For sixteen and a half years he was my constant companion. He slept at my feet, went to work with me, went everywhere with me, but early in July, old age finally caught up with Mr. Magoo, the pug. Although I’m sad as I write this column, I want to concentrate on the happiness he spread. Throughout his life Mr.... READ MORE >
As I checked out my garden several days ago, I noted that both raised beds had successes and failures. The first carrot planting had been a failure, but a second planting was working. The wax beans were flourishing and looked great. Cucumbers also thrived, but the zucchini looked weak. Thank goodness for the lettuce, I told myself and made my... READ MORE >
The woman was close to my age, and she was flitting around the RV park barefoot. I watched from my trailer window, jealousy filling my heart. I love going barefoot, but somewhere along life’s way I had lost the ability. This love is hard to describe, but bare footers everywhere will understand. There is a feeling of freedom that comes... READ MORE >
Picking lilacs is one of my favorite summer activities, and I did that today. Planting flower seeds is another, and I did that last week. Setting up an iPad mini is not one of my favorite chores. However, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past four months. Mid-February, to be exact, I received a gift that has kept me... READ MORE >
My new best friend, the raven, woke me at five o’clock this morning with several well-known raven “croaks.” My eyes popped open at the sound which was directly over my house. It echoed through the early morning stillness. The raven was letting me know it wanted one of my treats— but I had no intention of running to the deck... READ MORE >
A reddish-brown streak flashes across the deck railing and stops to stare expectantly at my kitchen door. I grab a handful of peanuts and open the door a crack. The reddish-brown streak jumps from the rail, making a dash for the door. I slam it shut and wait until the red squirrel scampers off, then set out a handful of... READ MORE >
No, I’m not referring to my husband; I’m talking about Mr. Magoo, my 16-year-old pug. He’s a pretty decent traveler. The first part of our latest trip is a good example. He didn’t lift his leg in the hotel hallways, didn’t bark and explore the room, but stayed in his own bed without much coercion. Feeding time wasn’t a problem.... READ MORE >
If you are an introvert, don’t go to an RV park. Find a hut in the Himalayas or a cabin in Maine, but don’t plop yourself in the middle of a crowd of friendly, snoopy people. I know what I’m talking about. I’m one of those nosey old ladies who peeks through the window shades to see what her RV... READ MORE >
Dick and I were relaxing in our lawn chairs, watching the sunset over the White River, well into the first week of our spring sojourn in the Ozarks. Trees were budding, and the grass was green. Sitting outside felt wonderful after a long cold Minnesota winter. “Look! “Dick pointed. I looked at the sky, thinking to see some heavenly occurrence,... READ MORE >
We hadn’t planned on an excursion that morning, but when we finished our errands, my husband asked if I wanted to go to the Point and see if Lake Superior was producing any big waves. A very brisk wind was blowing which meant some good-size waves were possible. As we pulled into the parking area, I noticed that Lake Superior... READ MORE >
