Kim McMahill

Garden production for 2026 wasn’t a complete failure, but I’ve definitely done better. I think the biggest issue was a cold and very windy late spring and early summer followed by a month in the upper 90’s to over 100. Tomatoes, corn, and cabbage were the winners. Beans, zucchini, and Big Jim chili peppers were the biggest losers. Cucumbers were doing okay until the voles found them. Apparently they love little cucumbers. Lettuce and peas were average, so at least we had lots of fresh salad greens during a time when I wouldn’t have been comfortable purchasing lettuce from the store. Despite the marginal success this year, I still enjoyed the garden and I’m already planning for next year.

In 2026, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees eight times. All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone* (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Four have already passed. The next free day will be on August 25, 2026 in celebration of the 110 th Anniversary of the National Park Service. The remaining dates are listed below. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm September 17: Constitution Day October 27 : Theodore Roosevelt's birthday November 11: Veterans Day *Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees. 

“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”   Eudora Welty

I’m rapidly approaching a half-million visits on my Blog. There are so many social media options available and blogs to follow that I can’t express how much I appreciate you spending a little time with me. If other social media formats are more your thing, you can also find me at the following sites. Thanks again for stopping by! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimMcMahillAuthor/ Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kim-mcmahill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmcmahill/   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kimmcmahill Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/849945.Kim_McMahill Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kim-McMahill/e/B007IK0EJW/

July was a crazy month with the holiday, garden, and travel, so it’s time to take a deep breath and chill. The garden is finally starting to really produce after a cold start to the summer, but my thoughts are already turning to the fall sports season, especially pre-season college volleyball. WRITING I’m still waiting on news on a couple of irons I have in the fire. Hopefully, I’ll have something to share soon. In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter using the link on my blog to have it emailed directly to you so that you don’t miss any upcoming announcements. WANDERINGS In July we took a couple weeks to explore eastern Europe via the Danube River. Due to persistent drought, several sections were experiencing historic low water levels and were no longer navigable, turning some of our river journey into a bus tour. Despite a number of interruptions, it was still an educational and wonderful trip. Seeing and learning about the struggles in the area with communism ...