Okay...so it wasn't this bad. But we did have snow yesterday in upstate New York! Brrrrr.Have you ever had one of those events that you really want to get to, but somehow all the forces seem to be against you? (You may already be surmising how the snow is going to...

My sunflower garden on the side of my house boasts beautiful yellow flowers all summer. But when the flowers die and turn to seed, that's when they're my favorite. From early August through October, the huge heads attract a variety of little songbirds. Mostly little...

Mike and I are dissecting our bills, trying to determine where we can cut back. The reason for this is not necessarily today's economy, the falling stock market, the exorbitant price of gas. Although they all play into things, certainly. Our new budgetary strategies...

Kelly and I share a love for snacks. Now we've discovered that we can enjoy the same snack--well, almost. I started giving Kelly these Snausages Scooby Snacks, shaped like little dog bones, for rewards or treats. A short time later, I discovered Scooby Doo Graham...

I've never been comfortable with publicity. But I'm learning that it goes along with writing and publishing.Last January, I was interviewed on two local television stations, regarding my story in Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul. A timely topic for the season or a...

My friend commented that she was up late last night, into the wee hours of the morning, unable to sleep because her daughter had not yet returned home for the evening. Her daughter is in college, but living at home. I know just how she feels. I never liked when my...

What do you get when you put five people, a cat and a dog together in a small, two-room apartment? This Columbus Day weekend, we found out!We spent a lovely vacation visiting our daughter Kate and her husband Aaron, who moved down to Virginia a little more than a year...

This is one of my favorite sights. I was standing out in my front yard last week when I heard the loud, strong, rhythmic honking of Canadian Geese. I happened to have my camera in my hand, so I looked up and snapped this picture.Why I love flying geese:1. I live in...

Like most dogs, Kelly's downright playful. And she's pretty determined when she wants to play. When I'm pressed hard on deadline, typing away at my computer, she'll come up and nuzzle against my leg. Sweet. Nice Kelly.Then, she'll paw me on the thigh. Not as cute....