Driving past a local elementary school the other day, I saw the best example of unbridled enjoyment that I’ve seen in a long time. A boy on a scooter, going fast down a grass-covered embankment, his dark hair blown back, his freckled face split wide with a huge grin, his eyes mere slits because of the size of his smile, his arms acting as shock absorbers as his scooter hurtled him down the bumpy grass hill and slowed slightly as he reached the flat field. His friends reclined nearby under the… Continue

In the early spring of this year, the flowers were blooming, birds were singing, and I began to plan my summer garden. The previous year was a complete bust for my container garden. Poor location coupled with an unusually cool and cloudy summer doomed my basil and tomatoes from the outset, and my peppers didn’t fare much better. Relocating the container garden to my back yard would afford it better sunshine (if there was sunshine to be had) and a location that would make it easier to water and… Continue

Years ago before debit card usage became the norm, writing checks for goods and services was commonplace. A friend of mine went to her neighborhood grocery store, bought the items she needed, and patiently stood in the checkout line. When the clerk told her how much money she owed, she pulled out her checkbook and fished around in her pocket for a writing implement. Hand clasped upon a cylindrical object, she drew it out of her pocket and went to fill out her check… until she realized the… Continue

Our climate is pretty moderate here in the Pacific Northwest. We have a gorgeous fall season with chilly temps, morning frost, and rain. We occasionally get snow in the winter – along with more rain and chilly temps. Then spring comes along and we have more temperate days with lots of rain, occasional thunderstorms, and beautiful spring flowers. The one constant throughout the year is rain… or as we call it – liquid sunshine. It’s good for the complexion.



The best part about our… Continue