moves quickly, there’s beauty in choosing a place to slow down, plant roots, and enjoy the space you’ve created for yourself.

Living near the tracks isn’t for everyone, but for me, the sacrifice was worth it. My home, my yard, and even the hum of the trains have become a life I wouldn’t trade.

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Why I Took on DoorDash as a Temporary Job

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While I wait to hear back from the school district about a job interview, I decided to take on DoorDash as a way to keep money coming in. What I thought would just be a simple side gig has turned into a real eye-opener about the work it takes to keep food moving—and how much wear and tear it puts on both you and your vehicle.

In just over a month, I’ve put more than 1,800 miles on my car. I’ve gotten to know my area in a way I never would have otherwise. From winding through Maryland back roads to crossing into Delaware and even dipping into Pennsylvania, some nights I’ll hit all three states before my shift is over. It’s definitely not the kind of job where you just cruise around casually—on most days, I rack up 100+ miles in a single shift.

There are challenges that I didn’t expect. Parking can be a nightmare, especially in busier areas where every spot feels like it’s already claimed or requires a fee. Finding customer locations isn’t always straightforward either – addresses can be unclear, and some people don’t bother leaving their porch light on when you’re delivering late at night. On top of that, bathroom breaks can be tough to come by when you’re constantly on the move, and with all the driving, I find myself at the gas station every three to four days just to keep up.

It’s hard work, and it’s not something I plan to turn into a career. But right now, it’s serving its purpose: paying the bills and giving me a way to bridge the gap until something more permanent opens up. And for that, I’m grateful.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

Summer Adventures and Back-to-School Season

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Summer has officially come to a close, and with the kids now back in school, I can finally take a moment to reflect on what a whirlwind the past month has been.

In August, we packed our bags, grabbed the dog (who happens to be my wonderful service animal), and flew 2,700 miles across the country to California.

It was a special trip filled with family, friends, and memories that I know we’ll hold onto for years to come.

From there, I rented a car and headed south with the kids for a few days in Southern California. We stayed with our Aunt and spent time visiting Grandma, who turned an incredible 101 years old that weekend. Celebrating such a milestone with her was truly unforgettable.

Of course, no trip to SoCal is complete without a beach day, so we made a quick day trip to Malibu. We ended up at Will Rogers State Beach, sitting on the sand with soft serve ice cream cups from the snack shack in hand — the kind of simple moment that makes a trip special. Along the way, we also witnessed some of the aftermath left behind by the Palisades Fire, a sobering reminder of how quickly nature can change a landscape.

Before wrapping up our trip, Aunt Sherie treated the kids and me to a delicious brunch at Leo & Lilly’s in Woodland Hills. It was such a tasty treat and a wonderful way to spend time together before we had to head back home.

Now that we’re back, all the suitcases are unpacked, and we’re adjusting to a brand-new school year here in Maryland. My daughter just started college two weeks ago, and yesterday my boys had their first day of 9th and 11th grade. The biggest change? They’re all in new schools since our move to Maryland back in June. It’s been an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) transition, but I couldn’t be prouder of how they’re diving into this new chapter.

Summer already feels like it’s slipping into memory, but I’m grateful for the family, the travel, and the moments that made this one so full.

☕ Support the Journey

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Abundance in My Garden with Herbs & Chilis

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When I planted my garden, my goal was food—but I was methodical about what plants I brought home. I wanted herbs I could cook with, but I also chose ones that could help keep mosquitos and ticks away. That’s why I started with mint, lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary. Over time, the garden turned into more than just practical; it’s become this little haven of flavor and color right outside my door.

The rosemary is strong and fragrant. I love running my fingers through it just for the scent. Oregano is spilling everywhere, always ready for sauces or soups. Basil has been a favorite, too, with soft green leaves that go perfectly in just about anything. And then there’s the mint. I never quite know what to do with all of it. Other than mint ice cream—which sounds amazing, but I’d have to figure out how to extract the oils first, it just keeps spreading and taking over its corner of the yard.

I’ve been clipping bunches of the herbs and hanging them in my dining room window. They catch the light during the day, filling the room with their scent as they dry. It makes the whole space feel alive, and I love knowing I’ll have jars of homegrown herbs to reach for even after the season ends.

The chilis are another story. I love a little heat to my entrées. So I have habanero, cayenne, and red jalapeños growing, each one fiery in its own way. The funny thing is, I can’t eat spicy foods right now because of diverticulitis. So while they’re growing beautifully, I mostly admire their color, dry some, and am thinking of giving some away. I know one day I’ll be able to enjoy them again, but for now, they’re more for drying and jarring up at the moment.

What I love most is that even without the heat from the chilis, my meals still have plenty of flavor. A little rosemary on roasted veggies, basil with fresh tomatoes, oregano in a simple pasta, it’s enough. The garden has been teaching me that abundance isn’t just about having a lot, it’s about appreciating what you can use in the moment, and being patient with what you can’t.

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Uprooted, Adjusting, and Now Learning to Heal

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I feel like my whole life’s been flipped upside down lately. I packed up everything and moved 2,700 miles away from the place I called home for the last 27 years, all because I wanted a better future for me and the kids. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect the small things to get to me the way they have.

Take the water, for example. Not only does it taste off, but I don’t like all the stuff in it — the chemicals, the fluoride, the PFAS. It just doesn’t sit right with me. So I started filtering the water in the kitchen and even went as far as buying distilled water jugs for the bathrooms so we could brush our teeth with something cleaner. I even bought filters for the shower heads. It might sound over the top, but honestly, it gives me peace of mind.

Even with all that, I probably drink less water than I should. And now I’m realizing how much that might have been catching up with me. Yesterday I ended up in the ER for seven hours. They ran everything — bloodwork, urine sample, CT scan — and finally told me what was going on: diverticulitis.

So here I am on a three-day broth diet, on top of 10 days of antibiotics, and after that, I’ll have to completely change the way I eat. No corn. No popcorn. A whole list of things I’ll have to avoid forever. Which feels overwhelming, because I was already so limited with food. I’m gluten intolerant, allergic to chicken, and my body just rejects a bunch of other things. Now it feels like I’ve got to become a full-on food cop with myself just to stay healthy.

It’s exhausting. I already gave up so much by moving, and now my body is asking me to give up even more. But at the same time, I don’t really have a choice. If I want to be here for my kids and actually thrive in this new chapter, I have to figure out how to work with it.

I never imagined my “fresh start” would look like this — standing in my kitchen sipping broth, keeping mental tabs on everything I can’t eat, popping antibiotics, while giant jugs of distilled water sit in the bathroom. But here I am. And honestly? All I can do is take it day by day, and try to see it as part of the journey I was meant to be on.

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California Vacation Coming to an End

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Having brunch with Aunt Sherie and the kids at Leo & Lily in Woodland Hills, CA.
Beautiful day at Seacliff Beach in Aptos, CA.
At Will Rogers State Beach in Malibu, CA

Our California vacation is coming to a close here shortly. We started off in Aptos, spending a few days relaxing at the beach and celebrating my brother’s 50th birthday. The ocean was calm and peaceful, and it gave us a chance to just slow down and enjoy some family time.

From there, I rented a car and we made the drive down to Los Angeles to see Grandma, who is turning 101 years old on Sunday. We stayed with our Aunt while we were there, which made it feel even more like family time.

Then today was the big drive up to my dad’s house in San Jose. What should have been a 5.5 hour drive turned into a long, tiring 7.5 hours instead. And of course, after all that driving, I still had to cook dinner for eight people because family still needs to eat.

Now it’s almost time to head back to Maryland, get the kids ready for school, and settle back into daily life. It’s been a full trip—long drives, family meals, celebrations, and plenty of memories to take home with us.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele

A Special Day by the Sea

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This past Monday, I had the joy of celebrating my brother’s 50th birthday at the beach. The salty air, the sound of the waves, and the endless horizon always have a way of quieting my mind and filling my heart with peace.

The beach has always been my happy place, where the world feels a little softer and time seems to slow down. No matter what’s going on in life, there’s something about the rhythm of the ocean that reminds me to breathe deeply and let go.

As we laughed, shared stories, and marked such a special milestone for my brother, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Blessed that I was able to be there. Blessed for family. Blessed for another day by the water.

Some moments are meant to be tucked away in our hearts forever, and this was one of them.

☕ Support the Journey

If this post resonated with you or made you feel a little less alone on your own path, you’re always welcome to support my writing with a cup of coffee. Your kindness helps me keep sharing real stories and new chapters, one step at a time: 👉 coff.ee/smalltownmichele