Does authority always win? A friend asked me to think about this and give my opinion on the matter. I just couldn’t get my head around the concept until I was put under the scrutiny of authority on a recent road trip. My son Jack, my parents and I decided to take a road trip to Las Vegas. Yes, that... READ MORE >
How many of you remember the Christmas gift you received in third grade? I do. My parents would make a point of getting my brother Gary and me one special gift for Christmas each year. In 1973 my gift was a beautiful bone china tea set. It has little pink flowers and five cups and saucers. I clearly remember the... READ MORE >
I have worked hard to come up with 18 resolutions for 2018. These are new and fresh. You will not see the traditional “lose 20 pounds in January” resolution because waking up to –19 will kill that resolution in a hurry! For that, we need soup and hot toddies just to survive! I have also included my resolution breakers; these... READ MORE >
I just finished reading the book called Wonder for the second time. I wanted to read it again before seeing the movie adaptation. I liked it more this time. The style of writing is from several character points of view. This is awesome! Just when you start to take a side you hear more information from someone else. The takeaway... READ MORE >
In my family, everyone believes in Santa. We have “Santa Bags” delivered on Christmas Eve for each of us to open Christmas morning. These “Santa Bags” are like pillowcases tied at the top. Everyone has their name on the bag, and it contains special gifts just for that person. It’s a tradition that carries the secret of Santa through our... READ MORE >
Most of us will be gathering together to celebrate fall. I decided to compile a list of all that I am thankful for in 2017, both big and small. It’s a wonderful season to be thankful. 1. My parents—because no matter how old I am, they can still solve any problem. 2. Fireplaces. 3. The local farmer’s market. 4. The... READ MORE >
I think that the first and most significant parenting decision you will ever make will be the naming of your baby. There is so much pressure to pick the perfect name because this will follow the child through life each and every day. The name my mom originally chose for my older brother was Edwinna Rae. I often wonder what... READ MORE >
Fall brings out certain instincts in me, prepping for winter. I like to clean, rearrange furniture, put down cozy carpets and bring out the comfy blankets…kind of a hibernation preparation. It probably comes from a childhood of my mom canning garden produce and my dad cutting and stacking cords and cords of firewood during October and November. There was a... READ MORE >
This week I will be 54 years old. I am not afraid or embarrassed by my age because I happen to have an amazing diva (Ann) coloring my hair, so I hope to always have that 40-45 glow. If you think about it, unless I live to be 108 I have now passed my 50 percent expiration date. Considering all... READ MORE >
Last week I was asked to speak about my “writing technique” at the Annandale Improvement Club. Previously I have spoken at the Lutsen Garden Club, Schroeder Heritage Center, Kiwanis Club and the Christian Woman’s Club. I enjoy these engagements because it gives me a chance to tell the story of the column. Being that this fall marks my 11th year... READ MORE >
