The Old General Store

Time passes differently with a puzzle piece in your hand. It’s true. I lose total track of time while puzzling. That’s what I call it when I work on a puzzle. Every Christmas I receive a puzzle as a present. I must’ve have been a very good person last year because Santa gifted me with…

Pandemic Pumpkin Project!

I’ve heard it said you should set a goal that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. A goal needs to excite you, and some say intimidate you a bit. If a goal is easy to achieve, it’s not a challenge, right? My planned pandemic/retirement project looked simple at first. My…

Remembering Dad

Grief has no timeline. You can feel like you’ve moved on from grieving the loss of a loved one and then grief hits you hard, tugging—no, yanking!—at your heartstrings. Holidays and anniversaries of the loved one’s passing intensify this feeling.  For our family, it’s a double whammy. Dad passed away around the time of Thanksgiving…

Happiness!

“I’ve discovered the key to happiness!” Hands dirty from gardening, with a camera slung over one shoulder, I had dashed into the house to share my discovery with my hubby. Guy, seated at the kitchen table, looked up at me expectantly. “What’s the key to happiness, babe?” “Having a project, and taking photos every day!”…

Lover of Clover!

It was the beginning of June. I hadn’t visited my out-of-town daughter and her husband since March because of the pandemic. I pulled into their driveway and paused. I just had to stop and take a picture of something I noticed. I had waited almost three months to visit them. What was another few minutes?…

For You, Dad!

I’ve lived in my home for over twenty years but rarely spotted a cardinal in our yard. Things changed nearly four years ago . . . after Dad passed away. The day after Dad’s death, I could hear the sweet chirping of a bird as I mowed the backyard. It was louder than the noise…

Dad

By today’s standards, this story won’t pique the interest of those who choose to fault their childhood for their own actions today. I’d be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the way I was raised. How many people can truthfully say that? I come from a large family. Six of us kids. I have four…

Priceless Heirlooms

This tale may not be of interest to everyone. It’s more of a Mother’s Day tribute than of a May Two-Four long weekend piece. My timing is off but that’s the way life’s surprises are . . . unexpected and delightful. My older daughter had asked me to keep an eye out in our home…

The Good Shepherd

Being a decent mother-in-law can be tough considering how many jokes you hear about them. There’s definitely a unique bond between in-laws. Some would call it something different, that’s for sure! Yet, you really have no say in the matter when it comes to who your children fall in love with, do you? No one…

Top Ten Camping Tips!

My hubby and I just returned from an early September camping trip. Having camped together for 35 years, here are some tips we gathered through experience. 1)     It will always rain when setting up or packing up for home. Accept it and carry on. It’s beyond your control. 2)     Something will be forgotten. Just to…