For thirty-five years, I’ve been the keeper of many items representative of my family’s history. I’ve reached the time I want to move more of it along, simply because I want the space, but my 'old soul' is kicking in. Let me explain: Practical Pam: You seem troubled no one wants your stuff? Pathetically Sentimental Pam: It’s family history. Practical Pam: It no longer has value. When’s the last time you’ve even looked at any of it? Pathetically Sentimental Pam: But once it leaves the Continue Reading
But it’s a dry heat…
How many times have we been told “but it’s a dry heat” when we’ve heard about the triple digit temperatures of the desert southwest? As if that's supposed to make it less hot. But is it true? My friend Kathy and I have just returned from an eight day visit to Tucson, Arizona and during that time, they set a record high of 111 for the day after we got there, set a record for most number of days over 100 degrees, and welcomed the monsoon season that brought flash floods and gale-force Continue Reading
Tales From My Closet or The Day I Lost My Knees
If it’s summer, it’s closet inventory time for me. Once again, I’m amazed at what I discovered. Raise your hand if you have items in your closet that have no business being there. Keep your hand raised if you can shake your head and ask “what was I thinking?” This little trip in self-discovery started when I recently shopped for a pair of sport sandals. (I have always called these tendals – part tennis shoe, part sandal.) As I was contemplating the purchase, the sales kid reminded me Continue Reading
My Trip Home to Wisconsin’s Driftless Area
If Wisconsin is a pot roast, Vernon County and Viroqua, it’s government center, are the tasty little nuggets stuck to the bottom of the pan. If you’re willing to get off the freeway and adventure a bit, you’ll realize the richness and flavor it adds to the state. I know that's a reference not everyone will know, but if you grew up in Wisconsin, you ate pot roast! Bucolic views of rolling farmland. The clippity-clop of a horse pulling an Amish buggy. Fresh, white, au naturel cheese, not Continue Reading