Today, October 22nd, is Mary's birthday and we are going to celebrate in classic sister style.

Left to right:  Just me, our sassy sister, Sheila, our silly friend, Gwen and my rockin' hot sister, MaryTKelly!  This photo was taken last January at my b-day party and will ha… Read full post »

So out of the blue, hubby decides he must climb Mt. Tallac in South Lake Tahoe, an elevation of 9,733 feet, a little under 6 miles of rocky, steep terrain, with little forthought, no malice and little endurance exercise leading up to this boyish decision.  It caught me a bit off… Read full post »

I trained in Kansas City, MO., in May of 69...ah, what a year that was! My international training continued in June in NYC until I began flying all over Europe,&… Read full post »

This is just pure sacrilege but it is just eating away at my brain.

Have you ever noticed how most cursing, swearing, cussing and profanities seem to be centered around the Christian faith and it's deities?

Yes, how could you not?!  What is with taking God's name in vain, for Christ's… Read full post »

I seriously did.  Just a while ago, I could feel the headache creeping back inside my brain and thought, "Before I have another glass of wine, I'd better take some more Advil."  Right?  I should've done that.  But when I looked at the cluttered granite counter, with baby Tyle… Read full post »

It's not a trick question, or is it? It's gonna be comfort food, so get over it!  Ya shoulda known that cause it's Foodie Tuesday and all.  Though the other two choices bear some consideration.......so stay tuned.

Having said that, there was some wacko on the radio yesterday who claimed… Read full post »

As best as I recall, these are my memories of that morning and the stories of two friends who were lucky enough to share their experiences of escaping the horror they whitnessed at the Twin Towers.

It was around 6:00 AM, PST, my husband was getting ready to leave for work,… Read full post »

A SPECIAL DEDICATION TO THE FLOOD VICTIMS AND FAMILIES IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA.  THIS SEASONAL FLOOD OF UNFORSEEN PROPORTIONS COMES ONCE EVERY 100 YEARS.

WITH THE CHANGE OF SEASONS COMES UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER; SOMETIMES WITH DEVASTATION, MOST OFTEN WITH A FORCE OF NATURE THAT CAN TAKE… Read full post »

Today, October 18th, 1988, was a magical date.  My youngest daughter of 3 was born at 1:20 in the afternoon. 

For the last two weeks of her gestation, I layed awake, most nights, unable to sleep, feeling the life inside me preparing to come into this world.  For some reason,… Read full post »

No, I am not flouncing from our OS community and am resolved in allowing myself to feel *safe* here from an even bigger flounce.

This last weekend, after returning from vacationing in Mexico, my husband and I spent hours sharing feelings and beliefs about the condition of our government and our… Read full post »

Possible new avatar hat for Joan?  Mighty perdy!

Lonnie!  Our perfect host and always a clown!

Must be the Scottish ale!  Sandra, full of the dickens and sending out some love!

Our beloved Stella, working the hat!

Ma… Read full post »

BIRTH

The first cry for help from an infant's mouth, seconds after birth, leaving it's safe, warm, womb, it's secure home of about 9 months. Pulled, pushed, forced out into a strange, bright, noisy, beeping, humming, unknown voices, poking, prodding, dry world. Something binding me so… Read full post »

what is this silken texture that covers our bodies.

so soft when first revealed, later to add layers of other emotions, so distant, at once, discovered.

where are you in this delicious darkness?  i chance to find you in this space of hushed whispers, held breath, first inklings of my harsh… Read full post »

I woke up this morning somewhat pensive and reflective.  Laying in bed for a while my mind drifted to the past, the long ago past when America was 100 years younger.  What was life like back in 1909?  What were the milestones that defined that era and how would it bring… Read full post »

Yesterday, my two and a half year old grandson was diagnosed with H1N1. 

I have been taking care of him for the better part of a week.  I can barely stand to see how lethargic and feverish he has been.  His clear blue eyes have taken on a swollen, reddish… Read full post »

 Totally innocent fun!

Pure and simple.  What constitutes drunk behavior?

 I don't mean seriously drunk, as in several mixed drinks of opposing alcoholic varieties here...or falling down, slurring, obnoxious behavior...drunk.

Nope.  Not at all.

I mean to say..… Read full post »

"PAVLOVAS"

Made with lavender-ho… Read full post »

Do you ever find yourself looking out the window wondering if you should just go out alone?  Maybe go for a walk, a bike ride or a trip to the mall by yourelf?  Do you hesitiate to go when you'd rather wait for someone to go with, spend time with,… Read full post »

It's the retail super-sizing phenomenon, yes it is!  Been around for over 2 decades and keeps 'em coming back for more, more and double or triple down for storing away every imaginable electronic gismo, gadget, pantry goods, essentials and non-essentials for a rainy day. 

 … Read full post »

Julie Anne

Born October 18th, 1988

She is 20 years old and is my youngest of 3 daughters.

Before she was conceived, she whispered to me again and again that my clock was ticking.

Thank God I listened to her.  She wanted to dance.

I wanted to have… Read full post »

Little does she know

A world in so much turmoil

Precious baby girl.

What will we leave her?

Will she learn to live in peace?

Is it set in stone?

Will prayers be enough

to ensure she will be free?

Or, who will decide?

Peaceful in her… Read full post »

"I hope I live long enough to see your baby girl."

With his hand on my nearly 9 month swollen belly, I listened to my father's last words to me.  He passed away later that evening, with my mother by his side, hand in hand.  They had a very good life… Read full post »

An unexpected snowfall delights our Corgi, Nick, who was out rolling around in the fluffy white stuff.

The small Aspens in the foreground were slumped over in the snow's unannounced appearance overnight. 

From early morning upon awaking, we have seen 3"… Read full post »

It has taken me a full week now to come to terms with this pit bull attack.

It is a rare day that I don't find humor in something, especially when I write.  I cannot find any humor in this at all.  None.

Last Thursday afternoon, after returning from the mountains,… Read full post »

My Mom's best recipe: IRISH LASAGNA

Tonight I read some posts and comments about mothers, memories, moments with mothers that left deep scars or the deepest fondness.

This prompted me to think of my mom, Rosemary, or Rosie as her friends called her.  She was the youngest of 6 child… Read full post »