What have I done? This was my thought as the gloved hands of a Transportation Security Agent traveled up one side of my body and down the other. She was giving me “The Pat-Down.” After a nice visit with my daughter and her family, I was flying home through St. Louis’s Lambert Field. Going through the security check, I followed... READ MORE >
Some days, the little irritants of life threaten to take over. A glass of water spills all over a kitchen counter. A brisk wind slams a door on my thumb and, with a painful blast, blackens the nail. On days like these, I try to ward off bad moods by telling myself that “lots of people are having real troubles,... READ MORE >
The first time I did it was in the eye doctor’s office. As I sat quietly like a good patient, waiting to hear my name called, I idly leafed through a magazine. The magazine was filled with typical ladies’ articles… losing belly fat…keeping marriages fresh…recipes, recipes… and more recipes. And then, there it was— the perfect meatloaf recipe. It looked... READ MORE >
In September 1969, Dick and I began our year in the wilderness on the edge of the BWCWA in the Superior National Forest. Our small cabin had neither road access nor amenities. This is a reprint of one of many stories about our lives during that special year. I’ve received some memorable valentines in my life—a card from a fourth... READ MORE >
Mr. Magoo circles at the end of his leash as round and round we go. The bright sunny winter morning is frigid with a temperature of 20 below. My little pug searches for the perfect spot at which to lift his leg. I realize that in this cold temperature, he must hurry to do his business before he becomes too... READ MORE >
Recently I stumbled across a treasure of journal writing when I discovered 12 of my Aunt Jessie’s daily journals written a half century ago. She documents her life as one of two elderly ladies—sisters—living through tough economic times. The two women lived in a small southeastern South Dakota town with no visible means of support other than Social Security checks,... READ MORE >
In September 1969, Dick and I began our year in the wilderness on the edge of the BWCWA in the Superior National Forest. Our small cabin had neither road access nor amenities. This is a reprint of one of many stories about our lives during that special year. I peered at the thermometer— 25 below! Returning to the warmth of... READ MORE >
Some people sing loudly in the privacy of the shower. Others croon without inhibition alone in their cars. I belt out music in the solitude of my living room with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as they perform their annual television Christmas Concert. I sang in my high school choir. With great gusto, but never a lead singer, I sang heartily... READ MORE >
As I pulled my car into the Country Inn and Suites parking lot, the predicted heavy snow began falling in earnest. Thank goodness, I’d reached my destination. My daughter, Betsy, and granddaughter, Natalie, were flying in from St. Louis to Minneapolis to join me for a “girls’ weekend.” My daughter and I have done this before; spent a “Mall of... READ MORE >
Recently I discovered my Aunt Jessie’s daily journals written a half century ago. She documents her life as one of two elderly sisters living through tough economic times. The two women lived in a small southeastern South Dakota town with no visible means of support other than Social Security checks, small amounts of crop money provided by a family farm... READ MORE >
