The Scary Pork Rib Bone Incident & Why I Now Keep PawMergency on Hand

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The other day I had one of those heart-stopping moments every pet parent dreads. I looked out into the backyard and saw my dog happily munching away on something. When I rushed over, I realized it was half of a cooked pork rib bone she had somehow found. My stomach dropped.

Cooked bones are dangerous for dogs because they can splinter into sharp pieces and cause serious injuries, like intestinal punctures or blockages. The bone she had was already splintered, and I freaked out. I immediately took it away from her and started thinking fast about what I could do to help.

I mixed some wet food and pumpkin puree in with her Freshpet dog food, hoping to soften her stool so the bone fragments would pass more easily through her system. For the rest of the day, I watched her like a hawk—checking her comfort, her behavior, and (yes) her poop—just to be sure nothing was wrong.

That scare made me realize something: emergencies happen, and sometimes you only have minutes to act. That’s when I decided to order PawMergency, an Activated Charcoal First Aid Kit for Dogs, Cats, and Pets. Activated charcoal can help absorb toxins in certain emergencies, and I wanted to make sure I had something on hand if my fur babies ever got into something dangerous again.

Now, PawMergency lives in my cupboard—ready for the “just in case” moments. I truly hope I’ll never have to use it, but knowing it’s there gives me peace of mind.

If you’d like to have PawMergency on hand too, I found mine on Amazon here: PawMergency Activated Charcoal First Aid Kit.

Because when it comes to our pets, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Bringing Tahoe to Maryland – One Room at a Time

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Yes, I miss living in Tahoe. How could I not? I spent more than half my life surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas, and Tahoe will always hold a special place in my heart. But when it came time to move, Maryland was the right choice. Financially, it was the best decision, and truthfully, I love it here too.

Still, I wanted to keep a little piece of Tahoe with me. That’s why I decided to turn my half bathroom into a Tahoe-themed space. Some of the items hanging on the walls actually came from my home in Tahoe, which makes the theme feel authentic and personal.

The only challenge? The bathroom already had shelves, and I haven’t quite figured out what to put on them yet. If you have any Tahoe-esque ideas, send them my way. I’d love to complete the look!

To really tie the room together, I ordered artwork from Headwaters Studio on Etsy. Their Lake Tahoe Snowboard Wood Art Print immediately caught my eye. I had been browsing posters and prints, but the snowboard spoke to me, and it reminded me of my sons’ love for snowboarding, their one true passion back in Tahoe. The best part is that the piece could be personalized, so I chose the phrase: “Home Sweet, Lake Tahoe.”

Now, every time I walk into that bathroom, I smile. It’s more than just décor;7 it’s a reminder that while life has taken me across the country, Tahoe will always be a part of my home.

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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.

Review: Oishii Sushi & Ramen (Newark, DE)

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My kids and I had the pleasure of visiting Oishii Sushi & Ramen in Newark, DE, and it turned out to be a delightful experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, clean, and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a casual family meal.

I decided to try the ramen, and I was genuinely impressed. The broth was mild yet packed with flavor, and the gluten-free rice noodles had a fantastic texture that made each bite satisfying. The portion size was generous, leaving me feeling full and content without being overwhelmed. Every component of the dish felt thoughtfully prepared, and the balance of flavors was excellent — the kind of meal that keeps you savoring every bite long after you’ve finished.

Meanwhile, my teenagers decided to try the sushi, and they were absolutely thrilled. They couldn’t stop talking about the wide variety of options available, from classic favorites to more creative rolls. Each piece they tried was fresh and bursting with flavor, and they remarked several times on how delicious everything was. Watching them enjoy their meal so much really added to the overall experience for me as a parent.

What I especially appreciated about Oishii Sushi & Ramen is how well they cater to different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of ramen or want to explore the art of sushi, there’s something for everyone. The quality of the food, the generous portions, and the inviting atmosphere all come together to create a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Overall, our visit to Oishii Sushi & Ramen was a true pleasure. Between the hearty ramen and the fresh, flavorful sushi, it’s clear that this restaurant takes pride in its food and in providing a great experience for its guests. If you find yourself in Newark, DE, looking for a place that delivers both quality and variety, I highly recommend stopping by. You won’t leave hungry or disappointed.

Oishii Sushi & Ramen
129 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711
Website: https://www.oishiisushiramende.com
Phone: (302) 366-8882

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

Elkton Fall Fest 2025 – A First-Time Experience

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This past Saturday, my daughter, her boyfriend, and I walked from my home to downtown Elkton to check out the annual Fall Fest. It was my first time attending, and while the event was smaller than I expected, it had a welcoming hometown feel.

We arrived around lunchtime, which turned out to be a quieter part of the day. The streets weren’t crowded, so it was easy to stroll along, visit the vendors, and take in the atmosphere. While it was hot outside, the lighter crowd made it more enjoyable to move around without feeling rushed.

The festival had a full lineup scheduled, including live music, a petting zoo, a rock wall, and more. Somehow, we completely missed a section of the event called Adventure Zone, which is where the animals and rock wall were located. I’ll definitely make a point to explore that area next year.

Even though we missed some activities, I still enjoyed browsing the vendor booths and came home with a couple of unique finds. My favorite purchase was a wooden and enamel crab sign that says “Maryland” across it, perfect for my dining room. Later, I also found out that chair massages were happening while we were there, which I unfortunately overlooked. Next time!

Overall, the Fall Fest was a nice community event with plenty to do. While timing (and maybe a better sense of direction) would have made our visit even better, I’m glad we went. Now that I know what to look for, I’m excited to experience even more of Elkton’s Fall Fest next year.

☕ Support the Journey

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Review: Gluten Free Dining at Klondike Kate’s (Newark, Delaware)

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars for:

  • Food Quality: Excellent overall, with standout dishes like the Sweet Bourbon Salmon and the Margherita Pizza. Minor notes (slightly salty bisque, slightly overcooked broccoli) don’t detract from the overall experience.
  • Gluten Free Awareness: Outstanding – Jaime McCardell, the GM, ensures the kitchen takes every precaution for gluten free diners.
  • Service: Attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming from start to finish.
  • Atmosphere & Value: Generous portions, inviting environment, and fair pricing.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Klondike Kate’s, a Newark landmark located right on Main Street in Downtown Newark, Delaware. I was invited to review their gluten-free offerings, so I brought Alex and Evan along to join me for lunch. We were excited to see what this iconic spot had to offer – and we weren’t disappointed.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Alli, our server, and Jaime McCardell, the general manager. They were both attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to make sure our experience was smooth, especially when it came to gluten-free dining. That extra care immediately set the tone for the afternoon.

Crab Bisque

Cream-based, minced vegetables & fresh lump crabmeat, dusted with Old Bay

We started with the Crab Bisque, and it was a pleasant surprise. So often, cream-based soups are thickened with wheat flour, making them off-limits for gluten-free guests, but not here. The presentation was lovely, with a gentle dusting of Old Bay on top. The flavor had definite hints of Old Bay, and while it leaned a little salty, the overall taste was very enjoyable—rich, creamy, and not overly “fishy.” It felt indulgent and comforting without being heavy.

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Review: Caffe Gelato Restaurant (Newark, DE)

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I visited Caffe Gelato with my kids to try their Artisan Crafted Gelato, and we were not disappointed!

We were spoiled for choice with so many delicious gluten-free flavors, including:

  • Salted Caramel
  • Stracciatella (chocolate chip)
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Raspberry Sorbetto
  • Vanilla Bean
  • Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Bacio (chocolate hazelnut)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pistachio
  • Caramel Cashew Crunch
  • Crème Brûlée Toffee

I had the Crème Brûlée Toffee, which was really tasty. Portions are on the smaller side, but the flavor is big.

My daughter chose Salted Caramel, and my son went with Mint Chocolate Chip. We all tried each other’s flavors and agreed everyone picked the right one—though, naturally, I still thought mine was the best! When I asked, I was told all flavors are gluten-free, which was perfect for us.

The gelato is served in cones or cups; since we are gluten-free, we opted for cups. While the service was fair but not excellent, the quality of the gelato more than made up for it.

Caffe Gelato Restaurant – Newark, DE
📍 90 E Main St, Newark, DE
📞 (302) 738-5811

DIY Cat Tree Makeover with Oiled Sisal Rope

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After living with cats for almost three decades, one thing I’ve learned is that cat trees don’t last forever. With two cats for many years (and now four!), the wear and tear really starts to show. My oldest cat tree is easily 10 years old, if not older, and it was long overdue for a makeover.

Instead of buying a brand-new tree—which can be really expensive—I decided to try a DIY fix. After doing some research, I found out that sisal rope is the best choice for refurbishing scratching posts. Cats love it, and it holds up well to all the claw action.

I ordered 50 feet of ½-inch oiled all-natural sisal rope from Amazon. Looking back, I probably should have gone with 100 feet, since 50 feet turned out to be a little short. Still, I was really happy with how it came out overall.

For tools, I used:

  • Gardening loppers to cut the rope into pieces
  • #6 x 1-5/8″ screws to secure the rope
  • A Ryobi Cordless ¼ in. Impact Driver (which made the job so much easier)

My oldest son helped me, and together we gave the cat tree a fresh new life. We did run out of rope toward the end, so one section still has the original worn rope, but the rest looks great and is ready for all four cats to enjoy.

All in all, the cost of the rope was much more affordable than replacing the whole cat tree. And honestly, it felt good to refurbish something old instead of tossing it. The cats seem pretty pleased with their “new” scratching spots, which makes the project totally worth it.

☕ 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

Review: Del Pez Mexican Gastropub (Newark, DE)

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I was recommended to try Del Pez Mexican Gastropub while craving Mexican food, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Having grown up in the Bay Area of California, I’m very particular about Mexican flavors, and I found their gluten-free options to be limited and lacking the authenticity I was hoping for.

However, I ordered the Street Taco Flight (pick & choose 3) and went with Grilled Steak, Carnitas with salsa verde crudo, and Shrimp with chipotle aioli. Out of the three, the Shrimp taco stood out — absolutely delicious, full of flavor, and perfectly balanced. I honestly wish I had ordered all three as shrimp because the Steak and Carnitas just didn’t hit the mark.

The staff was absolutely attentive and very accommodating with us being gluten intolerant, which made the visit much more pleasant.

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub
501 Grove Ln
Newark, DE 19711
📞 (302) 273-3788

Note: This review was written before my diverticulitis diagnosis — which now means avoiding corn, so sadly most Mexican food is off my plate (literally). Whaaa!