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My friend Molly: An Expert on Family and Travel

July 19, 2021

My friend Molly loves her family, traveling, and all that goes into both.

If you follow my blog, you met Molly early on. She planned a day of touring our hometown that turned into so much fun! She’s a pro at putting a trip together–and usually it’s not just around town. She’s been to Europe ten times. But more on that later.

First, her top priority: family.

Family First

Molly and her husband Lars’ story together began on a Saturday night…cruising the D.Q., a tradition for Paducah teens. (In fact, I’d love to know how many Paducah area residents met their spouses doing exactly that!)  After five years of dating, they married.

Forty-two years, one accounting firm, three children, and nine grandchildren (with one on the way!) later, they haven’t slowed down much.

Molly has the entire family, including her mother and Lars’ parents, over for dinner every Sunday evening. Recently she redid her house and swapped the living area for the dining room. They love their dinners together and Molly wanted them to all be able to gather in one place. She even changed the dining room chairs to padded chairs to allow for more comfort as the family lingered over conversations after meals.

It’s a family tradition she treasures.

Cooking for a Crowd

Molly’s become an expert on feeding her clan. While they have the occasional pizza night, she does enjoy cooking for everyone.

Some of her favorites include

And, everyone loves her chili!

Her favorite desserts for a crowd include:

  • Brownie Pudding
  • Bread Pudding with Bourbon sauce
  • Super Strawberry Trifle

(I’ve included links to some of the recipes, but stay tuned to the blog to get her famous Red Beans and Rice and brownie pudding!)

World Travelers

When Molly isn’t at home feeding her crew, you’re likely to find her on an excursion to parts unknown. She’s been to Europe ten times and has traveled extensively in the States. And though she has loved every overseas trip, she says galavanting around the United States is the best!

Here are some of her all-time favorite adventures:

  • The five National Parks in Utah…the highlight was Hiking the Narrows, a six-mile hike in the Virgin River
  • An exploration of southern Indiana, complete with the discovery of an old grist mill and a few covered bridges
  • Galapagos,  cruise
  • Mediterranean, cruise
  • Italy Road Trip
  • France Road Trip
  • England Road Trip
  • Porsche Tour of five countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
  • Alaska, cruise

They prefer traveling on backroads, happening on charming small towns and quaint diners. That’s why they’d like to drive all 120 spectacular drive itineraries mapped out in The Most Scenic Drives in America’s list.

Molly’s zest for life is far from quenched. She still wants to volunteer more now that she is “mostly” retired, go on mission trips, watch all grandchildren’s  activities, and continue to travel with Lars. Oh, and find more recipes that will feed a crowd!

Have any go-to recipes she’d like? Help her out in the comments!

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