Category: life update

Change of Plans

“This week I will have been here for two months,” I respond to the friendly woman at church when she asked how long I had been in England. “Oh, how nice! What have you done?” I know that she is actually asking where have I gone to see which sights. Her face, like others before […]

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“Let It Go!”

“Let it go, Chad. Just ignore them.” This was the advice that Kat and Rick gave their son-in-law, Chad. He had called to say that he would not stop by in the morning as was his habit because he didn’t want to lose his cool and make more trouble. A couple of nights previously, the […]

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Computer Purgatory

Are you computer savvy enough to identify the purpose of these directions? “Wait,”  I say to my daughter, my instructor. “The picture is still on the screen.” “Yes, but you also just put it into a folder.” “I know that, but it is still on the screen. You can see it right there.” “Trust me, […]

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Different Meets and Greets

I spent Christmas,1968, with Ed’s family in Ashland, Ohio. What a surprise I had at my first meeting with his family! First, came a customary introduction. Then these people, still strangers, came at me with open arms ready to hug and lips, puckered, ready to kiss! That was not the way my Portland family greeted […]

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It’s cold . . . BUT

One of the ten must-see sites in Yorkshire is the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, outside Doncaster.  A wide assortment of animals from sea lions and polar bears to red pandas and big cats live in expansive enclosures behind tall fences. Katie and Ian always take their guests there, especially when there’s a 50% discount! So, we […]

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Without Ribbons

I didn’t get what I expected: gifts wrapped in holiday motif, set off with red ribbons. Gifts of that sort amounted to hand cream and a box of mint wafers. That was all there was for me under the festive tree. Because I had no specific wishes or expectations, it’s okay—I am a big girl. […]

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I Flew Away

I flew from Portland on KLM Airlines, the oldest in the world, begun in 1919. The flight was pleasant with helpful seatmates, tasty food, and a wide variety of films. However, it departed an hour late. Katie and Ian had left their home to get me at 7 in the morning, but they had to […]

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Ending with Goodwill

After 53 years as a professional educator, I am accustomed to the yearly academic cycle, ending with graduation and commencement in May and June. However, for me, 2024 culminates with both a graduation and a commencement. I have graduated from living in houses (19 in 54 years) to a studio apartment

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