Shipshewana has long been one of our favorite small towns. It’s a charming and popular tourist destination known for its rich Amish culture, unique shops, and one-of-a-kind attractions. Surrounded by peaceful Amish farms, the town offers an authentic glimpse into a simpler way of life. To us, it has a vibe similar to Branson, with live entertainment, musical performances, and shows at the Blue Gate Theatre adding to its appeal.

On May 31st, we made the 6½-hour drive to Montello, Wisconsin, to celebrate a very special occasion—our triplet granddaughters’ high school graduation. It was a heartwarming gathering filled with family and relatives, including many we hadn’t seen in years.

Later, we had the chance to connect even more meaningfully through a live YouTube stream with our son Kerry, daughter Holly, granddaughter Emma, Bill, and myself. Together, we shared our journeys and challenges with the Carnivore lifestyle—each of us offering our unique perspectives and experiences.

Divine Treats: A Sweet Journey

Since retiring, I found myself missing the joy and purpose that work brings. That’s when Divine Treats was born. I’ve always loved making Peanut Brittle, and after years of family and friends raving about it, I decided to share it with others as a small vendor in Arizona.

Last year, we visited Shipshewana, Indiana, and discovered the largest outdoor market in the Midwest, home to nearly 700 vendors. We were instantly drawn to the energy, charm, and friendly faces—and this year, we proudly joined the market ourselves!

It’s been a joy meeting so many wonderful people from all over the country, and connecting with fellow vendors has been such a blessing. I’m currently the only vendor offering a unique selection of handmade brittles: Peanut, Cashew, Peanut Coconut, and Cashew Coconut Brittle, along with a variety of cookies and candies.

What surprises many customers is that I make all these sweet treats inside our RV motorhome! Even more surprising—people often ask how I stay in shape while working with sugar all day. I always smile and explain: I love making brittle, but I don’t eat it. Since retiring, I’ve committed to a healthier lifestyle and enjoying the Carnivore way of living. Now our labs Shale and Shadow are also full Carnivore. Their behavior and personality was like when they were puppies.

Being in Shipshewana has also given me a deep appreciation for the local Amish community. One of my favorite places is E & S Bulk Foods, where you can find quality meats—cut just the way you like—and park your car or even your horse and buggy. The simplicity and kindness here are truly special.

One of the highlights of my time here was being invited into the home of a young Amish woman. I had admired the beautiful dress she had sewn herself and mentioned I was thinking about getting a sewing machine. She graciously invited me over to see hers, and I ended up purchasing a Singer sewing machine in perfect condition—still in the box with the instructions!

This journey with Divine Treats has been more than just selling candy—it’s been about community, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m so thankful for every customer who returns for more brittle, every new friendship made, and every unexpected moment that continues to sweeten this chapter of my life.

It has been years since we have been to the Wisconsin Dells. We are here for a month and the weather was gorgeous being September/October and therefore no crowds like the high summer season. This beautiful October day we finally got our ride on the Wisconsin Ducks. The views were beautiful along the Wisconsin River which is a region of glacier-carved sandstone formations over 14,000 years old. The ducks splash into the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton, climbs over sand bars, traverses over four miles of scenic wilderness trails.

[See image gallery at rvtravelinglizbill.com]  

Rock House is unique in the Hocking Hills’ region, as it is the only true cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone.This House of Rock has a ceiling 25 feet high while the main corridor is 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide. The cavern was eroded out of the middle zone of the Blackhand sandstone. The resistant upper zone forms the roof and the lower zone forms the floor. Water leaking through a horizontal joint running parallel to the cliff face caused the hollowing of the corridor. This main joint or crack is very visible in the ceiling of the Rock House. A small series of joints run north to south at right angles to the main joint. Enlargement of this series of joints formed the window-like openings of Rock House.

Nature has hewn out of this cliff the Rock House complete with seven Gothic-arched windows and great sandstone columns which bear its massive roof. As one might imagine, Rock house was used for shelter by past visitors. Hominy holes, small recesses in the rear wall of Rock House, served as baking ovens for Native Americans using the cave. By building a fire in the small recesses, the rock became heated on all sides, and food could be bakes in this crude manner. Further evidence of past use is the presence of chiseled out troughs or holding tanks found in the stone floor. When rainfall is abundant, springs of water permeate through the porous sandstone and flow into these troughs fashioned by man and, when full, continue across the floor and out of the windows. In this way, residents were able to maintain a small water supply in Rock House. According to local folklore, other not so welcome visitors frequented Rock House. Robbers, horse thieves, murderers and even bootleggers earned Rock House its reputation as Robbers Roost.

[See image gallery at rvtravelinglizbill.com]