How do you know when it’s time to get a dog?

How do you know when it’s time to get a dog?

My husband and I have a Thanksgiving tradition of watching The National Dog Show. It started by chance about six years ago. All of the children had other commitments, so we were treating ourselves to a night at the Grand America. We were enjoying the room and killing time until dinner, so we turned the…

Election Day in the United States

Election Day in the United States

Election Day in the United States. The big day is finally here. Does election day give you hope or fear? Maybe a little bit of both? #electionday #Ivoted #SoWhatNowWhat

60 before 60…and the drawing winners!

60 before 60…and the drawing winners!

With my birthday last Sunday, I am now officially in the final year of my 50s. It’s really kind of hard for me to fathom…I have been on this earth for 59 years. How is that possible? Like all of you, I have had exhilarating moments, moments of pure joy, devastating moments, moments of unbelievable…

5th blogiversary celebration give-away!

5th blogiversary celebration give-away!

Five years ago I published my first blog post. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. In fact, I hired someone to create the blog for me and somehow stumbled my way through those first several posts.  Along the way, I picked up some technical skills, thanks to advice from my fellow bloggers…

When does a house become a home?

When does a house become a home?

My husband and I recently built a house in southern Utah, roughly 300 miles south of our primary residence. We wanted an escape from the cold, snowy winters without going so far that our family and friends couldn’t easily visit. The house is now fully furnished…well mostly…and we’ve stayed there several times for brief periods….

To do and not to do

To do and not to do

I’ve been talking about my mom a lot lately, and today I’m going to do it again, but with a little twist. I hope you’ll bear with me. Today I’m sharing two practical tips that I took from the tasks that were required following Mom’s passing: one to-do and one to-don’t. To Do I have…

Farewell sweet mother

Farewell sweet mother

Joan Esther Rodgers Nokes September 22, 1938 – December 26, 2019 Joan Esther Rodgers Nokes—beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—spent her final days on this earth surrounded by her loved ones before peacefully slipping away in the early morning hours following Christmas. Joan’s mortal body may be laid to rest, but her legacy lives on….

Gratitude for all the senses

Gratitude for all the senses

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. Thornton Wilder Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch I am truly blessed, in every sense of the word. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends in the United States and around the world. Your turn What are…

If at first you don’t succeed

If at first you don’t succeed

Have you ever attempted something and failed? Have you ever let fear of failure stop you from trying something? Which did you regret more? I hope it was the chance not taken. Amazing facts about the world’s biggest failures Walt Disney went bankrupt…several times. Thomas Edison tried more than 6,000 materials as the filament in…