I’ve been thinking about making some changes in the new year.

I love hitting the road and roaming across our great country. But long-distance travel isn’t my thing anymore. So, this year, I’ve decided to embrace shorter trips.

There’s something special about exploring closer to home.

Take old, covered bridges, for example. Beautiful and full of character. And y’know what? There are a bunch of ‘em up around Terre Haute.  

This year, I will take my time winding through the backroads of southern Illinois, including an excursion up Route One. Remember those old country cafés? The highways used to be lined with them back in the day, but sadly, that seems to be a bygone era.

So, this year, I will research and make a list of those little cafés, and you can bet I’ll be stopping in whenever I can. You should, too. These little diners have real personality. You can sit and feel the history in the tables, chairs, and walls.

Southern Illinois has so much to offer, and I’m excited to explore more of it. Of course, we’ll also cross a couple of state lines into Missouri, Kentucky, and even Arkansas. But I doubt we’ll be going any further.

So, I won’t be seeing the leaves change in the northeast as I have long hoped. But that’s okay. Because the leaves in Arkansas are just as pretty.

The most beautiful part of exploring 2025 will be spending more time with Patricia... right here in our own backyard.

What are you looking forward to doing this year? I’d love to hear.

Be well. Stay well.  Thanks for readin'.

Francis Pass

P.S. It’s believed the ancient Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions. I guess that desire to start fresh and make new promises for the year ahead is kinda timeless, don't ya think?