What Not to Say While Holiday Shopping
I’m standing in line at the store, and the salespeople rush around, trying to relieve the long lines waiting at each check-out station. Every intercom
December 5, 2011
Live With Flair
Enjoy the archive
Easy Does It (How to Survive the Holidays)
Tonight, we host a Christmas party for graduate students. We’ve learned, after all these years and all sorts of gatherings in our home, that easy
December 4, 2011
Unlikely Sucess
Today, Jack alerts me to a beautiful bird in the Weeping Cherry. He talks to the bird with that strange broken meowing sound, moving his
December 3, 2011
Small Deposit, Big Return
Frost covers the clover this morning. Frost Melts on the Clover The children bend down, astonished by these small deposits of tiny white ice crystals.
December 2, 2011
Something New to Try: Growing a Pineapple in Your Kitchen
Today, with my sore throat, chills, and aches, I walk around campus as one wading through swampland. What good can come of this day? I
December 1, 2011
Hope for the Out-of-Tune
Today, the Piano Tuner comes to tune the piano. We have to be very quiet so he can listen. I learn that the Piano Tuner
November 30, 2011
The Happy Greeting
Last year, I learned the power of the Warm Welcome when folks return home, but last night, our family considered the importance of the Happy
November 29, 2011
3 Lessons from a Magnificent (But Terrifying) Spider
Today I meet a cross orbweaver spider. Cross Orbweaver Spider In the cooler weather, I know these spiders find warmth inside my house. Spiders terrify
November 28, 2011
I Didn’t Even Know I Was Empty
The original title of this blog was, “In Praise of Big Breakfasts.” I married into a family of big breakfast eaters. My mother-in-law, up before
November 27, 2011
Your Own Mulling Spices
I put a tablespoon of mulling spices in a pot of water and allow them to simmer. These mulling spices include dried orange peel, cloves,
November 26, 2011