Another Thanksgiving is upon me.  When I was young I don't think I really took the time to appreciate all the things I had.  As I approach my 53rd birthday in a few months, I find myself really thinking about how lucky I have been and how lucky I still am.… Read full post »

 A Maxine Thanksgiving - enjoy!

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I recently wrote a post about another teen suicide in my town.  In that post I referenced a friend of my son Nick who had committed suicide months after their high school graduation.  His name was Michael.  I was very surprised to find a comment on that post today from Michae… Read full post »

I live in a relatively small town.  It has grown over the 13 1/2 years we have lived here.  We now have 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high school, with about 2200 kids in the high school.  Not a huge town, but a nice town with a lot… Read full post »

My son Nick graduated from high school in 2008.  He is going to college and doing well.  He used to have poker games and it seemed for a many years my house was filled with big boys and big stinky tennis shoes.  I miss those days.  Now they are all adults, going… Read full post »

Is the use of torture ever right?  I don't know the answer to that question.  Probably no one does for sure, but I want to know what you think.

This is not a post in favor of torture.  This is not a "gotcha" post.  This is not a trick to get… Read full post »

'nough said!

Photographer unknown - to me at least. Read full post »

Ladies, I am torn between this choice.  I need some advice. 

Who should I pick to spend the rest of my fantasy life with, (or an hour - an hour would work) Darcy or Roarke?  I have to make a decision soon as I'm not getting any younger, while they… Read full post »

I went to a Detroit Pistons' game today, with my husband, son and son's girlfriend.  It was a bittersweet time.  They won a close game, which is always good.  When the National Anthem was starting I looked over at my son ready to remind him to remove his hat, but he… Read full post »

This is not a political rant.  This is not about bashing Obama.   This is just going to be a few comments and then some questions.  If someone really has the answers, please tell them to me.

First of all, the massive stimulus was passed with lightening speed because we h… Read full post »

These great questions and  answers are from the days when 'Hollywood Squares' game show responses were spontaneous,  not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the  host asking the questions, of course...

 
Q. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Ly… Read full post »

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that nothing in politics is black and white.

I've learned that there are many people out there who are hurting.

I've learned that there are some great people out there.

I've learned that I don't have all the answers.… Read full post »

 Luminaria 

Do you Relay? 

I do, and I have for the past 8 years. 

Why do I Relay? 

I Relay for my stepmom Jan.  I Relay for Grandma Stella, Aunt Dodie, my friend Debbie, my Uncle Bud, my brother-in-law B.J., my best friend's sister Shellie, my neighbor's… Read full post »

I've decided to move away from Michigan.  Why, you might ask?  Would it be because there are no jobs?  No.  Would it be because it's freaking cold in the winter?  No.   I'm moving because every stupid driver in the country lives in Michigan.  How do I know this… Read full post »

My husband is a good guy.  Sometimes in our frustration as women, “good guy” might seem like an oxymoron, but there really are good guys out there.  My husband is a good guy.  He’s not a perfect guy, but since I’m not perfect either, I am very lucky to have him./… Read full post »

My stepmother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 1997.  She went to hell and back, but she survived.  Her courage inspired me to write this poem in her honor, and in honor of all the brave souls who have battled the terrible disease of cancer.

What's In A Name… Read full post »

What is wrong with God in our schools? 

I don't mean organized prayers, reading the bible, or teaching religion.  I am talking about saying the Pledge of Allegiance, learning Christmas songs, having Christmas plays and Christmas parties.

I am not a "bible thumper".  I am not a religio… Read full post »

Conservatives are Americans; liberals are too.

Conservatives love their families; liberals do too.

Conservatives give to charity; liberals do too.

Pro-choice or pro-life.  I have never thought the two were mutually exclusive.  I don't think the person who is pro-choice is anti-life, and I don't think that all of those who are pro-life are anti-choice.  Oh, there are some people who only see in black and white.  There will al… Read full post »

I never had a cat while growing up.  We were dog people.  I got a poodle puppy for my 9th birthday and she was the only pet I had until I grew up.  I remember a neighbor I used to babysit for had a cat and I was scared to death… Read full post »

While it is true that a good vacuum cleaner really sucks, there are many other things that suck as well.  Too many to list, but here's a few.  Diabetes sucks, high blood pressure sucks, being extremely fat really sucks.  How do I know?  Because I lived all three of those condition… Read full post »