Around this time of year, many of us start thinking of things we'd like to do, be or have. We set goals, make resolutions. Those of a spiritual bent--and I happen to be one--pray.What goes wrong? Why is it that, so often, nothing seems to happen? By March, if not the...

Recently, I had the living room carpet replaced with something more dog friendly. I had the big sectional moved to the lake, where it works better, but that left two recliners, assorted tables, and a Christmas tree. The room has very high ceilings, so it echoes, and...

One of my favorite things about New Year's is the sense of a fresh start and a clean slate. 2006 was a year full of blessings for me, but hard work and challenges, too. Two favorite uncles went on to the Great Rodeo Up Yonder, and I miss them sorely.As you know, I do...

I intended to blog yesterday morning, and take the weekend off. Life happens.My stepmother, Edith Lael, fell in her kitchen yesterday morning and broke her left leg. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital for surgery, and I am awaiting updates. Please pray for...

One day, it's prayer shawls.The next, it's slot machines.I am a complex individual, and a poster-child for Grace.I absolutely adore Christmas, but, conversely, I am always glad when it's over, too. (And by the way, I didn't make it to the casino last night. By the...

After three solid days and nights in this house (beautiful as it is) I needed to get out for a few hours, so last night I went over to the local casino, bought some tickets and played my favorite penny slot machine--Cleopatra. The objective is to get three or more...

I was home alone this Christmas, if sharing space with Sadie, Bernice, Cha Cha, Jitterbug AND my cousin Kathy Bannon's cat, Rudie, can be called 'alone'. The Readmans, who are not just staff, but family, are away spending Christmas in Northport. They will be back...

Thank You, Lord.

I love the snow. It's really coming down this morning, whitening the world, blanketing it in that benediction I've spoken of before, in previous blog entries.Since I'm a writer, I see parallels in just about everything. And it seems to me that snow is like Grace--it...

Sadie and Bernice, being Arizona dogs, are mystified by snow. It's fun to watch them trying to figure out what that white stuff is--has the sky broken? Did the clouds shatter into soft, glistening shards? What's up and why is it coming down?Dog thoughts. Sadie...

Dawn is glowing in the eastern sky, pinky orange, as I write this, sitting at my kitchen table. A few of the pine tops are visible, like dark etchings. The coffee's on, the dogs and cats have been outside, and I'm about to settle down to my journaling. I've written...

I'm honored to be writing a story for Harlequin's wonderful 'More Than Words' program.Here's how it works: Harlequin runs a big contest, looking for people who do some uncommon and innovative good in their community and, often, nationally and even internationally....