Before I step out the front door, my feet automatically slip into my Icebugs. What are Icebugs? They are studded winter boots. I’m a total fan, but I learned about them the hard way. This March, I’m celebrating the one-year anniversary of “My Big Fall.” My big fall came during the year 2020, when many people weren’t happy. Lockdowns, masks,... READ MORE >
My wool cap is firmly positioned on my head. The super warm mittens that cover my hands are knitted from the wool of Scottish sheep. I finish zipping the collar of my below-the-knee down-filled coat and tighten a wool scarf around my neck. I’m finally ready to embark on the frigid journey from my car to my front door. A... READ MORE >
It started with a simple request. “Could you hand me the car keys?” said my husband. “No problem.” I reached across the kitchen counter to the spot where we kept the pickup keys. They weren’t there. Still no problem. “They’re in the outside zipper compartment of my purse.” But, they weren’t. I grabbed my secondary purse and gave it a... READ MORE >
I was dusting my bookcase in a rare fit of cleaning when an old cookbook caught my eye. I pulled it from the shelf for a good look. Tattered and torn, with the back cover missing, the red bow and pine cone artwork adorning its front cover hinted of former glory. The title, Our Best to You, was proudly displayed... READ MORE >
January is the perfect time to plant a garden. Snow covers the ground and my back yard has the appearance of a Christmas card, but as I look at the luscious red tomatoes on the cover of the seed catalog cover, all I can picture is a warm June day. As I turn the catalog pages, I see myself, on... READ MORE >
As I pulled my vehicle onto the South Shore Drive, a loud dinging noise split my eardrums. I’d forgotten to fasten my safety belt, which set off an alarm. The sound was annoying, and I quickly buckled myself in, happy to be done with the noise. Is there any place on this planet where one can find peace and quiet?... READ MORE >
A handful of peanuts rolled onto the counter along with several dimes and a few quarters. I had reached into my jacket pocket for change. “For my birds.” I explained to the cashier. It’s true. I never go anywhere without peanuts in my pockets. Neither does my husband. This year of 2020 has been stressful in many ways, but one... READ MORE >
Thanksgiving Day, 2020, I spent most of the morning prepping and roasting a turkey. I used my mother’s technique: cover the breast and legs with cheesecloth, rub butter everywhere, then pour the juice of one orange in the turkey cavity and bake at 400F for half an hour. Turn down the heat and roast until the meat almost falls off... READ MORE >
The holiday season is upon us; the season to eat, drink and be merry, which brings me to the topic of food and that leads me to the topic of favorite family dishes. The traditional Christmas dinner at my mother’s house was chili. As a child, it didn’t seem strange, but as I got older, I questioned Mom.” Everyone else... READ MORE >
The sun shines and the snow glistens in my backyard. Whoa! Did I say snow? It was only October when I wrote those words, and yes, I’m afraid it was snow. A week later, the snow covering my garden and lawn shows no sign of leaving. The only hope for a reprieve is a possible warm-up in November. However, the... READ MORE >
