When my brother comes to visit, he brings his wonderful dog, Nacho. It has been a privilege to watch this beautiful animal blossom into the confident, friendly dog she is today. Oh, she still has her demons, I’m sure, earned from trauma in her early life. But she’s a valued member of the family. And I thought today, after their Easter visit, I’d take you back to when Kevin first discovered her. Here is my original post from 2017:
…
Lucky Nacho – Update Read More »
Don’t worry – Derek and I aren’t moving again! If you’ve visited here in recent years, you’ll know we shuttled around before settling in Port Stanley. We’ve been here almost four years and have no intention of leaving.
…Moving to a New and Improved (Podcast) Home Read More »
Several years ago, I wrote a blog post about a foot-smoothing machine I called the best I’d ever used.
…Something New Afoot Read More »
I don’t need to rehash the details of why Canadian patriotism has risen to an all-time high of my lifetime. If you know, you know. It was a little bit weird to be in the US as the world’s “dumbest trade war” erupted.
…Catching the Sun and Catching Up Read More »
We’re all going to read the Stephen Kings and James Pattersons and Oprah picks and the works of other best-selling authors we love. That’s a given. For me, part of the purpose of reading is the joy of discovery. Sometimes that means taking a chance on a book from someone new.
…Throwing the Book (Suggestions) at You Read More »
Does anyone else have the haunting strains of Zager and Evans’ only hit song in their head? 2025 is 500 years away from In the Year 2525, which went to #1 in 1969. But it can’t help but come to mind for those of us raised on pop music. This particular song was pretty dark so it cut through alongside peppy tunes of its time like Sugar, Sugar and I Can’t Get Next To You. (For a refresher, the video is at the end of this post.)
…2025 Greetings and News Read More »
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m looking back at the year with gratitude. We keep a jar of “good things.” When something happens throughout the year we write it down and read them on New Year’s Eve. Otherwise, it’s easy to forget how much GOOD there was, even the small things, like finding a new recipe that’s a big hit.
…Top 5 Fave Things About 2024 Read More »
I’ve always wanted to open a store. It’s an ongoing joke that I squirrel things away for the store that I don’t have! But I have culled my “inventory” down to the essentials since moving several times in the last five years or so.
…At My Post Behind the Virtual Counter Read More »
I didn’t misspell the insect. It’s also not about the game. It’s a fun little machine that I’m getting to know.
…A Cricut Infestation in my House Read More »
The week began with Orange Shirt Day/Truth and Reconciliation Day. In recent years, I’ve been caught without an orange shirt. This year, I was prepared.
…The Week in Pictures Read More »
Twelve years ago, I published a memoir about the summer I spent working a live-in job at a nudist resort.
…Paperback Writer (Apologies to the Beatles) Read More »
If you know a cat, chances are you’ve experienced this: the cat has to come into the bathroom with you. Or the cat is right outside your closed door. Maybe it lays on the magazine you’re reading. Those are all typical cat things.
…Why A Closed Door is A Cat-astrophe Read More »
When I was younger, I never thought I was very good at being alone. I looked after myself, of course, and did little things to make myself happy – like riding the subway all over Toronto to explore on my own – but I don’t think I had enough interests back then. I could have joined a club or something and done more with my time.
…Left to Alone Devices Read More »
Recently, we took delivery of a new coffeemaker. Sadly, the appliance didn’t work and it had to go back. But that’s not the point of the story.
…Putting Peanuts in Their Place Read More »
I’m not sure how many times I’ve been to Sidney, BC. Let’s say several. But this time was different. It was just as wonderful – perhaps more – than previous visits with my BFAPCAF (best friend a person could ask for!). Not just because of our Gracefully and Frankly Facebook Live. (Erin went behind the scenes HERE) But also because they have moved down the hill to the ocean’s edge
…West Coast Hopes, Dreams, & Doggies Read More »
Ah, summer holidays. They’re so far removed now from the days when that phrase meant the entire summer was ahead and only fun was on our minds. Were we ever that young?
…Summertime Getaway and Robin’s Nest Update Read More »
I’ve written a novel. A novel and a half, actually, because it’s a three-novel series and I’m halfway through story number two. It hasn’t been published yet and that’s what this is all about.
…The Facts About Shopping My Fiction Project Read More »
Some people insist on believing that “the media is lying to you!” About everything. I’m here to tell you that “the media” doesn’t exist. Separate companies, different points of view, etc. So BBC, CNN, FOX, CTV – they’re all in on it together? Every COMPETING company employs liars and forces them to lie?
…The Dog Days of Summer for the Media Read More »