Lake Levels
I have heard that the lake levels will not be up to par this boating season. Is this true and will it impact the summer fun on the lakes? Actually, Douglas Lake was just above full pool during mid week so there are no worries on that front. Cherokee Lake is still running just under […]
Book Gifts for Graduates
This week I will be offering something slightly different in my review section. Rather than doing an in-depth review of just one book, I will be suggesting a few books that would make excellent gifts for the high school or college graduate. Naturally, the books will differ, depending on where the graduate is headed, but […]
Using Bath Time as Creative Play
Bath time is an excellent opportunity for creative play. And… oh what fun! Rainbow Bath Paint You need: foaming shaving cream, food coloring, a container (a silicone muffin pan works great), and paint brushes. Directions: Squirt foaming shaving cream in each of the 6 compartments of the muffin tin. Add food color to each one […]
The Sport of Kings
May is upon us. May, the merry month of sunshine, blossoms turning into tender green leaves, school being out for the summer, kids’ kicking their shoes off to run through clover, and the sport of kings, polo. Polo is a favorite sport of mine. As a spectator, my goodness, this southern belle could never have […]
Bass Pro and In-Laws
Life is often bizarre, funny, and humbling. This weekend, it hit all three like Babe Ruth after his 12th hot dog, which, for the record, were made of some pretty gruesome things back when the Babe was eating them. I don’t know what that has to do with anything, but I made it through the […]
What You Can Do Now That School Is Ending
With school nearing an end, parents become a little anxious about their roll in summer continued learning. We certainly do not wish for the school setting, as children need a break from the rigid structure and stress. But, we want to enrich their school experience. It is also important to vanquish their fears and concerns […]
Memories for Mother’s Day
Once a year, we celebrate mothers, and yesterday was that special day. I am sure you joined in the celebration with your mother, or celebrated the life of your mother if she is no longer with you on this plane. I believe every day should be celebrated in this fashion for the one who gave […]
Hikes and Imaginary Bears
This week, I’m going to keep things short and simple, like the 0.7 mile hike I went on “to the lakeshore.” Only it turned out the hike wasn’t short or simple. Somebody moved the decimal place on me. There have been world wars shorter than that hike. The life span of a Galapagos turtle is […]
Terry Pratchett’s ‘The Colour of Magic’
It is has been a little while since a book has literally made me laugh out loud, so I was surprised when I picked up Terry Pratchett’s The Colour of Magic, which is book one of the Discworld series. The Colour of Magic is, in many ways, a spoof of everything fantasy nerds love, be […]
Iris Variety
My grandmother loved the iris and I am going to add some to my own flower garden in her memory. I know that she had bearded iris and was wondering if all are bearded or if this is a unique variety? Actually, there are several types of iris and most are adaptable in this area. […]
Mary Burton’s: You’re Not Safe
While Jake is away this week, I have been given the pleasure of sharing a recently published book that I really enjoyed. Mary Burton is one of my favorite authors and she has met the high bar that she set with her previous books, with her new romantic thriller You’re Not Safe. Though Burton’s latest […]
Royals Visit Memphis for Wedding
Darlings, my goodness, how the world is such a small place for Prince William! Three weeks of a non-stop royal tour in Australia and only back in merry ole England for a few days, his bags are packed once again for a grand wedding in Memphis, Tennessee. Prince William must have the stamina of a […]
Do Dogs Understand Us?
Have you ever wondered whether your dog understands what you’re saying, but has trouble with nuance and context? What if they get it but they take it all super duper serious. Say, for instance, you say, “If that dog catches a rabbit, I’m gonna have a cow.” The dog could be totally freaked out by […]
The Season of Bridal Showers
June is the month of weddings, which makes May the month of bridal showers. Both giving many opportunities for memories. I often wondered how these events began. I had heard stories about poundings for brides beginning a new life without pantry goods and always assumed this to be the origin of bridal showers. But, I […]
Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect your child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. Early detection and intervention is important. If you suspect your child has hearing loss, trust your instincts and speak with your child’s doctor. Signs and symptoms of hearing loss are different for each child. Look for the following signs, even if […]
It’s Testing Week!
In many schools across America, the much-heralded standardized tests have begun! Of the millions of events that take place in schools, standardized testing is the most misunderstood. Unhappily, it’s not just the parents who misunderstand why we undergo this annual ritual. Standardized testing had its origins not too many years ago. In the United States […]
