When I hear what has helped people to weather this pandemic, they often say "my pet." Last April when we were sheltering in place, I really missed my Golden Retriever, Madison who died in July of 2017. How I loved that dog and the way she stayed by my side. She was truly my little … Continue reading Creature Comfort
Like No One’s Watching
This time of year, I remember back to those days of working as a middle school nurse. The long weekend for the Martin Luther King Holiday was followed by the dreaded stretch through gray winter to spring break. I often found myself daydreaming about summer when I'd go on my solo journey. I started taking … Continue reading Like No One’s Watching
Small Steps toward Big Results
I don't know what to write this week. Thinking about last week's post, have I made any break throughs? Did I work on my goals for the new year? How can a week go by so quickly? New Year's at Emerald Isle, January 2015 That's what I started with as I stared at the bare … Continue reading Small Steps toward Big Results
New Year, New Beginnings
Yesterday, it stopped raining and the sun finally broke through. I went outside at three o'clock to walk followed by an interval jog. Unlike my usual pattern of going in the early morning, by waiting until mid-afternoon inertia had set in. I jogged for a while and just wasn't feeling it, but kept trying and … Continue reading New Year, New Beginnings
Going Home for Christmas
We're finishing out the Christmas holiday. I'm struck by how our lean celebration has left me with distinct memories and a restful feeling that I've never had after Christmas. In past years, our family typically had three days of celebration: Christmas Eve with our immediate and church families, Christmas Day with our immediate and Riddle … Continue reading Going Home for Christmas
Through a Child’s Eyes
I'm a fortunate grandmother; my two grandsons live nearby and I see them regularly, even during this year of COVID. The younger one, David Parks is almost 6 months old and is a beautiful baby with a smile that could warm the coldest heart. He studies your face as you hold him close and his … Continue reading Through a Child’s Eyes
Season of Waiting
This time of year in the Christian calendar is Advent-- that period of expectant waiting for the arrival of the Christ child. Over the years, I can see families from the churches we attended, taking turns lighting the dark blue candle for that Sunday--often choosing one of their older children for the job. That single … Continue reading Season of Waiting
Same Time Next Year
Each year I hike with my cousin, Danny, aka "JD Smith" at Raven Rock State Park--sometime around Veteran's Day. Our tradition started ten years ago after Danny learned that I'd hiked on the Appalachian Trail. Yesterday we met there in COVID 19 gear and hiked about 3.5 miles down the Northington Ferry Trail to the … Continue reading Same Time Next Year
Thankful for You!
This is my 231st post since I began this blog at the end of May 2017. If it weren't for you all, I would have stopped writing a long time ago. Sitting down to a blank page, to an empty screen is at times overwhelming and is always solitary. Before I start, I pray for … Continue reading Thankful for You!
When It’s Over
Yesterday our divorce went to the Orange County court. A judge was sitting in a courtroom and going through all the cases that would have been handled in person by lawyers-- were it not this unusual pandemic year. I imagined the judge in a dimly lit, drafty room, sitting and reading the facts on each … Continue reading When It’s Over
