Before we talk about why today is a special day, let’s get a few definitions out of the way—via Dictionary.com. Christmas: the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is generally observed as a legal holiday and, for many, an occasion for exchanging gifts.…
While jotting down my Thanksgiving grocery list, visions of past turkey days floated in and out of my mind. My early memories of the November holiday include me setting the table while my mother worked her magic in the kitchen. Sometimes, to free up oven space for Thanksgiving Day, Mom prepared the turkey early and…
Several months after Gary and I celebrated our 40th birthdays and our 60th wedding anniversary, my mother rang in her “30th” birthday. Don’t waste time re-reading that sentence. Don’t waste energy scratching your head. I call my life as I feel it. In honor of our mother’s birthday, the 6’2” baby of the family — we call him…
The 2020 in 2021 Olympics in Tokyo wrap up in a few days. The smallest TV audience in 33 years tuned in for the opening ceremony. That turned out to be a foreshadowing of things to come. The once, ever-popular, must-watch Olympic Games nose-dived in the TV ratings—down over 50% from 2016. I am one…
I glanced out my front window, and my eyes flew to the flowerpot at the top of my front porch steps. There, among the hot pink geraniums, lay a squirrel stretched out on her back, eyes wide open. I blinked. I double blinked. But there she remained—the squirrel—prostrate and motionless in my flowerpot. I said…
Last week, I attended my first swim meet in a long while. I saw my grand niece and nephew compete for my children’s alma mater—the Bridgeport Wildcatters. Within minutes of my arrival, I saw life come full circle: former teammates of my children have become the parents of the newest generation of Wildcatters. As I…
It’s no secret that Independence Day is special to me. It’s one of the most important holidays Americans celebrate. Now, more than ever, citizens need to remind themselves of the reasons we have lived safe and free for 245 years. Over the past several months, our country has suffered divisions of gigantic proportions in the…
A few weeks ago, on championship Sunday of the PGA at Kiawah Island, a lone golfer started the day. According to the final schedule listed by ESPN, B. Gay teed off around 7:30 AM—paired with no one. I feel certain that few — if any—photographers, press, and fans showed up for Gay’s round. Wannamaker Trophy…
A young friend of mine took a new job in Florida. My son is changing careers and is starting a new position. My nephew has been promoted. And I may have mentioned that my daughter Jordan landed a new job. These are a few of many people in my life who are changing gears in…
My friends told me about a tennis player named Debbie Disco. I did not believe them. “Debbie Disco plays for the league across town,” said one of my teammates. “I’m sure you’ve met her.” First: If I met a woman named Debbie Disco, I would not forget her. Second: I was raised by a practical…
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