The times they are a’changing. Nights have been in the fifties, summer’s humidity is gone, and last week my home town even squeezed in a few rain showers. Next week our temperatures return to summer, but it’s clear the end is near. I went to a greenhouse last night for “Mums and Merlot,” a little …
I’ve been reading Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs mysteries for a dozen years, maybe longer. That’s not quite one book a year, which doesn’t make sense since I could swear I read a couple a year. But I’ll readily admit numbers aren’t my strong suite, so whatever the case, I’ve only two more titles until the …
Ask anyone in my family and they’ll tell you: there’s nothing I love better than a miniature. Doll houses, especially. The tiny plates and chairs. Little beds and pillows. Small parcels of foodstuffs. I had my vintage Little People and Pet Shop and Polly Pockets ready and waiting when grandchildren were still babes in arms. …
: to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity. Merriam-Webster The annual Grammy’s Christmas break sleepover has evolved over the past few years, but simply must include crafting, hot chocolate, the movie Elf, at least one argument over who will sleep where, more crafting, and pancakes for breakfast. (And did I mention crafting?) It …
When my friends and classmates were reading Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Bobbsey Twins in fifth grade, I turned up my nose at their lack of imagination. Pshaw! Why read about the same characters over and over? Now mind you, I often read the first book in a series–but after that, why bother? So yes, …
In Psalm 31, the psalmist praises a mother of noble character–a woman who was virtuous, strong, and selfless. This is my opportunity to rise up and call our mother blessed, to (as it says in the psalm) honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise. Mom’s life …
Last month we had one of those Midwest snow storms that closes schools, interrupts travel, and keeps many of us shoveling every few hours to keep up with the drifts. It is only my second winter living alone, and let’s just say I’ve never been more happy to have the companionship of a little fur …
In many ways it’s been a typical holiday season: decadent food, festive gatherings, cozy nights. Friend Mary and I took in our town’s new Christkindl Market and it didn’t disappoint. Although it’s only a sliver of the size of Christkindl Market on Daley Plaza in Chicago, the folksy wares, yummy food, and–of course–gluhwein were spot …
[My] house is a very, very, very fine house–with two cats in the yard–life used to be so hard. Graham Nash Here’s a trope for you: an elderly woman–alone, of course–refuses to leave her home. She resists any number of pleas that it’s “for the best” to move somewhere safe, where she can get the …
The first time I heard the story of the Little Engine That Could was on Captain Kangaroo. (How’s that for dating myself?!) Captain read that picture book often on his show, and 4-year-old me loved the illustrations as much as the story. Earlier this month, my oldest son Peter and I took a road trip …
This is my symphony 