Late Winter Sort
I don’t know about you, but I have been looking forward to spring ever since Groundhog Day. Punxsutawny Phil did not see his shadow, which means that spring should arrive about a month or so from now . . . if only Phil’s prediction was a sure thing. Spring weather means an uptick in outdoor […]
Watching My Grandpuppy
As I was sitting here today, watching my grand pup play, I was reminded of dogs that have been a part of my life. Those that are animal lovers will understand when I say that I was remembering all the dogs that I have loved before. And love them I did. From my first, who […]
Stupid Quote Man
Have you ever run across something so absolutely stupid it takes you a moment to process someone actually said it? Well, it happened to me recently while surfing the internet, a place known for its stunning intellect, and I was going to just let it go, that is until someone agreed with the stupidity, and […]
Changes
A young Richard Dreyfuss, driving a 1962 Corvair in the opening scene, begins his career as a music teacher in the 1995 movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Each successive chapter of this wonderful film effectively reflects changes in dress, attitudes, and even speech as the years progress. Crew cuts and long skirts give way to long […]
What’s with all the Skunks?
I have noticed a lot of skunks killed on the side of the road already this year and the other night I saw one across the yard. I have also smelled the lovely aroma of skunk several times lately. Are they not out earlier than usual and are they greater in numbers? Skunks generally come […]
Goat To Hero
This has been an interesting week. The pendulum has swung from goat to hero, pausing ominously like a raven above my chamber door. First, my wife pointed out that I was a writer and I should have written her a romantic poem. This, I’m sure, was prompted by some Victorian British movie and the upcoming […]
Romantic Dream Comes True in Paris
Hello Darlings, this is one of the most romantic true stories, and one simply must share the passion and beauty of a dream that turned into reality for a couple in love. So, I shall begin with “Once upon a Time” …Yolanda and Lamont Reed first met about eleven ago, there was an instant attraction […]
Spina bifida
There several conditions that can affect a newborn baby. East Tennessee has an unusually high frequency of births with the severe form of spina bifida. Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect (NTD) that affects the spine, is usually apparent at birth, and can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube […]
Heart Shaped Box
I just love candy and any opportunity to slide into a little chocolate decadence is good for me. Naturally, Valentines Day is one of my favorite times of the year. I clearly remember the first box of candy that I got from a boy. It was large. Really large and very conspicuous, which is not […]
Matthew Reilly’s: Ice Station
I usually try to find new authors for my reviews, or at least find some of their newer works (though this is certainly not always the case). Still, this time I am revisiting one of my favorite authors of action and thriller novels, Matthew Reilly, and I am taking a look at the second novel […]
Valentine’s Day Postcards
The origin of Valentine’s Day is not certain. Perhaps it was born out of the Roman festival Lupercalia which was celebrated each year in the middle of February. The festival was a time of match-making and fertility; there was also violence toward women. The holiday’s name comes from the two Christian martyrs – each with […]
A Class Act
Winston Churchill, best known for being twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (including during WWII), was also a linguist. He advocated the use of words with Anglo-Saxon roots when precision was warranted; Latin roots when flowery oratory was needed. Now few of us have a sufficient command of our language to make such a […]
Keep It Simple
My son is looking to buy flowers for his new girlfriend for Valentines Day. This is his first real girlfriend and I am not sure what is appropriate for a gift. They are both in the eighth grade and will be going to see an early movie on Valentines Day. Do you have any suggestions? […]
Valentine Memories
Valentines Day brings back many memories of love, but none is so vivid as the love songs of the past. Just hearing a song fills my heart with warmth. My special valentine is my husband and many of these songs hold a special connection to him. The Hollies, The Four Seasons and Elvis are just […]
Valentine Projects
With Valentines Day just around the corner, we have a perfect opportunity to spend some time with our child or grandchild. These crafts will be fun for everyone! Translucent Hanging Hearts are easy to make from waxed paper and crayons, and sunbeams will color your room with cheer. Begin with a 12-by-16-inch sheet of waxed […]
Private eyes, watching you!
It was one of those searing hot days. Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on. Me, I like it hot, but I still sweat. It was a manic Monday, and this guy walks into a quiet establishment in Istanbul, not Constantinople, and looks this girl, Jenny, straight in the face […]
