It started innocently enough: A Hibiscus here, a Geranium there. Then came the Roses, the Lantanas, the Birds of Paradise. Don’t even get me started on succulents! My family thinks I may have a problem. Sure, I spend a lot of time talking about my plants. Or talking to my plants. Or talking to my […]
Confessions of a Plantaholic Read More »
Currently, it is day 392 of the quarantine. (I’ve decided to start expressing this quarantine in dog years because each day feels about 7X longer than a normal day.) Speaking of dogs… Charlie and Buttons are doing much better. Those two former “poopetrators” haven’t had an accident in almost a month. “Good job, Charlie! Good
My Nest Runneth Over: Part Two Read More »
Let me introduce you to Nina and Alvin. Nina, who is 74 and Alvin, who is 84 have been married for 54 years. I have known them for 53 of them. I am their daughter. Nina and Alvin are not their real names but when I told them I was going to write a few
My pregnant daughter, son-in-law, and their two dogs moved in with us recently. The first week was wonderful; no arguments, no misunderstandings, not so much as a snarky comment was uttered. Pure bliss. Of course, my husband and I were on vacation the first week. The second week was trickier. It was all 7 of
My Nest Runneth Over- Part 1 Read More »
Do you remember when the Beatles arrived in America in 1964? Me neither, but I heard it was big. This past weekend our little town got to experience something of equal magnitude. Once again, a global-wide sensation came to America. First name, Easter, last name, Bunny. (Middle name, unknown.) Yep, Easter Bunny was coming to
I used to consider myself an easygoing person. That was before my two adult daughters TEMPORARILY moved back in with us. After living on their own for many years, both had gained competence, independence, and self-reliance. Unfortunately, what they did not gain was the ability to perform basic kitchen tasks. Don’t get me wrong, they
Seminar for Sociopaths Read More »
Before the holidays, I was a relatively healthy individual. But after a season of decadence, I was 90 percent sugar and alcohol. My bones were toffee, my organs were cookie dough, and Cabernet coursed through my veins. If you’re a cannibal, I’m your gal. On January 3rd, my doughy physique entered the gym. For thirty
Last year, I went to a Paint Night at a local brewery. Val, our paint instructor held up a Halloween themed painting. “As you can see,” she said. “We will be painting some Spooktacular pictures.” I studied Val’s picture of pumpkins and ghosts, set against a moonlit sky. Spooktacular! We started with the sky, simple
There are five words that my husband has said to me every day for the last 30 years. “You’re the most beautiful woman.” So close. His five-word phrase is far deeper than superficial compliments. These words embody the depth of my husband’s soul, his core values, and his reason for living. “Have you thought of
Flight 170 from Burbank to Seattle had trouble written all over it. “Folks, it appears there is a significant storm developing,” the ticket agent announced. “We’re going to board immediately, in order to beat the storm. I sure hope we win. As promised, my husband and I were quickly herded onto the plane. The next