Recently, I talked with a friend about her exploration of living facilities for when she's unable to stay alone in her home. She's a few years older than me, but now that I'm seventy, I'm much more aware of planning ahead for the future. She described the "difficult conversation" with her son and all the … Continue reading Plans to Prosper You
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Remembering Ms. Pauline
Over the eight years that Mama lived at Parkview Retirement Village, I saw many of my high school classmates when they were visiting their mothers. One of them was my classmate-from-first-grade, Bragg Cox. That friendly guy with the blond hair and easy smile was attracted to another one in our first grade class, my friend, … Continue reading Remembering Ms. Pauline
Solo Journeys: Riding the Rails
Over the last few days, I've had train travel on my mind. I've been working on my sequel memoir, writing about the summer of 2015. That year, for the first time, I went by Amtrak on my solo journey. The summer before, I'd had my longest road trip ever to northern Michigan and it would … Continue reading Solo Journeys: Riding the Rails
Camino Journey: The Friends We Carry
Lately, I've found myself reminiscing about my Camino journey last August, 2024 and scrolling through the many photos on my phone. Those fourteen days of walking were so full of new sights and the steady demand of covering miles each day to reach my lodging. I'm thankful that I wrote notes every night about the … Continue reading Camino Journey: The Friends We Carry
The Gifts of Reading
This year I've had the joy of reading to my younger grandson, Parks and his Pre-K class. Next week he'll graduate in preparation for entering Kindergarten at the end of August. I've watched him grow over the past year, with increased concentration and ability to sit and listen without interrupting -- waiting to raise his … Continue reading The Gifts of Reading
Planting Seeds: Allowing the Space for a Slow Process
This morning I spaded holes in my patio garden for the six sunflower plants that survived being washed out from downpours. I bought a third packet of seeds, determined that this year I'd have enough of the tall ones to stand watch at the back of the garden and small ones in front to cut … Continue reading Planting Seeds: Allowing the Space for a Slow Process
For the Love of Mama and Puppies
On this weekend when we celebrate our mothers, I'm remembering Mama and some of what made her special. Mama was born in 1923 and lived on a farm where all the animals were kept outside. Her family had cows, pigs, chickens, mules, barn cats -- and likely, a collie dog -- which would have been … Continue reading For the Love of Mama and Puppies
Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
Years ago I entered a phase of intense experimenting with different crafts and arts. I'd held in my creative urges when I was raising my boys -- given I had so little time for anything after work. Once my sons were in high school and more independent, able to drive themselves to their activities, I … Continue reading Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
Dealing with the Seasons of Life
This has been a season of stark contrast between life and death. During the past month, I spent time with my boyfriend, Chris and his family as they took care of his father during his last days. The atmosphere of that somber time was accentuated by the Erie, Pennsylvania weather -- cold, overcast, blowing rain, … Continue reading Dealing with the Seasons of Life
Love and Light at Easter
On this Good Friday, I'm thinking back over the years of my family's traditions at Easter. In reading my post Easter Past, Easter Present written in April of 2019, I recall the days around this special holiday when I was a girl. I noted that as much as we all loved Christmas, there were things I … Continue reading Love and Light at Easter
Connie Rosser Riddle 