Myself seated on a bench just outside the roller rink above you can see the pipe organ that hangs above the rink.

Oaks Park: One of the Last Trolley Parks is Home to America’s Oldest Roller Rink

October 7, 2026, Leave a Comment on Oaks Park: One of the Last Trolley Parks is Home to America’s Oldest Roller Rink

Located on the banks of the Willamette River is a true treasure of Portland, Oaks Amusement Park. Not only is it one of America’s oldest amusement parks, it is home to the oldest roller rink in the United States. In 1905 the Portland area was gearing up for the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. Meanwhile…

Myself standing in front of Independence Hall, wearing a shirt with Sam Eagle on it and reading "semiquincentennial"

America’s Semiquincentennial

July 8, 2026, 1 Comment

To celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial (250th birthday) Patrick and I headed over to Independence Hall. No, not the one in Philadelphia, although I would love that one day! But the one at Knott’s Berry Farm. That’s right, Knott’s Berry Farm has its very own full scale replica of Independence Hall, and the great thing about it…

The Jolly Trolley, a red and yellow trolley rides the tracks of Toontown.

Travel Back to Disneyland in the 90s

April 22, 2026, 1 Comment

Being a millennial means my childhood, and a fair amount of my teenage years were captured on film. Recently I stumbled across a collection of photos from visits to Disneyland made in the early 1990s. Awhile ago I shared photos of a visit to Universal in 1997, and I thought let’s do that again, but…

Myself, looking over my shoulder with my black jacket that features a large patch of a ghost wearing a purple witch hat and playing the guitar.

October Reflections

November 5, 2025, Leave a Comment on October Reflections

Where did October go? Normally, I have multiple posts sharing unique fall experiences, but this year really got away from me. You’ll notice I didn’t even get to write about the Anaheim Fall Festival! And the reason why is both a blessing and a curse. This year I was lucky enough to be elected to…

Myself standing along Main Street wearing cream and gold Minnie Mouse ears, a cream shirt with the castle, Mickey and "Disneyland 70" on it, and yellow and cream shorts.

Disneyland at 70

July 23, 2025, Leave a Comment on Disneyland at 70

Walt Disney was a man with many dreams and ideas. After he and his animators conquered the animated feature film, he set his sights on another form of family entertainment, amusement parks. Wanting a space that both adults and children could enjoy, he started brainstorming his “Mickey Mouse Park” that started out as a small…

Myself, wearing a red and white hat that reads "Red Devil Fireworks" a white shirt with a stylized American flag that reads "Democracy Has No Kings" and blue jean shorts, standing in front of Knott's Berry Farm's recreation of Independence Hall.

No Kings Since 1776

July 10, 2025, 1 Comment

Just a few days ago America turned 249. Patrick and I spent the day at Knott’s Berry Farm, as is our tradition, before heading home. Ever since a nearby palm tree caught fire a few years back, we stay home in the evening. Plus we get to enjoy Disneyland’s display from our front yard. Let’s…

A large wooden mill like building with a large water wheel and a sign reading "Hot fresh cinnamon bread made daily"

Roller Coasters and Rhinestones: A Visit to Dollywood

April 29, 2025, Leave a Comment on Roller Coasters and Rhinestones: A Visit to Dollywood

Patrick and I just returned from a week long visit to Tennessee, where we criss-crossed the state and did a whole lot, but also not enough! Today is the first of many blog posts from our trip! Dolly Parton is one of the biggest stars of the music industry, and one with a big heart.…

Illustration of a woman in a Marie Antoinette style outfit with a tall wig and large skirt, along with a photograph of a woman in the same outfit, all pink.

A Showgirl’s Treasures

February 26, 2025, Leave a Comment on A Showgirl’s Treasures

The other day I received a text message from my dear friend Eric, the Knott’s Berry Farm historian, informing me of an estate sale here in Anaheim of a former Knott’s employee, and that I might find some interesting stuff. Already en route to go thrifting that day, I abruptly changed course and made my…

A blue, yellow, and white neon sign that reads "Silver Saddle Motel"

The Remnants, Remains, and Random Snapshots of 2024

January 29, 2025, 3 Comments

Back in early 2023 I shared a blog post that was a collection of random photos from the previous year. It was a round up of places and events that didn’t make the cut as a full blog post, but still had merit. The tradition didn’t continue with a round up of 2023 photos because,…

Myself, seated on the Mark Twain Riverboat, wearing a long red and white stripe gown with white lace trim and red velvet bow accents, and a glass candy cane necklace.

Disneyland on Christmas Day

December 31, 2024, 2 Comments

As per our tradition, Patrick and I spent Christmas Day at Disneyland. Last year I went with an extremely casual outfit, but this year I went rather extravagant. I’m sure some of you are probably familiar with the brand Selkie, which makes gorgeous fairy tale-esque dresses and other garments. This year they released a holiday…

Atomic Redhead

Amusement Parks

Oaks Park: One of the Last Trolley Parks is Home to America’s Oldest Roller Rink

America’s Semiquincentennial

Travel Back to Disneyland in the 90s

October Reflections

Disneyland at 70

No Kings Since 1776

Roller Coasters and Rhinestones: A Visit to Dollywood

A Showgirl’s Treasures

The Remnants, Remains, and Random Snapshots of 2024

Disneyland on Christmas Day