Breakfast for a group of growing boys I love preparing special little gifts, special occasions, everyday events, and surprises for the people in my life. I recently put together fun packages for my college kids and their companions. I felt so much joy baking the goodies, wrapping other little wintry whatnots, and writing a personal note to each of … Read More
Constant Comment, Remedy for the Common Cold
I thought I might have dodged the winter bug bullet. But, alas, I came down with a cold earlier this week. Let me just say there is nothing like a piping hot mug of Constant Comment tea to help cure what ails ya. The unique blend of orange and spice seems to replenish what the common cold saps … Read More
Homework Humor
“Ha! That’s part of the paper I used for my project,” Big Guy said as we sat watching television.“That’d be a new one, wouldn’t it?” he continued, “The cat ate my homework.” As if she knew what he was saying, she put on a little show. The proof is in the paper! What about you? What … Read More
Road Trip Amusement
On one of my recent trips I crested this hillside and was transported back to one of our family vacations. We were heading home from a trip to North Carolina, years before GPS became a household name. After realizing we’d somehow taken a wrong turn, Warren consulted the giant Rand McNally we kept in our car. There he … Read More
Out of Chaos and Into the Kitchen
Kitchen. Cooking. Baking. Heaven. This snowman cookie jar, a Christmas gift from the new mother who babysat my children fifteen years ago, has sat empty on my counter. I’ve been yearning to have a day to myself, one I could spend in the kitchen preparing whatever recipes moved me. I spent yesterday morning baking bread and cookies. One of the … Read More
Fun Wintry Frosting
I love the beauty of a fresh snowfall, especially the kind that stays on the ground for a while, the kind where you can still see white after the soot and salt trucks have turned the roads an icky gray. This week has produced several squalls and significant accumulation. On vacation, I have watched the magnificence unfold from my warm … Read More
Christmas Cheer
Four-o’clock Friday hit and I felt oh-so delightful!! I have a two week, much needed break from work! And yesterday I checked my lists (checked them twice!) and marked off many of the tasks I’ve been so far behind on. Like Professor Hinkle—you know, the mad magician in Frosty the Snowman—I am Happy. Happy! Happy!! Remember my cluttered desk? Finis! … Read More
Happiness is Granular
A local café carries these freshly-baked granola bars. They are TO. DIE. FOR. Fresh grains, sunflower seeds and other assorted nuts, moist cranberries… Some thirty minutes from my house, I’m not able to visit often, but when I do I nearly salivate over this healthy treat. Warren just happened to be doing some work for the owners, earlier this week. … Read More
Finding a Little Luck in Life
A few weeks ago I was cleaning my dog’s poop from my backyard and discovered this four-leaf clover. And then another… Mixed with life’s crap, there’s always some stroke of good fortune, if your eyes are open to its existence within your path…And, oh, what a lucky girl I am that the talented, energetic, and charismatic Chiara from over at The Indie … Read More
Great Balls of Fun!
Happy happens in the pharmacy I was rushing through the drugstore when this tower caught my eye. I had an image of children tossing and catching these giant bouncy balls on a beach. And a smile crossed my face. In my usual rush, I hurried past and on out to the car, where I paused. Those balls gave me a moment of … Read More