What should the catchy title for this “incident report” be? PLEASE feel free to add your title suggestion in the comments section at the bottom of this post. My mind is still in adrenaline rush, thoughts rushing, scare mode. Note that I didn’t call this a “story.”...

(4/4/2026) - Tidsoptimist (Swedish for "time optimist") is a person who is habitually late because they genuinely believe they have more time available than they actually do. They tend to underestimate how long tasks take, not due to laziness, but due to a cognitive...

This story below circulates on Facebook periodically. The author is unknown so propercredit cannot be given. I am saving it now on my website, so I don’t have to search for itwhen I need future comfort. I resonate with this story because cooking is not my forte. I...

Random Sylleeness 04/03/26”If this doesn’t make you laugh or at least SMH”  Thank You Dave D.Random Sylleeness 04/03/26”Do you remember this childhood game? Identify the item that doesn’t belong in this picture”Random Sylleeness 03/26/26Thank you for sharing Dana R. ...

One of my Crystal Lake Naples, Florida neighbors gave me some cash and asked me to pick up some things for our community food drive.  I had this fun 2026 St. Patrick’s Day experience at Aldi’s consisting of getting and giving some help.  A gentleman, I’ll call him Mr....

Pronounced:  LAW-guh-file meaning love of words. Welcome to my world of words.  My love of words has been mostly deprived since 2016 when my daughter Bridgette “crashed.”  She had some medical issues (truly medical) and chose to disengage with all (and I mean all)...

I don’t know what your impression of me is. It doesn’t matter (not intended rudely). I think of myself as a reasonable, practical, logical, and a thoughtful personality. I do seek answers. I need information. I need to understand. Things need to make sense to me. I...

OK Twin Cities locals.  Here's a laugh at my expense.  I've been on the hunt for a LARGE turkey. Turkeys as large as I wanted are hard to find. I spent lots of the time calling Many grocery stores and meat markets asking what they had, what they were expecting, or...

10-5-25: Traveling usually provides us some amusements (not always funny, not always fun, notalways easy, sometimes hilarious).We overshot the entrance to our first campground outside Menomonie, WI in a very rural area.Not that we were driving fast. Not that it was...

It was looking like a rained-out University of Wisconsin River Falls Women’s Soccer Game at St. Kate’s college in St. Paul, MN. on September 6, 2025.  The weather reports were “iffy”, but we all know that weather people are wrong more than they are correct, or so it...

This is a story with oodles of “God Winks.”    A Google definition of God Wink is:  “An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when perceived as the answer to a...

This leaving on our Colorado trip has NOT gone well!  We knew we could get a later start because we planned a shorter day.  We didn't plan on the slide getting persnickety again.  Did I say persnickety?  I meant STUBBORN.  It refuses to work.  Period!  We had it...

May 31, 2024 is another historical date in our family.  Leah graduated from St. Michael Albertville High School.  She will start the beginning of her young adult life attending University of Wisconsin at River Falls, Wisconsin playing on their soccer team. We are so...

The CLRVR Community Church is currently lead by lay Pastor Larry Lee and Praise Music Band Leader Bettyanne Holland with support from many others.  This year’s memorial service organized by Jo Lee was held on March 10, 2024.  The Praise Band and Choir provided music. ...

Let the pictures speak for themselves.  It was a beautiful, well attended Easter service at 9:30 a.m. in the Crystal Lake Main Club House on March 31, 2024.  Click on any picture for an expanded view.  Captions to pictures pending. All Crystal Lake Residents are...

What would a trip in our RV be without a story?  It seems like that’s when I’m most prolific.  Love driving down the highway and tapping away on my Lenovo.  Look up and around.  Think.  What do I want to remember?  What might make me chuckle when I re-read later? ...

2023 was the “inaugural” (of recent years) St. Matthews House (SMH) Food Drive at Crystal Lake RV Resort.  I wrote about some of its challenges in the following link.  /clrvr-food-drive-the-rest-of-the-story/ 2024 had its own challenges...

After an accumulation of practices, this happened on 3/24/24.  The Crystal Lake Resort Group Therapy Band was able to perform a season ending concert under the Tikki Hut at the Main Club House.  Writing this story is also my attempt to post something in a timelier...

Now that it’s over and the unspoken “trauma” has resolved, I will tell the “true story” about Thanksgiving 2023 dinner rolls. Mary (you know who you are), this story is dedicated for your amusement because thankfully you always encourage me.Here goes.  My youngest...

Add “and write, eat good food, and maybe drink a little wine” to this cartoon.  It seems I’m often inspired to write while traveling.  Life gets a little more interesting sometimes. Precarious? Adventurous? November 2023 Florida Travel Trip Chapter #1: Here we go on...

Occasionally, I encourage a “guest” to contribute something creative to the “Stories” section of my website.  Here is something Greg S wrote earlier this year that I thought smacked of some mental creativity.  Greg and his and wife Trudy gave me permission to repost. ...

The touching article below was shared (thank you Dick W) in the community where Scott and I spent our 2022-2023 winter season.  Like other things I post, it might not interest all; but I want to save it and share it. The author, Mark Gintert (a resident in our Florida...

Scott and I attended the Collier-Lee County Honor Flight Mission #23 at Fort Meyers Airport in Florida for the first time on April 29, 2023.  An Honor Flight mission is to transport Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service...

July 2023 Crystal Lake RV Resort Food Drive Update:  Here a link to the St. Matthew’s House Food Assistance Newsletter I just received.  Scroll down towards the bottom to see the mention of the CLRVR record breaking results.St. Matthew's House Food Assistance...

2/16/22 Update: A few more Crystal Laker’s joined the February 16, 2023, St. Matthews Food Distribution event.  It’s a privilege to participate in providing groceries to help those needing some food assistance .  Click on the pictures below for an expanded view and...

July 2023 Update: You might recall this story I posted winter 2023.  It was it titled “Was It Worthwhile?”  The answer is yes, it was SO Worthwhile and such a great memory now! Our Holly graduated with honors from St. Michael Albertville High School.  She continues to...

Last year I posted an all-time favorite Christmas letter from a friend’s 11-year-old daughter (Sidney)./christmas-2021-lingers-in-february-2022/I recommend a refresher by re-reading Sidney’s letter from X-mas 2021. Additional...

From Pickling Season to Holiday Seasons! Where have the spring, summer, and fall season gone?!  How do the seasons just evaporate? I find myself constantly with so many things I want to accomplish and too little time to get them all done. I know you've been waiting...

On July 19, 2022, the Champlin Meadows Book Club gathered at the “Lee” house for neighborhood news, to discuss the Book “The Cousins,” and dessert. Susan opened the meeting with a silent moment in memory of Tish, and a few other announcements. She also arranged to...

For the best effect, I recommend reading this story and seeing the pictures on your computer.  It was a dreadful event that ranks high on our “It’s Always Something” when you own an RV measurement scale.  A period of recovery and humility was required to courageously...

A Jarring Event Meliorated Updated November 30, 2023 Meliorated?  That's another good word.  It's meliorated at least for me.  Another memory of pickle activity documented. 2023 Breaking News (not jars)   **More “jarring” events occurred July through November 2023. ...

“It’s always something!”   That’s right.  Say it again, except this time with a big Gasp.  “It’s always something!  GASP!  Montana Trip Chapter #2: I am happy to report that our RV slide behaved appropriately, and we were able to continue our trip.   No slide issues. ...

That’s right.  Say it again.  “It’s always something!” That’s the mantra I suggested Scott learn, memorize, adopt, and manage when we considered the purchase of our first motorhome in 2011. Why, oh why, did I introduce him to something he would love?  Seemed like the...

Attention Readers:  If you like mysteries, you might like this real-life story. In preparation for a trip Scott and I were planning to Ireland in May 2001, I began tracing my Irish family roots, especially on my dad’s (Daniel Kenny) side.  We were going to look up...

More Lives SavedOn April 28, 2022, Scott and I coordinated a 2nd (first ever) blood drive in our Florida community. Thanks to the community members, community volunteers with cookies, refreshments, and NCH staff who supported the effort to save more lives.  We...

This is a good one; but where and how can I start this story?  How can I write to explain this experience so people will understand?  Here goes…. When the Covid-19 Virus slammed into our lives in 2020, we all quickly went into survival mode.  The Traveling Diary was...

Christmas 2020 was SO different and memorable for most of us.  While we hope we don’t have to repeat 2020, it was unique!  For comparison purposes, here’s the link and pictures about our Parking Lot Family Christmas 2020....

Here is probably my favorite Christmas letter ever.  The back story is that Sidney, the little 11-year-old author of this letter got in some trouble at home with her parents and lost her electronic device(s) privileges.  She was told she could have her devices back if...

Some of you may have seen my post on Facebook; but I wanted to include our Christmas 2021 Day Story on the Syllee Creations website for others who are not Facebook participants and to document our “creative” Christmas Day service activity.  This was our creative way...

 Shhhhhh!  Do NOT tell my kids.  I’m pretty sure they would totally believe this story, though.  I just don’t want them to know.  But, it’s too good to keep a complete secret.  So, lucky for me, I like to document these amusing events.  I like to laugh at myself.  And...

“According to songwriters Eddie Pola and George Wyle, "It's the most wonderful time of the year."  However, despite all the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer, all that marshmallow roasting, party hosting, and caroling out in the snow, the...

Thanksgiving Blessings contributed by Syllee Creations Friend Kevin Burke Thoughts While Cleaning Up After Thanksgiving….. Thank you, Dear Lord, For balloons on the ceiling and giggles, and laughing and children and squealing And a floor strewn with toys, and Legos...

THIS, along with some of my “sylleeness,” are great uplifting spirit tips.  I cannot give proper credit as it was copied from a friend,  who copied from a friend,  who copied from a friend’s FB page, and pasted it on a neighborhood Nextdoor posting. The tips are:...

We are not your typical art gallery enthusiasts; but it seemed like a nice way to wrap up Labor Day weekend as a signal of summer ending and the beginning of fall activities.  While Van Gogh pictures are not silly or funny,  they are certainly creative, and I...

A Rollercoaster Ride   This story is more somber and not so much “injected” with a little humor as I usually try to include. My journey started a year ago, along with almost everyone else on this planet.  The Covid-19 virus exploded as we were embarking on our...

What a different experience from previous years, one we’ll not forget!  It was unique and delightful in its own way.  I came home with a BIG smile.  Scott and I appreciated that everyone enjoyed the Xmas Lights at Valley Fair and our gift exchange afterward where we...

The Resort Park where we stay at Naples is quiet, attractive, beautifully landscaped  and has lots of fun activities.  This time of year things are starting to stir a bit as the owners and renters return for the upcoming snowbird season.  We left our Naples Resort a...

Today's amusement (??) goes like this....I was using a public restroom and chose the sink that looked like it was dry and unsed to set my purse in.  I took out my lipstick and was applying it while looking in the mirror.  When I looked down my purse was filling up...

Here are the before and after pictures of new stairs at soon to be rental property #4108. The comparison is self-evident.  These stairs are the explanation for Scott's wrist injury.  Things like this turn into more of a project than one anticipates; especially with...

Scott's wrist/hand pain has been difficult.  Fortunately, he is unaccustomed to pain and it's causing major sleep and mood disturbance (read between the lines=cranky).  He's been willing to let me drive more mostly so he can catch some naps (due to his previous...

Wouldn’t you know it?!  Right when we’re getting ready for a major trip, the hot water heater starts to leak.  This saga started to play out the end of last week and obviously was not good timing.  Nor was a new hot water heater in the travel budget….it never is. We...

I swear there are gremlins in my computer.  Yesterday I wrote one of my “travel stories” for your reading pleasure.  You all know it’s entirely for my own pleasure.  Keeps me busy as we drive.  I hadn’t noticed that my battery was low and poof, it went dark…..followed...

Energy high and doing amazingly well on Day 2 of Washington, D.C.   Another blessed warm, sunny day.  How fortunate  are we?!  Here we go. Bus from campground to the first “M” station, a couple changes to different subway lines and here we are.  Today we’ll take the...

Reminder:  I write for my own documentation and entertainment.  If my readers enjoy, that’s a bonus.  Thanks for some of your words of encouragement. Where do the days go?  We’re singing Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.”  And so the stories begin again as my...

Warning:  To those “newbies” added to my mail list, you might be the subject or character in one of my future stories.  Just sayin…….you’ve been warned. It’s that time again.  Time to catch up on our activities and observations for the last few days.  Time for heads...

Now this is funny.  I re-read my story from yesterday.  Some missing and misspelled or incorrect words.  Dang spell check doesn’t catch missing words.  And you all know how it can auto spell a different word than was intended. Today’s disclaimer,  so to speak, is: ...

I’ve been derelict about writing my “amusing” stories.  Let me remind you, I define “amusing.”  My writing is mostly for my amusement and for a few others that seem to be easily amused, too. My usual disclaimers apply.  Do not continue reading if you don’t appreciate...

Just a short heads up:  I’m so excited!  I’ve developed a small pimple on my right temple.  Is this a sign I’ve discovered the secret to reversing the aging process?   A little more research needed. I rescued my sweet husband from himself!  We were at the grocery...

I’m dispensing with most of my usual disclaimers.  You might be happy to know this story does not involve my sweet hubby or any of his AKA’s…..he’s such a good sport.  It’s hard to exclude him when he usually provides me such good material.  Not to worry, I’m sure...

Special Disclaimer for Mr. Scott J Lee:  I’ve already warned the hubby that he is subject to be a character in any of my stories.   He might want to be careful so he doesn’t inadvertently provide me too much material.  Sometimes it doesn’t take much. As most of you...

For those who care, read on.  For those don’t, hit the “Delete” e-mail button on your computer or phones Now.  Makes no difference to me.  I can still amuse myself with the stories I write whether you choose to read or not.  By special request, I’m including a few new...

Our day trip to Glacier National Park is somewhat dampened by clouds and periodic sprinkles. Not to fret.  We're prepared with long pants, rain jackets, and a small soft sided cooler "survival kit."  This is a long day, so you might not want to continue reading.  Fair...

We need to get Kayla back home sooner than we had anticipated.  What can we squeeze in to see Havre and Glacier National Park with Kayla before we head back?  We'll condense our plans and off we go. Havre Montana is our next overnight stop.  We stopped in Chinook, MT...

Our next stop was Glasgow, Montana where I grew up from birth to age 18.  I was the youngest of 4 daughters born to Miriam Phelan Kenny (a teacher) and Daniel Patrick Kenny a rancher and railroad man. I was 4 years old when my oldest sister graduated from high school...

Sunday morning breakfast was the last meal and the last time we will ever see these soldiers. They were mostly young, a few middle aged (hard to tell when they all look a lot a like), and mostly men with a few women sprinkled in.  All of them were extremely polite and...

About a month ago Scott's nephew's wife, Shannon, who owns Lush Lola, a catering business, put out a "May Day" call for help.  Her business is growing by leaps and bounds resulting in two weddings and a North Dakota Army National Guard contract to provide weekender...

We're off....No, not mentally off.....Off on our next adventure with our 18-year-old granddaughter, Kayla.  Hoping this will be a great time with lots of great memories for all of us!  And as Dr Suess said, Oh the Places We Will Go.  And I add, the People We Will...

Another Day Another Dollar--Spent that is.  It’s a little long; but stick with me, the surprise endings are worth it, at least to me.  Remember, it’s my story, so it might not be of any interest to you and it’s okay to jump ship at any point.  I won’t know or care. We...

I wanted a new garage fridge.  A used one would do and I found one without water or ice in the door which allowed more storage space.  Someone should have taken pictures.  Scott and 2 little Chinese ladies moving the big hunker out of their house, down the front...

There was lots of racket and squawking early this morning on our deck.  I quietly peeked out from our kitchen area to see what the heck was going on.  There "it" was.....an adult Goose tip toeing across the deck railing as if it were a tight rope. ME IN A...