It has been almost two years since my brother died and I wrote about him in a column….Remembering a Brother Lost. Many people commented that reading that column caused them to reach out to long lost relatives and friends and tell them that they cared. I feel lucky to have made a difference and I hope these renewed relationships have... READ MORE >
Before Costco and Sam’s Club my family was bulk shopping when bulk shopping wasn’t cool. It was in the late ’60s and we’d make a trip to the Frontier Market in West Duluth once a month. We didn’t get a shopping cart, we’d get a huge flat bed cart! My brother Gary and I could ride on the cart until... READ MORE >
Whoever described Mother Nature as a sweet dancing lady in the forest with flowers in her hair was a fool. I am here to tell you she has a cold temper and an icy heart. It is my firm belief she has decided to lock me in my house with my children and a shortage of propane just to make... READ MORE >
Havamalt, Cojack, Bascottie….These are not fine cheeses or fine wines, they are puppies. I recently traveled to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico where it seemed everyone had a dog of some kind. I met a Snorkie and a Domeranian. In my day these were all affectionately called mutts, now they are called hybrid dogs and they are big bucks! When... READ MORE >
“Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” is not only a scary thought, it is true. I think I had to be about 30 before I understood the real meaning behind one of my Grandma’s favorite expressions. She would say it every time I tried to throw away something of value. Her idea of what held value and... READ MORE >
As this column will be coming out shortly after Christmas, I thought a Night Before Christmas would be the perfect theme. I found this “sugary” tribute to be quite fitting considering all the delicious and tempting sweets that surround us during the holiday season. ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips Were Fannie May candies that sneaked... READ MORE >
Planning for a party can be fun but it can also cause a lot of stress. Guest lists, invitations, venues, decorations, drink, entertainment…. the lists never end. If you are a detail person, every decision is a struggle. You are so busy and tired by the time the celebration begins that you hardly relax and enjoy the fruits of your... READ MORE >
It is now fashionable to put sea salt on everything from dark candy chocolate bars to salted caramel apple cupcakes. But I have loved salty sweet treats for as long as I can remember. It started with salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate…. Yes, bring on the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! Bring on the salted nut rolls and the candy... READ MORE >
I like to make lists of things I could never live without. I have a list of really big things like books and music and a really soft bed, soap and (let’s be honest) toilet paper. But there are small things like Q-tips, salt, sugar and toothpaste that are on the list too. Most of these “necessities” came to light... READ MORE >
I recently went to the movies with my son Jack. He’s a big fan of scary films that make you jump in your seat and grab the person next to you, even if they are a stranger. I am easily scared. I always have been. My mom’s sisters and brother liked to watch the Twilight Zone on TV and even... READ MORE >
