• Family - Parenting

    The Family is Under Attack

    The school board in my town met, and the community was invited. The federal government—specifically the Office of Civil Rights— has demanded that a transgender student be given full access to female locker rooms and restrooms. The meeting place, a high school cafeteria,  was packed.  Seats      extended to…

  • Family

    First Snowfall

    Friday night we had our first snowfall and by Saturday evening up to a foot of snow had fallen in some areas.  We had a family event,          celebrating our son-in-law’s 50th birthday. The roads were open but snow packed and icy in places. The scene was…

  • Faith - Family

    Thanksgiving and Ancient Questions

      As Thanksgiving approaches, I am aware of so many things to be thankful for—family, church, blogging community and home. On Thanksgiving my husband and I will have one of our daughters and her family, our son and his wife, at our home.  I have ideas for   activities for…

  • Faith - Family

    Country Road with Unknown Destination

    When I visit my sister in Michigan, we frequently have an adventure. Last weekend we had both driven to a community college event. When we left the event her car wouldn’t start. So we hooked up jumper cables from my car to her car, and after a half hour her car…

  • Faith - Family - Gardening

    Hope in Chicago and at Home

    For Chicago baseball fans, the Cubs are symbolic of hope. The excitement over the National league playoffs was vibrant this fall. Then four straight losses to the Mets.  Once again the refrain is wait till next year. In my garden I have many opportunities for hope. I have been  …

  • Childbirth - Family

    Birthdays!

    Autumn is a season of birthdays. My granddaughters, plus one       daughter and one daughter-in-love all have a birthday in September, October or November. I was blessed in being able to attend the birth of each granddaughter—one at home and the rest in the hospital. To watch each…

  • Breastfeeding - Family - Health - Parenting

    Successful Breastfeeding

    As a mom I breastfed my babies–learning more with each child. As nurse and grandma I have had experience in helping new moms to establish breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has many health benefits, but sometimes there are hurdles to get over. I have collected some articles that address problems and best practices.…

  • Family - Health

    Herbal Home Health Care

    This summer my husband and I were in a bulk food store. He wandered around while I chose whole grain flour, spices and coconut oil. He brought a book to me and said, “I think you would like this.” The title of the book is Be Your Own “Doctor” An…

  • Family

    Pilgrim’s Inn: Book Review

    When I picked up the book, Pilgrim’s Inn: The Herb of Grace, at a resale shop I didn’t realize that it is the second book in a series about the Eliot family. Elizabeth Goudge wrote a trilogy; the first book is The Bird in the Tree and the third book…