That’s tear as in cry. Courtney (a.k.a. C Jane) has been pulling at my heartstrings all week. She has been writing the most lovely posts on her blog (Some about her sister in the plane crash, some about her family). If you have never visited her blog, or you haven’t been over there in a […]

So I ended up doing absolutely nothing about the neighborhood block party last night.  I just instructed everyone in my family to not answer the door between 6:30-8:00 lest it be a neighbor coming to demand their party. I started to feel rather uncomfortable yesterday when I noticed signs all along the roads announcing all the […]

There are different levels of things that I’m afraid of. On the most superficial level there are escalators. They really freak me out. Especially if there are several levels of escalators all criss-crossing each other. If you’ve been to Pioneer Place in Portland, Oregon you know what I’m talking about. By… Read More For Fess-Up Friday I […]

The Stink-Finder can be found on various pet websites.  It’s nothing more than a fancy black light. Those who are familiar with the C.S.I. oeuvre know that it enables a person to see traces of blood.  It also enables a person to see traces of urine so it’s perfect for finding those hidden places where […]

I know you’re expecting me to tell you about that mascara or lipstick that you simply must have. Here’s the absolute most important thing you need: Sunscreen Yep. Every single day. Winter, summer, even if you live in Oregon and the sun hasn’t come out in days. If you can see without a flashlight, your […]

This time of year I cannot get enough pumpkin.  I especially think that pumpkin and chocolate chips are a groovy combination.  There are lots of recipes out there for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins and/or Bread. These are really more like cake. Cake that is loaded with sugar then topped with… Read More

Have you ever gotten sucked into a world that a few hours earlier you didn’t even know existed? That was me, today. Somehow I ran across a picture of an adorable dirndl dress on Pinterest. I knew that ladies in Austria and southern Germany still wear them occasionally but I… Read More

Gallery walls are all the rage right now. Actually, they’ve always been used in the decorating world but people are finally starting to see just how fantastic they can be. If you’ve wanted to know how to make the perfect gallery wall for your house, I have some excellent tips for you. 1. Make your […]

I remember my grandmother in North Carolina complaining about weevils all the time. Despite her lamenting that there were weevils everywhere I never saw one. Not, of course, until I moved to Texas.* I don’t know if they love warmth or humidity or what but this past year we have been taken over by weevils. […]

As you probably know, I live in Texas. I am in Austin and when Hurricane Harvey hit, aside from people creating a ridiculous gas shortage that was of their own devising, nothing much happened. There were copious amounts of rain and wind all weekend, and my brother–who was supposed to fly in for a visit–had […]

I was at a get-to-know-you meeting the other day and we were asked what our most embarassing moment was.  I honestly couldn’t remember.  I’ve apparently done a good job of blocking it out.  But I remembered it this morning, and now for your edification, and since it’s Sue’s Sort-of Funny Friday, here it is.  I […]

I have successfully gotten up two mornings in a row at 5:15.  It is such a hideous hour, but I am really uptight about getting ready before the kids wake up (I think it’s because I’m so vain.  I don’t want to risk the chance of having to go into the school looking unkempt and […]

I realized on the plane to Minneapolis (for this, which is wonderful. At least for the six hours I’ve been here) that I am a mathist. I am biased against people who like math. The man sitting next to me today had a big bunch of printouts with complicated looking math problems on them. I […]

Do you know what happens in thirty-five days? My daughter, India, comes home from Brazil! She has been gone for nearly eighteen months! Can you believe it? The first few months dragged by. And about a year ago she had a bunch of really difficult struggles that made me wonder how much longer she’d be […]