Author: L.M. Hosler

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Visit Harrisburg’s Capitol: Tours, Museums, and More

L.M. Hosler

Harrisburg, Pennsylvanian is a good place to take children for fun and a great learning experience. It offers entertainment and educational opportunities.

In 1897, the capital building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania burnt. This left the Pennsylvania government with no building for the government to conduct the business of government.

The new capital building which was built between 1902 and 1906 is one of the most admired in the USA. It is a beautiful work of Architectural and artistic while also full of history. The building is full of art, beautiful paintings, murals, sculptures and history. The new capital building was designed by a young and upcoming architect, Joseph Huston. it is designed in American Renaissance style. Huston’s vision was to build a building that was a palace full of art and he accomplished that. There was a lot of competition for the rights to build the capital building. Joseph Huston won the contract and completed the building. After the completion of the capital building Huston was accused of taking bribes and conspiracy to defraud the Pennsylvania government. He was convicted and spent six months in prison. The building reflects many different types of styles throughout the building. Italian, Greek, Roman and French are all part of the buildings charm and beauty.

As you first enter the capital building, the first thing you will notice is the marvelous centerpiece staircase. It is often the source of group photos. Schools plan class trips to tour the building and have their class photos taken on these steps. Above the staircase is a 52 million pound dome. At the top of the staircase, it turns to both the left and the right.

The Rotunda Of The Pennsylvania Capital building in Harrisburg showcases a beautiful staircase.

The 52 Million Pound Dome Over The Rotunda

The Welcome Center in the Capital Building

The welcome center in the capital building is fun for the adults and children. There are interesting and educational trivia games to play. There is also a gift shop and places to grab a quick bite to eat near the Welcome Center. Children and adults can learn how laws are passed.

Children and adults can take free tours through the capital. The tours are popular and fill up quickly. It is best to call in advance and schedule a tour. Afterwards, they can find the Welcome Center of the building. Here, there’s trivia games and different learning experiences for everyone.

These are only a few of the highlights of visiting the Capital Building of Pennsylvania. Guided tours are offered by guides familiar with the history of the building.

The Pennsylvania Museum The Pennsylvania Museum is located near the capital building, within easy walking distance for most people. It is located at 300 North Street, Harrisburg. The museum has three floors full of interesting exhibits that families can enjoy.

The ground floor is where you enter, pay for your tickets and you are given a map of the museum. You can then choose which floors and exhibits you want to visit.

Ticket prices

  • Adults $7
  • Senior Citizens $6
  • Children $5

The first floor in the museum exhibits artifacts exhibits featuring old dishes, some broken or cracked. It also displays items that some of us senior citizens still remember from our childhood. There are also a lot of exhibits and a video which emphasizes the civil rights movement throughout Pennsylvania’s history. The exhibits on the first floor are sometimes changed to add new exhibits.

Second Floor

The second floor of the museum is my personal favorite. This floor has Native American exhibits, civil war exhibits, and industry and transportation exhibits. The Native American longhouses were pretty neat. Here there are old covered wagons, old stagecoaches and a turnpike display. The turnpike display shows an old car paying its toll at the tollbooth. On this floor there’s also one of the first tiny campers for campers.

An old covered wagon from early American exhibited at the State Museum of Pennsylvania

 Attribution:  Ad Meskens  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Third Floor

While the third floor wasn’t my favorite there’s a lot of interesting exhibits. Those who are interested in nature, ecology, animals, birds will enjoy these exhibits. There’s also a planetarium on this floor.

Make the Most of Your Trip

Both the capital building and the State Museum of Pennsylvania can take several hours to explore thoroughly. You may want to visit everything so be sure to plan ahead. Schedule your tour of the capital in advance and plan to spend a few hours at the museum. Make a plan that includes lunch whether it’s in the capital building or a restaurant nearby. Then enjoy a day of fun and education with your family.

Copyright

Aug 30, 2025

Linda Hosler

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Mastering Your Budget: Essential Tips for Financial Health

L.M. Hosler

I called and interviewed my friend over the phone.

My friend is a very busy person, involved with her church and various other organizations. She has been the treasurer of one or more of those organizations. She also volunteers to teach others responsible money management.

Q: What do you think is the most important part of people handling their finances?

A: Starting with a good budget. People should start by having a budget that covers their basic needs. Housing, food, utilities are basic needs.

Q: Where do you start with a budget?

A: Start with basic needs. Then, create an emergency fund. Put in enough money to cover living expenses for three months.

Q: What about money for fun and entertainment?

A: After the emergency fund has been fully funded, then you can put money aside for other purposes. Vacations, eating out, movies, whatever it is that you want to do for fun.

Q: What are some things that should be cut out of anyone’s budget or at least reduced.

A: Well most people don’t like to hear this but there are many expenses that can be reduced. Things like cigarettes, tattoos, alcohol are a few things that are not necessary for survival.

Q: What success have people had after listening to your advice.

A: Quite a few people have come back to me. They thanked me for helping them get their finances in order. One couple finally managed to buy an older home of their own which was their main goal.

Q: Any final words of advice for those having financial difficulties.

A: Get started as soon as possible to take control of your finances and life will be much better. Pay yourself first by saving even a little bit every week. Trust in God and faith are also important.

Daily writing prompt
Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.
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Embracing Change: My Journey Through Anxieties and Hobbies

L.M. Hosler

Right now I feel wonderful about the great weather we are having. It’s nice and cool. The type of day that you feel good and energetic. So I have been busy cleaning my house this morning and I really dislike cleaning. It is amazing how good weather can affect your overall mood and attitude.

I am also feeling anxious because I have been unable to find regular work. I work as a private care giver and I lost three of my clients to nursing homes recently. I found a few jobs that didn’t last very long. My client either passed away or had to be put in a nursing home. But on the other hand I am enjoying retirement and time for hobbies and social activities. I can concentrate on writing and creating quilts and crafts more. I have always looked ahead to having time to enjoy those hobbies. I especially look ahead to Thursdays when I get together with friends to play cards.

I am also feeling like I need to make myself go to the gym more. I know it’s good for me but sometimes it is hard to be motivated. I am not sure just how to get myself motivated to go exercise.

But it feels like today is going to be a great day, no matter what I do.

Daily writing prompt
How are you feeling right now?
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Embracing Evening Bliss: My Favorite Time of Day

L.M. Hosler

I love mornings when I don’t have to rush getting out of bed. I don’t have to rush off to do a million things that need to be done. But every day I look ahead to when the craziness of each day turns into enjoying a relaxing evening.

But my favorite time of the day is evenings. Supper has been enjoyed, kitchen cleaned up and dishes put away. Then it’s time to sit with a cup of tea or a soda on the front porch. In the summer, the heat lifts a little bit and children are sometimes catching lighting bugs. I relax to the sound of the birds doing their evening serenades. I enjoy talking with the neighbors if they happen to be outside. It’s also a great time to relax with my favorite book until dark forces me to take the book inside.

Then it’s time for pajamas and maybe some television if I am lucky enough to find something worth watching. And it’s snack time. Time for the goodies to come out. Popcorn, chips, or some chocolate make evenings my favorite time of the day.

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite time of day?
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What Drives Motivation During Retirement

L.M. Hosler

I am basically lazy. I am retired and enjoying retirement. I love getting up later, and not having to set an alarm clock. But if an opportunity to make money presents itself then I become motivated and work hard towards that end. In the past I have also been motivated by pursuing educational goals. I worked hard at them and achieved those goals. I managed to obtain a degree in accounting and a diploma in computer programming. Both have been helpful in different areas of my life.
I can also be motivated when it comes to having fun and doing things I enjoy. Going on vacation will motivate me and get me moving. A fun day at the beach excites me. Traveling to somewhere new encourages me to explore.

Each of us are motivated by different things. It would be quite interesting to hear to hear how others find motivation in their lives. Now, if anyone knows how to get me motivated about cleaning my house I would love to hear that advice.

history, History, Women and History, writing

The Untold Stories of Women in Vietnam: A Review

L.M. Hosler

The Women

Written by Kristen Hannah

Most of us have either lived through the Vietnam war or had relatives who served in the war. Others have seen movies based on that war. I myself grew up during the sixties and early seventies. I was lucky that none of my brothers were drafted during that era. Two of my brothers had already served and had families so they were not drafted. My other brother was the right age to be drafted but I am not sure how he didn’t get drafted. Maybe it was because he was in college at that time. I also had a brother-in-law who was stationed in Germany and managed to avoid the war in Vietnam.

Many of our young men were drafted and served in Vietnam. Thousands and thousands were killed in that war. But there was little to no mention of the women who served in Vietnam. The nurses, doctors, red cross women and many others all served their country in Vietnam. But those women were not considered to have seen combat.

That is what the book “The Women” is about. It’s about women who served as nurses in Vietnam. It’s particularly about one woman who joins the Army Nurses Corps. Her brother had been given a party in his honor before he left for the war. Frances (Frankie) had always been extremely close to her brother. She considered him her best friend. Frankie decided she would join as a nurse. After being turned down with the Navy and the Air Force, she signed up with the Army Nurses. Ironically, her brother is killed before she leaves and she is devastated by the loss of her brother. Frankie’s enlistment causes a strain with her family. She was raised to get married and have children. She was not raised to go off to war.

Women’s Memorial Honoring Women Who Served In Vietnam

Frankie experiences things she would never have dreamed as a sheltered young lady. But she soon adapts as well as she can, forms close friendships with other nurses and even falls in love. But in wartime, friendships may last a lifetime but love can be a short lived thing as she finds out.

After doing two tours in Vietnam, she returns home. The country is protesting the war. Veterans are not welcomed. She finds that people including her parents don’t want to talk about the war or her service in the war. Frankie finds that fitting in anywhere after the war is almost impossible for her.

This book details Frankie’s struggles to adjust in the world after the war. She finds it difficult to understand why women are not considered war veterans. Women, like the men she helped to save, also played significant roles. In fact, it was often said that no women ever served in the Vietnam war and many people believed this.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading this book. Of course, growing up in the Vietnam era, I knew some of what happened to veterans. I understood how hard it was for them to return to a country that had sent them to war. This country then learned to hate veterans who had fought in this war. They were mistreated and called baby killers. I liked the characters very much. It was very interesting to see Frankie change from a spoiled rich girl to a capable nurse who saved lives.

This book was in my book club and at first I wasn’t certain if I was going to read it. I am just really not very much into the Vietnam era when it comes to books and movies. But this book was different and an awesome book. I truly enjoyed reading this one.

Copyright:

Linda Hosler

July2025

Entertainment, Uncategorized, writing

Exploring Fiona Davis “The Spectacular”: A Book Review

L.M. Hosler

A few years ago I joined our local book club. I love reading and I hoped to find new authors that I would enjoy reading their books. I have indeed found a few new authors that I am now trying to read all of their books. I really enjoy John Grisham, Linda Castello, and Nora Roberts. Now, I am going to read more books by Fiona Davis.

I have just finished the book “The Spectacular” written by Fiona Davis. I found it very interesting and entertaining. It first starts off in 1992 then reverts back to 1956. The story begins with Marion, the main character, being escorted back to Radio City Music Hall. For a short time, she had been one of the famous Rockettes. Then the story shifts to 1956. At that time, she faced difficult choices about her future. She needed to decide what she really wanted to do with her life. In the 1950s, many believed that women should be wives. They thought women should stay at home as mothers. But Marion had taken dance lessons all of her life and loved dancing. For Marion, this led her to difficult family issues.

The New York City Bomber

As Marion moves ahead with her life, relationships shift and change for her. One of these relationships is with her sister Judy. Marion and Judy’s relationship had been strained for several years. Just when their relationship appeared to be improving, the New York Bomber sets off a bomb at Radio City Music Hall, endangering both the audience and the Rockettes. The New York Bomber had been setting off bombs in public places for years throughout New York City and never been caught.

The Handsome Young Doctor

Marion meets a young doctor. He is working with the mentally ill. They set to work together to try to find the bomber. Peter Griggs creates a profile on the bomber. However, the police don’t put much faith in his profile. But working together, Marion and Peter Griggs just might be able to find the bomber when the police can’t.

In conclusion

I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were very real and it was a great story. I love history. This was the first time I had ever heard of the New York Bomber. He really did exist and terrified New York City for some years. The book is fiction but the bomber was real. The bomber added excitement to the book and held my attention. It also kept you interested. You wanted to find out if Marion would follow her father’s wishes and marry her high school sweetheart. Alternatively, would she follow her heart?

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People Who Talk Too Much Bores Me

L.M. Hosler

My sister calls me antisocial. She doesn’t really mean that but I am no social butterfly for certain. I like to be around people for a few hours and then I am ready to head home. I have several good friends I do things with. Love to go to lunch or shopping with them. But the people who bore me do nothing but talk. Talking is their hobby. They talk about other people that I don’t know or care about. They talk and talk till I get tired of listening to them and try to get away from them. One time I dated a man who talked all the time everywhere we went. If I went with him I carried snacks, drinks and a book with me. My survival kit.

Daily writing prompt
What bores you?
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Beach Sandals

L.M. Hosler

My favorite pair of shoes has to be my beach sandals. I bought them in Florida and wore them everywhere. I wore them to the beach and put my feet in the sandals under the water to rinse them off. I wore them to pools and got them wet. They used to be so comfortable that I wore them all the time. I wore these beach sandals in Florida. I brought them home with me to Pennsylvania. And they have gone with me to beaches in Maryland, New Jersey, and North and South Carolina. Alas, foot problems began and I was told to wear shoes with support, good sneakers. But I still have those beach sandals and they still go to the beach and the pool with me.

Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.
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Discover Pennsylvania’s Historical and Fun Attractions for Kids Part 2

L.M. Hosler

Two Historic Cities In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is certainly one great city full of America’s exciting history and historic buildings. Nevertheless, we can add some other interesting places in Pennsylvania. These are marvelous places for families to visit. Gettysburg is a historic battlefield and full of history about the Civil War. Lancaster is a charming city where many Amish live and many great places to explore.

Gettysburg, Pa

Gettysburg has been called the turning point of the Civil War. The south had been winning the war up to the point of Gettysburg. It was at Gettysburg that the Union Army stopped the southern army’s march to the north. It was at Gettysburg that President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address Speech. Gettysburg is dedicated to all the great men who died there.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Your first stop at Gettysburg might be at the Museum and visitor center where there are plenty of parking spots. Inside the 2200 square foot museum there are cold drinks, snacks and bathrooms. The museum offers exhibits, a gift shop and a ranger to answer questions. There plenty of historic exhibits from the Civil War including guns, uniforms and even a large cannon.

Tour The Battle Field

There are various ways of touring the Gettysburg Battlefield and learning about Gettysburg and the famous battlefield.

  • By Car. Using your car, you are free to go at your own pace. You can view what you are most interested in seeing.
  • Guided car tour: An experienced tour guide accompanies you. They are there to answer questions. They know the best places to show you. These tours have varying fees.
  • On horseback: Tour the battlefield on horseback like the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg. Horse rental fees are generally charged.
  • Walking the trails if you are a hiker.
  • Car and Walking: This is a great option as the park has 6000 acres. Driving on your own allows you to stop and view whatever you what to see.

Significant Spots To Visit At Gettysburg

Confederate General E Lee Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield
  • Little Round Top was a significant area where fierce fighting took place with Union soldiers eventually winning the hill.
  • Cemetery Ridge which was the headquarters for General Meade and the Union soldiers made camp.
  • Big Round Top which is the highest point of the Gettysburg Battlefield. There are five monuments at the top of the ridge.
  • Sachs covered bridge which some say is haunted by confederate soldiers who were hung from the bridge.
  • There are multiple museums throughout Gettysburg that are worth checking out.
  • Jennie Wade house. Jennie Wade, a civilian was killed by a confederate bullet while she was making bread to feed the Union Army.
Little Round Top Gettysburg Battlefield
Sachs Covered Bridge Gettysburg Pa

Lancaster, Pa

Amish children on the way to school

Lancaster is famous for it Amish population. It’s the largest Amish community in America. The Amish are famous for still living without electricity, cars, and modern technology. Most Amish still dress in traditional clothing and use horse and buggies. They are well known for their country cooking, quilting, religion and furniture building. Let’s check out some interesting things you can find in Amish country.

  • Amish farms which can offer tours and buggy rides.
  • Kitchen Kettle is an outdoor type of market but with about forty indoor shops. These include shops that sell canned goods, jams & relishes, and leather goods. There is a yarn shop that also offers free classes and workshops. You can also find sweet shops and cheese shops. There’s also a restaurant and homemade ice cream. I was here once and would love to go back.
  • Green Dragon Flea Market is 60 acres of a local farm market and flea market combination. It has indoor and outdoor shopping. It boasts seven large buildings with some one hundred vendors showing their crafts and wares.
  • Amish quilt shops: There are many quilting shops throughout Lancaster. No trip to Lancaster would be complete without shopping for a quilt. Make sure you have plenty of money or a credit card. These beautiful handmade quilts can be quite expensive.
  • Amish restaurants are the place you will want to eat at in Lancaster. The Amish are famous for their home cooking. Two well know restaurants are “Bird in Hand Restaurant and Smorgasbord” and “Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
An Amish family traveling by horse and buggy

Entertainment in Lancaster Pa

  • Sight and Sound Theater: This theater is for young and old. It does plays based on Bible stories using live animals. I have seen Joseph, David, and Samson at this theater and enjoyed every one of them. Currently the story of Noah is playing.
  • Dutch Apple Dinner Theater offers a great dinner and a musical. It also has a children’s theater for the little ones.
  • Dutch Wonderland is a smaller version of Disney Land. It features over thirty rides and a show. Duke’s Lagoon is a small water pad to keep the kids cool on a hot summer afternoon. There’s also fifteen acres of campgrounds for family camping.

These are two cities in Pennsylvania which offer a lot to families. They offer history lessons for the children as well as a fun time. Warm weather and summer vacations are just around the corner. You might want to consider visiting the great state of Pennsylvania and having the time of your life.