I missed the short window
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself wondering where the autumn season went. I feel like I missed the entire month of October! In thinking about what I did with my time, I realize that I neglected a few chores around the house that I wanted to complete. I was so excited when […]
Are we doing our jobs as grandparents?
Can we talk for a moment about something it seems like no one wants to talk about, but as a grandparent, I think we need to? Last week, I read a news story out of Orange County, Va., which happens to be the county next to where some of my grandchildren live. The story was […]
Sour Grapes
The photo you see above is, indeed, a real photo, not created or enhanced in any way. It’s also straight from my refrigerator. It’s a container of grapes I purchased not so long ago, but apparently longer ago than I thought, because I reached in to fill a snack baggie and discovered this situation. I […]
Think I’ll start a band
I just got home from the grocery store. Yes, I still shop in-person—for a variety of reasons, ranging from I’m really not organized enough to order my groceries in advance, to I don’t like the thought of someone handling my food and putting it in their vehicle. As I drove away from the parking lot, […]
When I Retire …
Although I no longer work full-time, I don’t consider myself “retired” and I’m not certain I would ever want to truly “retire”. I just can’t imagine not having anything to do (as in anything I HAVE to do). Oh, I know most retirees are busier than they were when they worked, or so I’ve been […]
Grocery Profiling and TV Dinners
I am not ashamed to admit I still grocery shop in the traditional way at a local store. Most of the time, I find myself waiting in the ONE line that is open for those of us who do not wish to check ourselves out. Sometimes it’s at least a 10-minute wait until it is […]
It Starts With Prayer, but Ends with A Start
I’m not one to post religious video clips or quote scripture, because I prefer a more quiet faith walk. But I do pray every day for my family, especially my kids, grandkids and niece. It’s a scary world out there and I believe in the power of prayer. Despite my strong faith, bad things do […]
Paging Dr. Barbie. Emergency!
Barbie—and so, so many of her friends—have suddenly come to live at my house. It all happened so innocently. I was cleaning out my basement with the granddaughter in tow. As we sorted through boxes, she discovered a plastic bin containing three Barbie dolls and some accessories that had belonged to my niece. I never […]
Goodbye, First
In my downtime, I enjoy nothing more than sitting on my back porch listening to the sounds of nature (and the occasional lawnmower) and reading a magazine. Yes, a magazine. I love periodicals and always have since I fell in love with Teen Beat, Tiger Beat and Soap Opera Digest in the 1970s. My first […]
Let’s talk ticks
Summer is here! A time for sun and fun and … the time when the big box retailers start putting Halloween items on their shelves for reasons I just don’t understand. But what frightens me more than the large creepy inflatable characters haunting the store aisles is it’s also tick season, and these tiny little […]
