The State of Georgia, perhaps the entire country, has been in mourning for the lovely First Lady from Plains. Everyone knows of the many good things that the Carters did after leaving the White House: Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Force, championing equal rights for all races and genders, her work with education, infant immunization, Girl… Continue reading My Rosalyn Carter Story
Author: PatriciaHibbard
Writer, Mother and Wife, Secretary of AMIS, Inc. Executive Board, Substitute Teacher, Former Young Child Music and Art Teacher, Dog Mom, Amigo to many International Students, AMIS Volunteer, Seamstress, Crafter and Gardener.
Blogs about Books, Sewing, Recipes, DIY Adventures, Dogs and Family Memories. I love to tell a good story!
Palm Trees and Inspiring Travels
I never knew that palm trees have air roots. Ever since I was a little kid on vacation with my parents and older siblings, I've known what a palm tree looks like, growing out of sand on the beach, grass or some mulch, right out of the ground like other trees, but tall and skinny,… Continue reading Palm Trees and Inspiring Travels
Which Gift? A review of THE DRESSMAKER’S GIFT, by Fiona Valpy
This book is full of intrigue...it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to ride a bicycle again. It's full of close friendships, family relationships, unexpected gifts and the importance of love and being kind to each other. You will enjoy this book even if you aren't a seamstress. There are… Continue reading Which Gift? A review of THE DRESSMAKER’S GIFT, by Fiona Valpy
Flossie’s Figs
Memories of Mama's Fig Preserves, her recipe, plus modern ways to add figs to late summer meals.
Our Big Pound Puppy
A happy tale of our latest shelter pet.
Beach Vacation, Back to School and a Classic Book…THE WATER IS WIDE
From the beach to the start of the school year, a review of THE WATER IS WIDE,.
Brainy Misfits…a review of Anne Tyler’s VINEGAR GIRL
Vinegar is quite tasty on a salad. It can tenderize tough meat and add flavorful zing. It's absolutely essential for anything quick-pickled. But VINEGAR GIRL doesn't sound the least bit like a compliment and seems a very odd title for a book! I found this copy on a swap shelf at a hotel, leaving behind… Continue reading Brainy Misfits…a review of Anne Tyler’s VINEGAR GIRL
Our Dog Tale of Litter Mate Syndrome
Some of the dedicated readers who follow my blog may be wondering why I haven't written much about the dogs lately. After all, HIBBARD HOUSE is subtitled full of Basil, Books and Big Dogs. After many tales of Maggie and Dale, two old Labradors, we got two new dogs, then I wrote more book reviews… Continue reading Our Dog Tale of Litter Mate Syndrome
Our Anything But…BIG CHILL…Weekend
A weekend with old friends
Happy Tears
A Burmese Bible, blessed by our church, travels to the Iona pilgrimage site
Myth, Fairy Tales, Stories…And A Great New Book
A Review of Patti Callihan's ONCE UPON A WARDROBE, with personal stories of reading myths, legends and fairy tales
Making Flower Girl Dresses from my Sister’s Wedding Gown
Making two flower girl dresses from my sister's wedding gown...a bittersweet process of working through the grief of losing my sister.
What do I do with this Wedding Dress?
One of the things I inherited from my sister, who died just before the booster shots came out, was her wedding gown from her first wedding when I was her flower girl. Janice's dress was beautiful, heavy silk with lace applique and hand-beaded trim, ordered from the Atlanta Macy's bridal shop, which was a big… Continue reading What do I do with this Wedding Dress?
The Rehearsal Dinner Dress and Sewing Plans
Rehearsal Dinners should be fun! All of the close family and the wedding party have met and it's time to relax a little bit before the big day. I think the Bride's dress for the rehearsal dinner should be comfortable, easy to move in or even dance if she wants, with a special detail to… Continue reading The Rehearsal Dinner Dress and Sewing Plans
First Things First…Choosing Colors and Sewing my Mother of the Bride Dress
How I made my Mother of the Bride dress, decisions and design changes, step by step.
The Wedding has been Celebrated! The “sewing factory” returns to “sewing suite,” and the baby bird has flown…
Most engaged couples of the past few years have had to wait. The brides and grooms scheduled for 2020 had to reschedule their nuptials, sometimes two or more times. Our youngest daughter Lucy and her Alex became engaged Fall of 2021, yet there just were not any openings in local event facilities. Every place they… Continue reading The Wedding has been Celebrated! The “sewing factory” returns to “sewing suite,” and the baby bird has flown…
An Early Morning Mistake
So I was helping my husband load the car with his contribution to a work “Friendsgiving.” I bumped a bagged item I didn’t recognize and my husband said “It’s a helmet. The safety officer said I have to have it.” I shrugged and said, “Well, you need a safety helmet if you happen to visit… Continue reading An Early Morning Mistake
A look back to Princess Elizabeth becoming Queen
The full title of this book, The Gown, A Novel of the Royal Wedding, by Jennifer Robson, includes a dressmaker's view of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding, including the duties in the bride's and bridesmaids' dressing rooms and viewing the wedding itself. This book is primarily about common people, dressmakers and embroiders, who sewed Princess Elizabeth's gown… Continue reading A look back to Princess Elizabeth becoming Queen
Bells Toll for Elizabeth II
Like many of us, I got up early this morning to watch Queen Elizabeth's funeral. It was a respectful moment I considered not to be missed. For the majority of living people, she has always been The Queen. One of Elizabeth's Crown rested on her casket, along with the scepter, a symbol of authority and… Continue reading Bells Toll for Elizabeth II
Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day is a day we take each year to gather with friends and family, kick back and relax, and enjoy being together. Historically, it's a time to honor people who work, whether by earning a paycheck or by volunteering, and doing good for others. Some people have the knack for earning money, followed, of… Continue reading Happy Labor Day!
Happy 4th!
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com Happy Fourth of July, American 🇺🇸 Independence Day! We have some problems, many things that we disagree on, many things we would like to improve, but all in all, I am thankful to be an American. I enjoy watching Atlanta Track Club’s Peachtree Road Race. I enjoy patriotic songs… Continue reading Happy 4th!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A few weeks ago, I led the prayer of Thanksgiving at my church. I had a lot of things on my mind, and I touched on many of them. But I am grateful above all. Father God, Thank you for the truth shared in Nehemiah 9:17, that You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and… Continue reading Prayer of Thanksgiving
Button, button, who collected all these buttons?
I have been sewing a lot lately, and not blogging very often, even though I think of many things I want to say. Just a portion of our merged button stashes… When I sew, I miss my sister Janice, who passed away last Fall. She was an amazing seamstress and quilter. I received all her… Continue reading Button, button, who collected all these buttons?
Flowers in Winter
Clockwise from top left: Lenten Rose, Christmas Cactus, orchid closeup and plant, rose mix, Lenten rose, amaryllis. Flowers are a simple thing that bring a lot of joy. When it’s chilly out, I enjoy looking for the first signs of Lenten roses, ducking their heavy heads below their sturdy leaves and a layer of pine… Continue reading Flowers in Winter
Missing My Sister, My Heart Hurts
As a few of my readers know, my older sister passed away last month, due to COVID. She and her husband were immunized, so when she first got sick, she thought it was the flu. When they tested positive, they were told to go home and quarantine, which they did. When she called her physician… Continue reading Missing My Sister, My Heart Hurts
HAMILTON at the Fox Theater
I got Ron Chernow's acclaimed book, Alexander Hamilton, a few years ago for my husband, who is quite a history buff. A large book, it took him a while to read (Mr. H. says he reads a book a year, this one maybe a bit more), and as the book accompanied him on airplanes and… Continue reading HAMILTON at the Fox Theater
A Review of… We Need to Hang Out
COVID has made both 2020 and 2021 strange times, with so many of us at home, others working harder, wearing masks, and getting by. We all miss seeing faces, smiles, and being with people. It's getting better now, with the vaccines, and I have enjoyed getting together with a few more people this summer, mostly… Continue reading A Review of… We Need to Hang Out
My Heart is Full
Ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes and ears, one mouth, and an itty bitty nose! Writing has not been very important to me lately. Even my husband has called me on it a few times...when often he says "So, are you sewing tonight?", today he reminded me that I need to "tell my stories." You… Continue reading My Heart is Full
How To Finally Get Rid of A Head Cold
We are susceptible to the common cold, and with the changing season, our running nose, itchy throat, and headache say it all. No matter how hard we …How To Finally Get Rid of A Head Cold As someone who tends to get a sinus infection after colds, this is some great advice. Thank you,“Health Tips… Continue reading How To Finally Get Rid of A Head Cold
Hanging Out, a book review of We Need to Hang Out, by Billy Baker
I became interested in this book after reading Dave Shiflett's February 4 review in The Wall Street Journal. COVID has made both 2020 and 2021 strange times, with so many of us at home, others working harder, wearing masks, and getting by. We all miss seeing faces, smiles, and being with people. It's getting better… Continue reading Hanging Out, a book review of We Need to Hang Out, by Billy Baker
It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon This is a delightful book about growing up and being a younger adult in the southern United States. It leans a little bit towards the silver-spoon side (for instance, my family's road trips were in… Continue reading It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Life in the South: A Review of
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon This is a delightful book about growing up and being a younger adult in the southern United States. It leans a little bit towards the silver-spoon side (for instance, my family's road trips were in… Continue reading Life in the South: A Review of
Dog Parties and Another Gran-Dog!
Dog parties are common at our house…we started long ago, with Sandy, my first dog who was my birthday present, a first addition to our little family (a.k.a. before kids). Sandy always enjoyed having dog friends over, playing with other neighborhood dogs, or going to play with our parents’ dog. Toddler Sarah called her “Sandy the… Continue reading Dog Parties and Another Gran-Dog!
The Perfect Gift, choosing a custom bag from Satchel, Savannah
I don’t usually get very excited about gifts. They’re fun to buy for other people, but unless small children are in the picture, I don’t expect it to be magical. I enjoy making presents much better than shopping for them. If someone asks me what I want, I probably come up with a few books,… Continue reading The Perfect Gift, choosing a custom bag from Satchel, Savannah
Hope and Nostalgia
Review of two historical books and hope for the future.
Who is that Doggie in the Mirror?
Sally and Buffy learn about mirrors...or do they?
Happy New Year/My Heart Hurts
Events of January 6 converge with celebration of Epiphany.
Changing Times: A Look Back through a Favorite Book
Looking at a novel of the 1960's helps with the problems of today.
Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
In this season of thankfulness, a book I would recommend is the New York Times Bestseller, Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline, a novel that jumps from a girl in foster care (early 2011) who wears goth clothing like a hard turtle shell, to the historical events of the orphan trains (1929), and the 91-year… Continue reading Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
Changing of the Colors
Transition times are hard, but with kindness we can reach the new bright spots in our lives
Hello from Sally!
Hi there, Mom says she's been having a bit of writer's block lately, which I think means she is playing with her sewing machine, digging in her garden, or walking my sister Buffy and me instead of writing. Anyway, Mom said I could fill you in on what Buffy and I have been doing since… Continue reading Hello from Sally!
The Best Book I’ve Read in a Long Time…BECOMING MRS. LEWIS, by Patti Callahan
I saw it while waiting in the checkout lane at Hobby Lobby…"Oooh! I've been wanting this one!" I was about to leave town (remember those days?), so it sat on top of the stack of books in the den, a delight waiting to be savored. As soon as I picked it up, I was hooked…full… Continue reading The Best Book I’ve Read in a Long Time…BECOMING MRS. LEWIS, by Patti Callahan
Reading of Amish Life, while staying safe at home…
Life at home: sewing masks, walking puppies, cooking and reviewing a new book: Patricia John's "Thursday's Bride."
Reading, Cooking, Sewing and Walking the Dogs…Life in these Strange Times
Things I've been doing while "sheltering in place."
Hidden Figures
I was saddened last week to hear of the death of Katherine Johnson, one of the human "computers," women with math degrees who worked for NACA, which became NASA, aiding the development of the space program, during the 40's, 50's and 60's. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and others worked at Langley Field West Computers; the… Continue reading Hidden Figures
More Touring of Bangkok and “Scoot”-ing back to Singapore
Touring Singapore by long-tailed speedboat, with other adventures along the way.
In Their Hearts, Dogs Can Read by Carlie Sorosiak
This is a wonderful dog story, and a great story about a lonely girl who liked to read.
The first time I read an entire book aloud, it was to a German shorthaired pointer named Sally. She had the softest ears, the wiggliest butt, and man, was she fast. I used to watch her from my swing-set, tearing mad circles around our neighbor’s yard.
Me and Sally
I was a quiet kid. And in Charlotte, North Carolina in the mid-1990s, if you didn’t like NASCAR, there wasn’t a ton to do. I remember spending half a summer fiddling around with my dad’s scientific calculator, pretending I was a bookstore clerk and tallying up imaginary purchases. I’d also meticulously cut out borrower’s cards for each of my books, then lent them out strategically to my mother. So, when Sally moved in next door, it was a revelation.
She brought me pinecones in the afternoon. And I brought her books.
I’d plop myself in the grass, right by the…
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The Smell of Burnt Coffee
The smell of burnt coffee can indicate a safety issue, unrelated to your coffee pot.
Touring Bangkok by Tuk-Tuk with “Lucky”
Evening Tour of Bangkok by Tuk-Tuk
“Scoot”-ing to Bangkok
Our first impressions of Bangkok
Hurry, Flurry, Singapore!
Sometimes the hurry and flurry of Christmas preparation can feel like rushing through an airport. Enjoy the beauty of the moments
The Puppies Are Here! Sally and Buffy are Home.
I have been just a little bit distracted lately. We got back from Singapore (more on that in my next post), with two weeks of laundry to do, doctor and dentist appointments, evening meetings and, oh, yes, work, when we hear that Atlanta Lab Rescue is having an adoption event Sunday afternoon. We look up… Continue reading The Puppies Are Here! Sally and Buffy are Home.
Weekend with the Grand…Dogs!
Amusing weekend with visiting dogs!
Magazines, Diaries, Dreams & Memories…
Reading a memoir reminded this blogger of the power of pen and paper.
The Piano Tuner and the Missing Ring
Even when one is many years past high school graduation, a class ring is a special thing. Even though I might only wear it to reunion parties, it holds a lot of memories. Terry the Piano Tuner came to my house this week, tuned my piano, listened, knew where to look, and found my class… Continue reading The Piano Tuner and the Missing Ring
Lifestyle Health Books
Reviews of several health books and an original recipe.
Inspiration to Read written by Ryan Eckart
And here it is…proof that someone who is not a reader can come to love books at any time, and at any age. Way to go, Mrs. Vuckovich!(and Ryan).
I wasn’t always a reader. In fact, I wasn’t a reader until I became an elementary principal and a special person entered my life. Growing up, I hated reading. In 7th grade, I remember my parents meeting with my teacher to figure out why I couldn’t remember anything I was reading. From what I can remember, no solution was found and I continued to struggle into my high school years.
I became a teacher and then Reading Intervention Coordinator, which one would think means that I was a reader. I was able to motivate kids to read and to learn, no matter what they entry point happened to be. But did I model what I was saying to kids by reading and having titles to recommend? Nope, not the case.
Enter Mrs. Vuckovich. In my first few days as a principal at an urban elementary school just south of Chicago…
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Meet My New Grand-Dog!
Meet my new Grand-Dog, Max
The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
In these two books, we meet three prominent women of the 1860’s, two of them very well-known in Washington, D. C. society, another highly respected as a tradesperson during a time when fashions were complicated, custom-fitted, and sewn by hand. Ms. Lincoln, a character in both books, is regarded most kindly in the Dressmaker, but… Continue reading The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
Uncle Sam Gets Ready for the 4th of July…
Wishing you a happy 4th, with family stories of one grandmother's decorative toy, and the other grandmother's favorite song.
Love that Multiplies!
A Review of Patricia Johns' Her Twins' Cowboy Dad... This was a very enjoyable book, especially the twins, Micha and Suzie, just as cute as in the picture on the cover, whose antics will have you laughing every time they're on the page! The girls and their mother, Jane Marshall, have been summoned to the… Continue reading Love that Multiplies!
A Tale of Dale
How does one tell a story about an old, blind, rambunctious dog like Dale? I guess we start at the beginning, at least, the beginning for us. Our "mini-Lab" Maggie was 12 & 1/2, and taking the stairs a little more slowly. Maggie enjoyed time with our recently married daughter's dog Ivy, so we thought… Continue reading A Tale of Dale
Maggie’s Story
Maggie was an unusual variety of rescue dog--a puppy, only eight weeks old! Her mother was one of two black Labrador rescues, adopted by the same family, who had neglected to have both dogs spayed as required. There was a male black Lab in the neighborhood, who was presumed to have jumped the fence, but… Continue reading Maggie’s Story
So, what do you do with a kohlrabi?
What I made with the kohlrabi in my CSA box, includes recipe.
Happy Memorial Day!
Memorial Day, a day of remembering, going to parades, waving flags, applying and reapplying sunscreen, listening to speeches and quietly giggling when you notice the person next to you nodding off, maybe going to the pool... My favorite tradition is accompanying Mr. H. as he plays the tuba with Atlanta Concert Band at the National… Continue reading Happy Memorial Day!
Tomorrow I pick up my vegetable box…
Last year we joined a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, joining with a bi-weekly plan. Every other week, starting in May, I go pick up a box in the next small town, the boxes gently tucked under an awning at a church to keep them cool. I often go with a neighbor, which… Continue reading Tomorrow I pick up my vegetable box…
Freedom, Faith and Community
Recently I was asked to be an early reader for this book, receiving an advanced copy from Kensingington books in a GoodReads give-away, but these opinions are all my own. On GoodReads, I did a regular book review, but if you're a regular reader, you know I usually tell a personal story here! I thoroughly… Continue reading Freedom, Faith and Community
Figs
We always had fig bushes at my parents’ house. Grandmother Irene and Mama both loved them, making more preserves than we could eat or give away. I would say, “Mama, could we please have some grape jelly from the store? Please?”
My friends and I all knew how to pick the best fresh figs for a healthy afternoon snack that didn’t spoil our dinners–we peeled them by pulling on the stem and ate them right by the bush. Mama didn’t know and we didn’t wash our hands! As an adult, I learned to enjoy figs with savory foods, like in a salad or on a cheese board, but Mama kept making and giving away her preserves…she even used them as a fund-raising project when she was “Queen” of her Eastern Star Chapter.
I agree with Sabra about covering your skin when picking them–those prickly leaves do make one itch! Today, I enjoy figs when I can get them…we’re trying to revive the old fig tree we cut back after moving here a few years ago. Hopefully this year, there will be enough figs for us and the birds!
looking through my kitchen window
I notice my fig bush has grown
several feet since last summer
I can no longer pull down the top limbs
to harvest the ripe, brown fruit
when contemplating my figs, I usually think of
Middle Eastern markets, hillsides, and biblical stories
but today, I think of my mother
and her two great fig bushes
she canned fig preserves
delicious on her homemade, buttered biscuits
even the butter was homemade
when we lived on the farm
but the fig bush I thought of today
was the one behind her well house
on the barren place we bought
after selling the farm
when lightning struck and killed her fig bush
she never planted another
to my surprise, she said she was allergic to the bush
and would get figs from friends
now it comes to me
I know what she meant
I’ve learned to suit-up with…
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Just a friend…Or…
A Review of Falling for the Cowboy Dad, a novel by Patricia Johns... "Heartwarming" is an excellent description of this book! I'm sure many readers can relate to Grace, the young teacher who thinks she isn't slim enough, pretty enough or vivacious enough to attract the attention of Billy, her best friend since they were… Continue reading Just a friend…Or…
Elizabethan Maggie
A Royal Purple Elizabethan Collar or cone of shame?
Friendship and the Polar Vortex…
The thread of Friendship endures, in spite of miles and years.
Happy New Year… from Dale the Dog!
Dale the Labrador here, writing to wish you a very happy 2019, as I always have a tremendous opinion about everything, especially if a snacky-snack is part of the conversation. My “dog mom” Patricia, is typing for me, since it is very difficult when you have paws and no thumbs at all! Let me tell… Continue reading Happy New Year… from Dale the Dog!
The Duck Went Flying…
Turkey is just not our favorite food for Thanksgiving, aside from a couple of family members being allergic to it. We know it's traditional and we're "supposed" to like it, and it's just what you eat for that particular holiday. We enjoy the ceremony of cooking, stuffing, basting, carving, and serving dinner to a big… Continue reading The Duck Went Flying…
Being Good Neighbors
Biographies are not my favorite books to read, but as soon as Maxwell King's biography of Mr. Rogers came out, I knew I would be reading it soon! Watching Mr. Rogers was a special part of my day as a child, and as an adult with my children. His segments on how things are made… Continue reading Being Good Neighbors
Dale Shuffles Papers While I Buy Shoes
A Throwback Thursday just for you, from about six weeks after Dale came to live with us. If you don't know Dale's story, please see earlier Maggie and Dale posts, but it's safe to say that this old blind dog had a rough life before he was rescued... Mr. H. was working on medical filing.… Continue reading Dale Shuffles Papers While I Buy Shoes
The Nine
If you want to learn the history of the Supreme Court, I recommend The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin. It is neither a quick read, nor an easy read, but the process of reading it was both educational and extremely satisfying. I learned more American history than I had… Continue reading The Nine
Dale and Maggie and the Great Big Knock
It's "Throwback Thursday," so here's a trip back only about eight months ago, from notes in my doggie journal... By now, two and a half years after coming to live with us, Dale is a well-adjusted, happy blind dog, and Maggie puts up with him, most of the time. One night we walked before dinner,… Continue reading Dale and Maggie and the Great Big Knock
A Thoughtful Book…
I recently read Debbie Macomber’s new novel, Cottage by the Sea. I reserved this book at the library as soon as I saw it on the new book list. I had to wait a bit to get it, but it was worth the wait. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite writers, and this book… Continue reading A Thoughtful Book…
Another Reason Why I Grow Flowers with my Vegetables…
There's no doubt that the best tasting tomato or pepper is the one you pick out of your own back yard. Herbs from your own garden make food taste better than herbs from the grocery store. Some people, myself included, are mixing in flowers with their veggies. Why? Once a new gardener has grown tomatoes… Continue reading Another Reason Why I Grow Flowers with my Vegetables…
Dale Dog and the Roses
In 1794, the poet Robert Burns said his love was like a red, red rose. Dale agrees. Mr. H. and I are celebrating our anniversary this weekend, so I'll start with a story that happened the evening before our 31st Anniversary, less than a month after Dale had come to live with us. I was… Continue reading Dale Dog and the Roses
Labor Day Thanks
It's the first Monday in September, which has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1894, to celebrate American Workers. Before its creation, many workers worked 12-hour days, 7 days per week for basic living expenses, sometimes with children working in the factories also. Traditionally, Labor Day is a relaxed day to either… Continue reading Labor Day Thanks
Dale Explores the Pantry
This is another story from my dog journal. It happened a little over a month after we got our big blind dog Dale from Atlanta Lab Rescue. Mr. H. was out of town on 9/16/16, and daughter Lucy was still living at home. Maggie, our elderly "mini-lab," still reigned supreme, sleeping upstairs with us,… Continue reading Dale Explores the Pantry
Place-Setting Categorization…A FunBook Every College Girl Should Enjoy
Forks, Knives and Spoons, by Leah DeCesare is a great book for girls going off to college, and possibly enjoyable for young women in their 20s too. A mother-daughter book club would enjoy discussing about this book, especially if the mom attended college in the 80's, the time that the novel was set. The details… Continue reading Place-Setting Categorization…A FunBook Every College Girl Should Enjoy
Dale Goes to Jail… But He thinks He’s at Camp and Makes Some Art
Dale, the big blind Labrador, had been a naughty boy. Very naughty. The Dog Mom needed a break from Dale. So, Dale went to Jail. It wasn’t actually Jail. It was more like a three-week playdate with his dog-cousin Ivy, at our daughter Sarah’s house. “Dale goes to Jail” was a bit of a family… Continue reading Dale Goes to Jail… But He thinks He’s at Camp and Makes Some Art
Beach Reading? Nope…Texas Hill Country!
Right after school was out, I decided to bypass the electronic catalog and make a trip to my local library. Usually, I just reserve books on line, then run in to check them out when they come in, but this day, I enjoyed looking at the displays and finding a new book series for the… Continue reading Beach Reading? Nope…Texas Hill Country!
Dogs, Zucchini, and Getting Along! A Blast from the Past…
As I've been looking over the Dale and Maggie journal, I've been realizing how far we've come, from the huge blind dog who didn't know where he was, and was just learning our voices. He liked Maggie pretty quickly, although she wasn't too crazy about him at first. Here's a little blast from my journal… Continue reading Dogs, Zucchini, and Getting Along! A Blast from the Past…
Friends Before Furniture (every time!)
There's a furniture store chain with a new ad campaign which starts with a young couple standing in their dining room complaining, "We can't have our friends over with this outdated furniture!," although it's their turn to host. The ad follows with enticing deals and colorful photos of modern dining, living and bedroom furniture, then… Continue reading Friends Before Furniture (every time!)
Father’s Day Family Reunion
When I was a little girl, Father's Day was a wonderfully exciting day! As soon as church was over, the green wooden picnic basket packed with fried chicken or sliced ham, green bean casserole, potato salad, tiny pickles and many other good things to eat. When I was very small, big sister Janice would make… Continue reading Father’s Day Family Reunion
After Dinner Gardening and finding Hydrangeas
We enjoy the longer days of spring and summer with walks after dinner and sometimes, a little time in the backyard garden afterwards. To make it work, I start the prep work for dinner ahead of time: chopping vegetables, starting brown rice, thawing chicken or fish, and picking any herbs we might need. Once Mr.… Continue reading After Dinner Gardening and finding Hydrangeas
Thrift Shopping and… Finding New Favorite Books
Many of my friends know I enjoy shopping at Goodwill and other thrift stores around town. I donate plenty of things to them as well. Years ago, I had some qualms about shopping there—was I taking from the needy with my fun treasure hunts? I no longer feel that way—it’s like a great recycling center,… Continue reading Thrift Shopping and… Finding New Favorite Books
Roses and Mother’s Day Traditions
There are many celebrations of motherhood around the world, going back even thousands of years. In the United States, “Mother’s Day” was first celebrated in 1908 at St. Andrews Methodist church in West Virginia, by Anna Jarvis to honor her own mother, Anna R. Jarvis, who addressed public health issues, and cared for injured soldiers on… Continue reading Roses and Mother’s Day Traditions
Meeting my “Earth Day Deadline” with a little help…
It is always my goal to have the garden planted, or at least, mostly planted by Earth Day, April 22. My parents and grandparents always followed The Farmer's Almanac; perhaps this need to do so comes from their habits. When the weather cooperates with lots of sun and a bit of rain in between, we… Continue reading Meeting my “Earth Day Deadline” with a little help…
Dale Comes Home from the Vet
It was time for Dale’s annual exam. He got into the car as willingly as a big blind dog can, and wallowed around in the back seat area during the entire drive. I am glad the vet is not far away, as it is difficult to drive with a giant Labrador bumping the seat-back and… Continue reading Dale Comes Home from the Vet
Another Bend in the Road…
A few weeks before Easter, I heard it was happening again, another pair of friends are moving, not far, but about an hour, away. We shouldn't be too surprised. "Downsizing" after your kids graduate is common in our area, as is moving to a favorite vacation spot (miss you already, Beck and Mike!) or returning… Continue reading Another Bend in the Road…
Grandmother Irene and her Sewing Machine
The rocking treadle beneath Grandmother Irene's sewing machine was a fascinating place for a young granddaughter, perhaps especially because I knew she did not want me to sit or play on it. It was always cool, even in those July days before air conditioning came to ordinary homes in the South. Once upon a time,… Continue reading Grandmother Irene and her Sewing Machine
When the Adult Child comes home to cook a birthday dinner… moo
The dogs bark, and want all of her attention, "Woof! Yap! Lucy, you came to see me...did you bring me snacky snacks?" Dad, the honoree, who actually had the birthday a few weeks ago (this dinner is his gift), took them for a quick walk before cooking dinner. Lucy delivered the groceries earlier that morning,… Continue reading When the Adult Child comes home to cook a birthday dinner… moo
Mama’s Electric Skillet
Last week, a co-worker made Green Eggs and Ham, bringing cooking down to her students' eye-level by cooking it in her mom's old electric skillet, exclaiming to the other teachers afterwards how fun and easy the electric skillet was to use. Green Eggs and Ham is a popular dish for children in March, celebrating both… Continue reading Mama’s Electric Skillet
That Dale Dog is here to stay…The first month of Maggie and Dale
Maggie was not too sure about that big dog Dale. He was huge and he bumped into her. He bumped into the kitchen island too, and bumped his head on the big old coffee table, but he kept running into things. He also pretended to shake paw when a sensible dog just goes the door… Continue reading That Dale Dog is here to stay…The first month of Maggie and Dale
Maggie and Dale-Our Life with a Big Blind Dog and his older sister
After our daughter Sarah's wedding, we thought we would get another dog, not a puppy-a puppy was too much work, but we wanted a younger dog. Maggie, our “mini-lab” at only 43 pounds, was taking the stairs a little slower than she used to, as was expected at almost 14, (now 15 1/2!) she got… Continue reading Maggie and Dale-Our Life with a Big Blind Dog and his older sister
Surprise! Career Day Speaker at the last minute, an exercise in fun flexibility…
My daughter Sarah, a eighth-grade language arts teacher, is the organizer of Career Day at her middle school, the Friday before Winter Break, a fun day of learning for the kids. Every year, my family comes down to Statesboro to participate, daughter Lucy the hairstylist, siggershairdressers.com, and Dad the civil engineer discussing everything from traffic… Continue reading Surprise! Career Day Speaker at the last minute, an exercise in fun flexibility…
Hibbard House (full of Basil, Books & Labradors) 