I started my life as a fish at age 3. My early exposure to the aquatic world came because of the family heritage of fear, which my mother did not want to pass along to her own children. The only thing I remember about swimming lessons is sitting on the side of the pool and … Continue reading Life as a Fish

I am sitting on my screened porch this morning. It is chilly and gray but I still love to listen to the rain despite the fact my hands are freezing off as I type. No worries. I have a steaming cup of hot chocolate close by for finger warming breaks as needed, flannel pjs, a … Continue reading The Rain

1. I am chauffeured by my kids. Bonding time. 2. I found out I am not the only one who can clean the house, or do the laundry, or collect, load or unload the dishes. Who knew these kids have been watching all these years? 3. I am getting better at driving the slow little … Continue reading The Bright Side

Last spring I hurt my knee at work while standing in a chair at work. I tried for weeks to avoid surgery, but ended up with surgery in July. They found more than they expected (surprise, surprise) so it has not gotten better like it was supposed to. For months now I have been doing … Continue reading Dominos and Knee Saga

I bought fireworks the other day. They are for our annual New Year’s Eve party. We don’t usually have fireworks, but this year it is a combination New Year’s Eve and 5 year Cancer Free party. It is a celebration of life and you are all invited. Drop in and out as needed. Bring a … Continue reading Open Hands

Back in the day, Bill worked for a man named Dan Biggers. He was the director of the Museum and Oak Hill, and a longtime fixture at Berry. He was kind, funny, and felt like a friend more than a boss. He was the one who cleared the way to have my bridal portraits taken … Continue reading Mentor

Two years ago the week after Thanksgiving, my co-worker and I were discussing setting up a Christmas tree in the classroom we share. Our discussion went something like this. Mary: “When are we going to put up the tree?” Me: “Are you crazy?! Put up a Christmas tree for two weeks? Do you know how … Continue reading Perspective

Has anyone else noticed that Thanksgiving comes around faster and faster each year? While most businesses skip right from Halloween to Christmas, I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is in the fall, my favorite season and it is about family, my favorite people. I have been anticipating having all four kids home … Continue reading Thanksgiving

22 years ago today, I was in a hospital thinking I was going to die. In fact, I told Bill as I grabbed him by the collar, “When I die, and I am going to, I want you to sue this hospital for everything they’ve got.” What can I say? A woman in labor pain … Continue reading 22 years ago

It is a mountain. You can see it from pretty much everywhere around here because of it’s distinctive shape. It’s Cleveland’s version of the Big Chicken. You can also pick it out when you stand on the top of surrounding mountains. It is a landmark. Climbers know it, and have been climbing it for years. … Continue reading Yonah