-
A Cake Made with Love
In our family, we try to make birthdays somewhat special. Usually, a cake or a favorite dessert is made for the birthday person. The first year that I was married my husband, Art, made me a birthday cake. Now, he is not a cook or a baker so this was a very special effort on his part.
-
Trading Spaces
Having moved from a tri-level home to a larger two-story house was a bit of a challenge to get used to. You learn to live one way and then have to refigure a new environment. We had our family room on the lower level and grew to love that idea. -
The Day Feels Longer
There is a lot of controversy regarding whether to keep daylight savings time in effect.I love the time change in the spring giving us more daylight hours. I would love to see it kept that way all the time. I am not a morning person, so when it is light for a longer time I love it. I am notoriously late and one time when daylight savings time started in the spring I was going to church. I was going to be on time. Got to the parking lot and no one else was there. A friend of mine drove next to my car and just laughed. Daylight savings time had started the night before and I was one hour early. So this shows that I am not always late.
-
Medflight to Madison
I have always taken antibiotics for granted. I felt that an antibiotic was prescribed for different kinds of Illnesses, but didn’t really pay attention feeling that one would probably work for any kind of illness.Well, I was wrong.
I have had many UTIs in my life and took any antibiotic that I could get my hands on when I couldn’t see a doctor.
-
Orange Fuzz Isn’t Flattering
A funny story to some isn’t always so funny to the person involved. My husband was away on a fishing retreat. It was a Friday, I was bored and had decided I needed a change.
-
Keeping Things Equal
In my lifetime I have owned quite a few cars: mostly older models and a couple of really nice vehicles.When it came time to share the driving experience with the two daughters we had it was decided, as did everything else, to be on an equal basis.
-
Blind Date Success
I met my husband, Art, on a blind date. As it was told to me a friend that I had gone with had this friend named Art. He always spoke highly about him and said what a nice guy he was. Well, he wanted to go to the outdoor, needed a date for Art, and called one of my girlfriends to see if she could go. She couldn’t go, so guess what? He called me. Well, my Dad knew this friend, liked him, and thought he was the one asking me to go out to the outdoor. So, he said I could go. Now, I was only fifteen so this was a huge thing for me. I couldn’t believe he would let me go to the outdoor, in a car with boys, at such an early age.
-
Making Time
In a real perfect world, this is what I should do as a nighttime routine: First make sure the kitchen is clean, the dishwasher either full or emptied, the cupboards clear of stuff, and the dogs let out one last time for a potty break, lights turned off, doors locked, teeth brushed, nighttime pills are taken, help my husband with his drugs, CPAP machine, prayers, lights off. -
Needed to be Heard
Teachers have a great impact on your life. Unfortunately, I can remember only some negative incidents with teachers in my past. I feel this was unfortunate. I was shy for the most when I was younger especially while in a group. If a problem came up I never seemed to be able to stand up for myself.
-
Lessons Learned
Time has taught me to not take life for granted, and to make the most of each and every day. This is not an easy task, but I do try this exercise on a daily basis. -
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
I feel that in my life there appear to be so many unhappy people. There are so many bad things going on in the world around us and I am sure that contributes to a lot of concern and unhappiness for a lot of people. Now, on the other hand, I feel you can choose how you are going to handle your life. You can choose to be happy or sad. Having a positive or happy attitude can get you through just about anything. -
Creative Cancer
I really don’t pay much attention to my sign, but doing this exercise found it to be interesting. There are a couple of traits that I can identify with. One trait of the cancer is being nosey. I don’t consider this trait as being nosey at all, but am interested. I find people fascinating. I love to know their story, their interests, occupations, and the list goes on and on. This is how I get to know them and find other people primarily fun and interesting. -
Swimming With the Cool Kids
When I was a kid swimming was not of great importance to my family. I did get sent to swimming lessons which were held at the beach on the outskirts of Beaver Dam. We didn’t have a wonderful pool available to us, so this is where we went. I remember there being a lot of rain dates and cold weather. Consequently, I did not learn to swim for whatever reason. This would probably be the first item to accomplish on my bucket list at an early age. -
You Can’t March With a Piano
I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. From the time I was little, I thought this would be fun and something I would enjoy all my life. At my grandma’s house in Black Earth, she had a piano player. My dad would sit at it and play “The Wild Irish Rose” and The Old Rugged Cross”. I don’t remember having the opportunity to play this piano as we were kids and it was thought that we might break something or whatever. Probably our plunking would just annoy everyone. -
Seventy Ain’t So Bad
Have you ever reflected if you could be any age what would you pick? After pondering this thought I have not been able to totally make a decision on this subject. -
Simplifying is Boring and Overrated
How would I simplify my life?I always feel that it would be a benefit to my sanity to simplify my life. But, in reality, I don’t think I could handle or enjoy my chaotic life any other way.
-
A Blue Door in France
Traveling abroad was never on my bucket list. There are so many places in the U.S. that I have not seen. Then several years later I was asked to go to France with my oldest daughter’s mother-in-law. The timing was right, and it felt good to have something exciting to plan and look forward to. We took a Viking River Cruise in France.
-
From Decorating to Grandkids
For years I considered decorating my hobby. I love to plan and create beautiful rooms. I enjoy refinishing furniture. Antiquing can be regarded as a hobby. Nothing gets the old blood going better than entering an unexplored antique store. -
An Almost Near-Death Experience
Most everyone loves summer activities. One that was always on my bucket- list was river rafting. I had done this activity several times before, one being down the Colorado River. It was a glorious sunny, warm day. The falls were doable and we had a great time. As it turned out our guide was a girl we knew from Beaver Dam. It is a small world. -
Butterflies and Blue Santas
Does everybody have a favorite collection? As I was growing creating a collection seemed to be a way of getting a child to have something constructive to do. Today, of course, we know that most of our children don’t even think about collecting anything as they are too busy with their phones or video games. -
I’d Rather Be Camping
Through the years I have discovered that my absolute favorite outdoor activity is camping. I especially love tent camping unless, of course, it is raining. This can make it a little uncomfortable unless you are savvy about how to set your tent up to avoid leaking. -
Dad’s Favorite Word – NO
During my childhood, I don’t think the word Yes was even invented. My dad was a salesman during all of my growing-up years. He was the head of the household even though he was not home most of the time. This required any decision-making events to be put on hold upon his return from work. Now, you couldn’t just say “Hi Dad” and pop the question which would require a simple yes or no answer. No, you had to work with due diligence and with a lot of savvy on how to handle a man that didn’t know the word yes. -
Sleeping with the Bridesmaids
This story is on a hearsay basis. In other words, I wasn’t there, but have had this story told to me several times and I think it is pretty funny and is one of my favorites for this family. -
Black is Back
My childhood room was nothing too dynamic in my opinion; One problem was that it was never just “my” room. I always had to share with a sibling. It started out with me sharing my room with my older sister. That was interesting as she never wanted me to touch any of her things, much less her clothes (I did do a lot of sneaking her sweaters though!) I’m sure that was one reason I spent a lot of time in Judy’s, my younger sibling’s room. We had a lot of fun in her room playing and goofing around. This was something that I was never allowed to do in “my” room. Because it seemed that I was in Judy’s room so much my mom (I really think my older sister, Kathy, requested this), changed our bedrooms. So I now shared with Judy and Kathy had her own room. (still didn’t stop me from sharing her sweaters!!!) We actually physically changed rooms. Judy and I shared the larger room and Kathy had the smaller room which had been Judy’s to start with. -
Unexpected Mentor
Having worked in a law office for 56 years one would hope that I learned a lot. Actually, I worked for my current boss’s dad for twenty-three of those 56 years and learned an awful lot. Bruce was his name and he loved to teach. This was fortunate for me as I came to the office without a college degree, having just graduated from high school. I was the only secretary he had for a long time and while training me he was very good at teaching me why things had to be done a certain way and then how to accomplish this. He also gave me free rein once I had certain projects down pat. -
Bad Grandma
I always say that since I have become a grandma I seem to constantly be in trouble, or at least get blamed for some happening that the kids get me involved in.I have a rather rambunctious, curious grandson who has always kept everyone on their toes. He is sweet, fun-loving, and as I said, curious and adventuresome.
-
Expensive Taste
Reflecting on what my favorite family meal Is actually makes my mouth water. Well, since I don’t love or even like the preparation of any kind of meal I like to go out to eat. And when I go out to eat I love to consume lobster. Because of the cost, it certainly cannot be considered a family meal. Call me selfish, but even though I love lobster, not everyone in my family feels the same. It’s always better to dine with friends so as not to look to my family like I am overindulging!! -
Growing Pains
The day and year that I really grew up was definitely an important experience. One that I would have forgone forever. This was the day that my dad passed away. He was only sixty-two years old, died of a heart attack, and left his family reeling in shock and dismay. -
My #1 #2
Looking back at some real changes in my life would certainly include the birth of my two daughters. I am going to focus on the birth of my second child, who I teasingly call my #1 #2. (Get it – she’s my favorite 2nd child) See I try to make everything even outlining the importance of their being. -
To Know Me is to Love Me
Anyone who says being a kid or much less a teenager is fun has never been one. Well, my remembrance of being a teenager sort of makes me shudder. I was one of those kids that most parents would, at times, never want. I was rebellious, didn’t like the word “no”, hated restrictions, and liked to do anything at least once to see if it was worth doing again. -
Mom + Dad = Me
If I had to choose which parent I am most like I would say a very little of either, but am a lot like my paternal uncle. My dad was very social, loved speaking before groups, and was just really outgoing. I cannot identify with most of these traits as I am more reserved in large groups, hate public speaking, and am sort of outgoing. Now, on the other hand, my mother was definitely an introvert. She depended a lot on my dad for his social support. When he passed she had to work very hard to become more social and outgoing. I would say I sort of fit in the middle of these two parents. The most drastic difference between my dad and I was speaking in front of groups. I always say I would rather give birth than do any kind of public speaking.
-
Selling Pencils and Shoe Laces
A phrase often heard in our household when I was a kid was directed at the whole family, I guess. I had two sisters and we were given tasks to do. Anyway, my younger sister and I were given tasks to do. My older sister for some reason was exempt from this activity. It seems when responsibilities are given to children in households there are a lot of arguments and reasons not to participate. Well, my dad thought he had the answer to solve this problem. You see he would threaten all of us that “he was going to sell our house, we would have to live in an apartment, and he would have to stand on a corner selling pencils and shoe laces. This also came in handy to complain when he didn’t make a sale, as he was a salesman, and we would feel sorry for him. -
Small Gestures
Being thought of is a small gesture to make someone feel loved. A simple hello, preferably with a smile, can put a warm spot in my heart. -
It’s a Cluster
For some reason, I seem to be at the basis for all the Sidetracked Sisters’ memories of getting lost. Imagine that? One of my many experiences of getting lost was a complete cluster. -
More Than a Secretary
Would you believe that while growing up I wanted to be a housewife and mother? I lived in a wonderful place with a group of stay-at-home moms and housewives. They made this sound like such a fulfilling, relaxing, and happy life. This was in the fifties and women that I knew didn’t work out of the home. We lived in an Ozzie and Harriet atmosphere. -
Sunny Skies and Tornados
The only real natural event that I have ever been in was the tornado that touched down in Beaver Dam in the year 1980. It was always felt that we would never be subject to a tornado because of the lake effect. In searching for the data on this tornado I note that this evidently is misinformation as there were others mentioned, just not memorable to me. The tornado that I witnessed firsthand happened on April 7th, 1980. -
Rusty But Wonderful
I don’t remember that my first bike was an important item to the rest of the family as it was to me. You see, my older sister was a bookworm, not into physical activities such as bike riding. I, on the other hand, loved to be outside and really loved to ride bikes, scooters, and roller skates. In order for me to accomplish bike riding I actually had to go to a neighbor’s house who had adult children who left an old rusty bike in her garage. She graciously let me ride this bike almost on a daily basis. -
The Stress of Kindergarten
I remember several childhood grade school memories, so, where to start?The first one I recall was I was in kindergarten, it was Armistice Day, and of course, I had no idea what that meant. I went to Wilson School and had just recently moved to the north end of town. This meant I had to take a bus from school to home.
-
My Mom – My Everything
My parents, especially my mom was a very special person in my life. She took care of my kids when I went to work after giving birth to my firstborn and also when number 2 came along. This was at a time when she was also caring for my oldest sister who was suffering with MS. she became a widow at the young age of 55. By that time my sister had passed. She made it possible for me to work enabling my family to acquire and achieve our dreams which would not have been possible without her help. -
Constant Worrier
Everyone says that I am a constant worrier. To be honest I think I worry so much that I don’t even realize that I am worrying. It is my way of life. I do have a lot of people that seem to need me to take care of them. (I’m just kidding actually.) I read somewhere that worrying is a total waste of time and energy. I do realize this but just can’t seem to let my worrying go. -
A Grandparent’s Perspective
Having grown up in a household of girls, and having two daughters of my own, I am probably not the best judge of the difference between raising girls versus boys. But, then the unexpected happened!! I became the grandma to two girls and FOUR BOYS. Now we can compare. -
Work With What You Have
From an early age, I have loved houses. I feel every house has a possibility. I do get sort of frustrated with the HDTV shows where they take a house, tear out fireplaces, knock down walls, and completely change the floor plans. I, myself, like to look at a house, work with for the most part what it has, update it, and make decorating changes to make it functional and beautiful. Not everyone has the money to practically tear up the whole house and begin from scratch. It is a lovely idea, but not probable or practical. -
I Love My Stripper
When I was little a new pair of pajamas was a wonderful treat. We usually got a pair for every Christmas and were always looked for in anticipation. The ones I am referring to are the soft, cuddly, fresh PJs. I never wanted to have them washed because then they would not be so soft and the cuddliness would go away. So, trying to keep them out of the wash was the key. -
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
When I was in high school and when I got married I weighed 98 pounds. I was always a skinny kid and the word diet never came flowing off of my lips. Who could ever restrict their eating habits? This was a foreign subject to me. Actually, when I was in middle school I had my mom take me to the doctor to see why I was so thin. He prescribed some pills but assured me that someday I would wish I was this thin. I think the pills were a placebo and didn’t do a thing. So, I continued to be skinny. -
I Blame My Dad
When I was in school my family exercised horrible sleeping patterns and habits. My dad was a salesman and because he came home late we would eat after 7:30 p.m. when his mail had to be sent out. This created the schedule for things such as homework being done after dinner going later into the night. I don’t remember being motivated very often to start homework right after school. Why ruin that wonderful free time? -
Big Snow
Snow memories are so different than things are today. First of all, we actually had a lot of snow, not the one to two inches we have lately. Even this closes schools, businesses, you name it, for being bad weather, it is nothing like we used to have. -
Decorating Hiatus
I love Christmas decorations. If I could do nothing else it would be to decorate for Christmas. I love trying to come up with different ideas for decorating from year to year.It’s at this time of the year that I would love an all-white house so that I could experiment with different colors and different themes. Now, I do believe less is more, and can’t stand big artificial plastic guys. I like pretty, sparkly, shiny, decorations placed strategically around to accent those empty spaces.
-
Trees from Santa
One of my favorite holiday traditions was when I was probably about ten, which would make my younger sister, Judy, about five years old. -
Once is Enough
Everyone seems to have a favorite Christmas movie that they love to watch over and over during the holiday season. I don’t. First of all, I hate to watch movies more than twice. If I were to sit through a movie that I have seen before I get really bored and just can’t continue watching it. There are a few exceptions like “Because I said so”, The Wedding Date” and a couple more. But they have also reached their expiration date to me at this time. -
Holiday Hysteria
I have a very special holiday memory. This was a dinner concert that our church sponsored. It was held at the Green Lake Conference Center. The halls were decorated beautifully for the holidays with little twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and poinsettias. There was a guitarist who performed for the evening. He had special effects that accompanied him and our children’s church choir joined in singing the chorus for a favorite Christmas song, “Go Tell It On The Mountain”. This made it so much fun and the music was phenomenal. My youngest daughter, myself, and my youngest granddaughter, Aubrey, attended. My other granddaughter, Jessica, was one of the performers. Aubrey literally danced the night away. She was probably four at the time, loves music, and especially loves to dance. She had a ball. We have the cd of this performance and it is called her “Boom Boom” tape which is often played in full force at Christmas time or whenever the mood strikes us. This was such a fun way to start off the holidays for us. -
The Go-To Kid
When I was young and living at home I was required to do a great number of chores around the house.I have two siblings, one four years older than me and one five years younger than me. It seemed that I was always the right candidate to impose most jobs onto.
-
My Wandering Mind
I have this habit of not focusing. This results in not listening or reading instructions and I would like to correct this habit. Have you ever tried to sew an evening dress or skirt without reading the directions? Well, I have done this and I must say it does work out, but not without a few problems that could have been eliminated had I read the instructions.
-
Middle Child Syndrome
Sandy and Kathy I was the second born in a family of three girls. This, of course, made me the dreaded “middle child”. From experience and observing other families I can say the problems of the middle child seem to be true.
The first child in our family was my sister, Kathy. She was born four years before me. She was the first child, grandchild, and niece. She seemed to be the favorite of everyone from my standpoint. Then I came along. I was told that since my parents already had a girl it would have been nice to have a boy. Oh well, it didn’t turn out that way, but they adjusted. I remember our home life being normal and pleasant. My dad was in the service and I was two days old when he was deployed. So, having no males around I didn’t like them very much. I have been told that later in life I made up for that! Whatever that means!!! Then it happened, another girl was born into our family five years later. This now made me a middle child.
-
Just One More Chapter
I am an expert at procrastination. I always have good intentions and look forward to accomplishing great things such as getting ready for holidays, special occasions, and just regular household activities. But, I tend to find just about anything else to do instead of what I am supposed to do. Yup, this is called procrastination. -
The Smarties Choice
Halloween is fast approaching and a surplus of Halloween candy is appearing in all the stores. How to make a decision about what to purchase for those hungry goblins, ghosts, and scary witches is always a challenge. Well, as most of us over the years have come to realize, we all have our favorites. I happen to love candy corn. I see it on the store shelf and my mouth drools. Unfortunately, after I give in and purchase said candy corn I usually overindulge and manage to get an upset stomach. This, of course, takes the joy out of this selection of candy. -
Sports on a Limited Basis
To say I am not actually a sports fan is an understatement. I think this happened when I was very young. My Dad was an avid sports fan and on his off time from working, he enjoyed watching them on tv or listening to them on the radio. He was not a physical participant, but a chair-side enthusiast. He would actually sit in his recliner watching some type of sport on tv and have another sport plugged into his ear from the radio. I hated Sundays because that was when sports were constantly on our tv. My friends would be going to picnics, to their family cabins, visiting friends and relatives, and just enjoying life. We, on the other hand, were sitting at home because dad had to watch his sporting event. He even had to watch sports when we would visit relatives. I suppose visiting friends was limited to when there were no sports on tv. Like that ever happened! As an adult when I hear the usual sounds of sports on tv I just cringe. I try to share what event is on, but if the sun is shining I am out of there. -
Still Searching
I am 78 years old and to this day, I have not found the hairstyle that I really like. Sad, isn’t it? I have probably run out of time, but I keep going forward trying new styles and for some reason, I end up with pretty much the same one. It might be a bit shorter, or longer, but it generally always seems to end up looking pretty much the same. -
A Put Together Woman
I have come to the conclusion that makeup is entirely overrated. Just think about the money and time we spend on this really unnecessary act of thinking we look better being made up. I remember when I was dating my husband years ago he said to me that he liked it when I didn’t have so much makeup on. Well, I was never one to wake up with that glamorous glow that the movie stars mostly have. Even when they are coming out of a coma, notice how they still have lipstick on. I can’t even keep mine on for more than five minutes before it is licked or chewed off.
-
Love of Springers
The love of a dog is a beautiful thingI’ve had many and they are so special in their own way.
One never replaces the other,
But fills the days with love and endless days of play
-
Lazy Summer Days
I enjoyed being a kid. I was adventurous and loved to explore new things. One of my favorite things I remember as a kid was the lazy summer days. In my day we didn’t have all the activities that kids today seem to be involved in. My summers were my favorite time of the year. It meant jumping out of bed, pulling on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, grabbing a bowl of fresh raspberries from the garden, and on to my friend’s house. -
Not Hard To Find
Home on MacArthur Drive The first time I left home was the first and the last. I graduated from high school in 1962, worked as a secretary for the Superintendent of Schools prior to graduation, and upon graduation, then in August of that year, I went to work for the next fifty-six years at the law office. I got engaged while a senior in high school and waited one year to regroup and got married in the summer of 1963.
-
Strolling Thru My 30s
Reflecting back, my thirties were very busy and challenging, but all in all, good years. There were a few bumps in the road, such as job changes, purchasing a different home, and a miscarriage. My husband and I each had good jobs, we were both happy and healthy. We were parents of two girls ages five and 10 who were also happy and healthy. -
From Crickets to Waves
Favorite sounds. There are actually lots of them. Life is full of so many different kinds of sound. I can think of many that are not so pleasant such as a baby crying, car tires screeching, arguing and the list goes on. -
Cool Grandmas
Grandmas are so very special. I had two extremely different grandmas in regards to their personalities, styles, religion, and just about everything. -
Creamed Chicken
My mom made the most fabulous chicken recipe. Unfortunately, after she passed it seems to have gone with her. I would ask for this delicacy often and found it to be absolutely delicious. It was what she called creamy chicken. Not such an original name, but it was incredible tasting. It was, of course, with chicken cut up not in small pieces, she used condensed milk and the drippings from the chicken. This is what Legacy writing is all about. See I might have had this recipe had I had the opportunity to ask her about this and have it in writing. This is all I really can tell of this recipe. I have searched in her recipe box and it just has not shown up. Once when I was pregnant with my first child I actually had three helpings of this delicacy. That was the last time I had the luxury of this dish. After that, she tried to use substitutes like chicken soup or whatever, but it just wasn’t the same. I am still searching. -
The Call of the Wolf
My spirit animal is the WolfHaving taken a test to find out what my spirit animal is I was surprised to see it is the wolf. It is stated that these animals are actually very social, family-oriented, and good at communicating with each other. With the use of body movement, touch, eye contact, and vocal sounds, they engage with other wolves constantly.
-
Happy, Healthy and Successful
If I had three wishes:
My first wish would be that as I always say when I wish on a star, birthday cake candle, or whatever it is that needs a wish is that my family and friends would all be happy, healthy, and successful.
-
Leaving the Party Early
**This is a writing. It is not real.**It is with great sadness that at the ripe old age of 105 Sandy Rettschlag had to leave the party early.
Sandy couldn’t imagine life without her, and now she will find out how sad it is going to be. She always said she wanted to stick around and see how it all turns out.
-
Never Quite Enough
I have always wanted to be good, not necessarily the best, but just good at whatever I did. This especially was the case when I would participate in team sports. One of my fears as a child was when being chosen to play games and teams were needed I would never be chosen as one of the first few. This left me feeling bad that I didn’t have the ability or the reputation to be either the most popular or the best at a sport. Consequently, I always shied away from playing team sports. -
Scared Shitless
I have done a lot of babysitting in my life. I was never scared or terrified while babysitting or of the dark, until I saw the movie “The Babysitter”. -
For All the Right Reasons
I am supposed to write about decisions in my past that I would change. To be honest I feel that I have in reality made mostly the right decisions for myself.
-
Careful Driver?
Fortunately, I have been in only one really nasty car crash. I was seventeen, in the car with my boyfriend, now husband, and another couple that was in the backseat. We were at the outdoor theatre on a rather chilly summer night. My date and I were having a dispute so I was sitting where I was supposed to be, by the window on the passenger’s side of the car. -
Too Little, Too Late
What is happening? To my body that is!! When I was a young teenager I was really skinny. I even went to the doctor to find out why I wasn’t gaining weight. He prescribed some pills. They were probably sugar pills for all I know, but they didn’t work. -
My Dad – My Rock
My dad was my rock. To say I always saw eye to eye with my dad, especially in my teenage days, was an overstatement! We often would butt heads as I was a rather rebellious teenager and didn’t like his rules and restrictions, but I always found him to be the very foundation of my life. -
59 Years and Counting
We got married quite young. I was engaged as a senior in high school. My fiancé at the time, now my husband of 59 years, was two years older than me. We had dated on and off since I was 15. Unbelievable. They said it would never last. -
Drunk on the Beach
Self-care is actually a way of life for me. I tend to do the things I like even when there are many things on my agenda that I put off as I don’t enjoy them. So, while looking over the list of topics that I have written down that is my self-care I feel that I mostly do self-care on a regular basis. -
There Is Only One Me!
Three words that best describe me are snarky, persistent, and creative:
Snarky
I love to be snarky. Actually, it comes quite naturally. One of my favorite characters that I identify with is the cartoon character “Maxine”. She reminds me of how I think most of the time. Mix in a little more empathy and that is me. I am not a flowery speaking type of person. -
Lost Souls in Frames
It is hard to focus on just one of my greatest fears. It seems I have several. But to minimize them here is the first one: I am, and have been terrified of being in an auto accident and dying from the result. This has gone on for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I would actually decline going out of town, especially when my husband was driving, as I was terrified of getting killed in an auto accident. I overcame it for a while, but I must say I think being more aware of my mortality at this time, it has come back to haunt me. -
Too Much Money?
To me, money is a “means to an end. It definitely tends to rule the world. It seems everything is about having money, earning money, wanting money, or not having enough money. Can you ever have enough money? It seems not so. -
I Need a New Bucket
It is now called a bucket list, I called it dreams, goals, and accomplishments.I have lots of dreams, never really considered them on a bucket list, but I guess they really were.
-
Untangling From Toxic Friends
All relationships are challenging.When kids are very little it seems that having and making friends just go with the flow. As you get older things get a bit more complicated.
-
Words of Wisdom x 4
I am not one to take advice, but throughout my life, I have actually been given some good pieces of wisdom and I actually took them.
One of the most memorable pieces of advice I was given was from my Dad. I was a teenager and having trouble with my boyfriend, now husband. We were on the phone and I anticipated him cheating on me. -
Two Halves Make a Whole
The same or different. I have two girls, or I should say my husband and I have two girls. If you split me in half, you would have each girl, making one complete person, me. -
Cow Pies for Easter
Easter – So many traditions, so many memories, and the anticipation for the beginning of warm weather… -
And Then There Was Oliver
When I was living at home we had a variety of pets. This included dogs, turtles, fish, chameleons, frogs, hamsters, and birds. -
The Queen, The Princess and The Frog
To say having siblings is interesting, wonderful, and memorable is, to sum up, my life with two siblings. Our family consisted of three girls. Kathy was the oldest, I was the middle child and Judy is my younger sister. We are four and five years apart. -
The Day It All Began
It was just six days before Christmas. I was eight months pregnant, it was the holidays. A lot of the presents were not yet purchased or wrapped, to say the least. The Christmas tree was up but not trimmed. More importantly, the nursery was a skeleton of what it was supposed to be. After all, we had a whole month to go before our little cherub would be born. -
Who Could Possibly Eat Liver?
When I lived at home I was subjected to the most interesting meals. You see, my dad was at one time a meat salesman. He would bring home items of meat (I think they could be classified as meat) and my mom would create a meal out of them.
-
One Pink Shoe, One Green
To say I love clothes and shoes is an understatement. I actually somehow have two full, down from three closets, full of clothes. One of my closets actually has nothing but jackets which I never wear since I am now retired. I also have a surplus of skirts that I haven’t worn even one for over one year. When I go into a store I never try them on there as I hate to try on clothes. This does result in a few returns along the way, but it is what it is. I have to be comfortable or I will never wear the outfit again. -
One Way to Learn to Drive!
One way to learn to drive is just, “Do it”. What I mean by that is the following:
1957 Plymouth I was fifteen, not even old enough to have a driver’s license. If you can remember way back to 1959 or so, I was sitting close to my boyfriend, now husband, a/k/a Art. You see, in those days there was no consul to separate the seats. We were in the country, him driving with his arm around my shoulders, and me, of course, snuggling up close to him, as was the usual position for a boyfriend and girlfriend. He was handling the gas, I was to handle the steering.
-
Cream Carpet vs Red Jello
Has anyone had a problem or a mishap that felt like an impossible problem when it came to cleaning of any kind? Well, I did. -
Home is Where the Heart is
Our First Home As a teenager, I always said, “When I am eighteen I am out of here.” Well, guess what, out of my family I am the only one that has never left. I have lived in the same town my whole life, have moved only four times, and owned two homes (not including vacation properties). I moved from my childhood home to an apartment when married, then from there to a new tri-level, and then to a two-story which I am still residing in.
-
Uncle in the Attic? I Had an Aunt in the Garden
One family member that I feel kind of gets overlooked is my Aunt Joan. She is the wife of a very, very, very interesting part of our family, my Uncle Lloyd. He is my father’s brother and we spent a lot of time with this family in Madison, WI. He was quite the guy, let’s say eccentric. His wife, Joan, had to be a saint to put up with him. He was loved unconditionally by most of his family. -
Memorable First Kiss?
Who remembers their first kiss? The one that I remember was rather odd. It took place when I believe I was approximately seven or eight. A bunch of my neighborhood friends were all hanging out in my front yard. We were looking for something fun to do when someone suggested that we play a kissing game. Well, it took a dare for one of the boys to kiss me. I shall keep the name of this boy anonymous as he is still alive and might not appreciate having his identity exposed. I didn’t find this exactly exciting although I do remember it, so that must mean something. -
Sandy and Her “Formative Years”
Who am I? I am a middle child of three. I grew up in a middle-class family, and have lived in the same town all my life. What I have been told, and what I remember is that I was a rather curious, spunky, and mischievous child. I don’t remember ever being bored with life during my very young years. I was always out there looking for fun and excitement much to my parent’s dismay.
One of my first memories was when I was about four or five, we lived in the upstairs of an apartment house close to downtown. My mom had to go to the basement to do laundry. The other tenant’s son who lived downstairs from us had rabbits which he kept in the basement. Well, you got it, they stunk. My mom would complain to me because I was usually with her as not to get into trouble, and she would complain that she didn’t appreciate those rabbits being down there. So, being the cooperative child that I was, when no one was around I went down to the basement and let them all out. I don’t remember how many there were, but it seemed to be excessive. I must have had a reputation because while sitting on the steps out front of the house with one of my friends, the owner of the rabbits, sought me out and scared the crap out of me. For some reason, he just knew that I had to be responsible for this. Imagine that.
-
What’s So Special About a Silly Apron?
Did you know that there is a day dedicated to “aprons” (November 24th)? I couldn’t help but reflect back on a very special apron that I have. I really don’t usually wear an apron, but way back in the day–like 1961–I was going with a guy (he is amazingly, still, my husband today) that had a surprising skill that changed the way I will forever view the humble apron.
-
Fall Gardening…NOT for the Faint of Heart
As previously mentioned in this prior post, I love, love, LOVE to garden! But not all seasons are appreciated equally. You see, I have a problem with fall gardening.
I have a very large perennial garden and after all the thought and work I’ve put into it, the end is so sad. In Wisconsin, we call it “fall”.
So many people love the changing colors of the trees and bushes. But why does no one but me notice our dying gardens? Arghhhh. I look out at my backyard and see brown ferns, the leftover stems from phlox, and weeds that were previously hidden. Don’t even get me going on the holes from when my grand dogs visited.
Here are some sanity strategies that I’ve come up with (instead of just mowing everything down and planting grass seed).
-
Are Grandparents Obsolete?
Women over fifty (and of course, men also), are all so excited with the prospect of being grandparents. I go along with this as it gives us a second chance, or tries to make up for some of the mistakes that we made with our children. Most of us were probably young and did the best we thought we could, but as our children will most often advise us we often screwed up at some point. -
Gray or Nay?!
I have been dying my hair since, I don’t know, about fifteen (I think). It feels like I HAVE always colored my hair and WILL always color my hair. However, it seems like I have been fighting with my daughter, Lisa, for years about the whole concept of “going gray”. She fears that I am continuing this procedure way past the time it is cool or attractive for me. I believe she SHOULD continue to dye her hair.
The question is, when is the proper time to just let it go gray? (Hopefully, when I say gray I mean a wonderful shade of white/silver-gray that complements my features, brings out the green in my eyes, gives me perky breasts, makes me look 10 pounds lighter, lengthens my legs …)
-
Faith
Where do you do church?
How should a church look?
These seem to be two very controversial questions lately. Especially after COVID, where we have all been confined to our homes, apartments, (or wherever we might have the fortune or misfortune to find ourselves)…spiritual practice rules are up for debate.