Last week, my husband John and I visited Rowe Sanctuary to watch the cranes. We knew it was early in the season, but John had a meeting as chair for the Spring Creek Prairie Stewardship Board. It was great timing for all of the events. Our Most Memorable Moments...
Hobbies
Stepping In to Make a Wedding Perfect
When I was principal at Lincoln Northstar High School, I was blessed to have so many refugee and immigrant students. I loved hearing their stories and helping their families navigate the United States. But one student—a 15-year-old born in Togo, Africa—became my...
Seamstress Not for Hire
There was a time when I could sew. There was a time when my sewing machine worked and not in need of repairs. There was a time when I had time…. No wait, I’m retired and have all the time in the world. I remember making our daughters clothes from actual patterns. I...
Finding Joy in Cooking
I find joy in many aspects of my life. However, at the beginning of December, I was DONE. I was done finding joy. The joy in cooking, that is. I LOATHE cooking. Who in the world should expect a healthy meal for lunch, supper and breakfast, anyways? I hate recipes that...
Starting a Business During the Pandemic
This past year and a half has been interesting. Vaccinations have changed life dramatically. Being able to hug my grandkids with more gusto, probably much to their chagrin, since everyone has received their shots. Seeing book club friends for the first time in years...
Encouraging Your Child to Pursue Their Passions
Being a parent is amazing. It's hard. It's challenging. It's tiring. It's scary. It's rewarding. The list could actually never end. For me, one of the most rewarding moments as a parent is watching our kids pursue their passions. Maybe it's the career and technical...
Let’s Play an Instrument
I played sports growing up. I never showed any interest in learning to play an instrument, maybe it’s because my brother “played” the saxophone for less than a year. So, I wasn’t sure what to say when my fourth grader said, “I want to play the violin.” I forced a...
COVID-19 Baking Challenge
Let me start with this: I am not the cook of our house. During holidays, no one ever asks me to make the family favorite, and I'm OK with that. I have other skills—some yet to be discovered. I just need to keep busy. Busy, that is, as long as there isn't a good movie...
ATVs – Before You Ride, Make Sure You Have Safety on Your Side
Summer and the sun is finally here. Many are taking this opportunity to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities. One activity that is growing in popularity is the use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). It has become very popular with agriculture, farming and...
Can’t Tap My Way Out of This
The world feels like it has stood still. Am I in Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day asking the questions, What day is it? What time is it? What’s to eat? Do I shower today or is that tomorrow?
Do Sequels Improve on the Originals?
Recently, I took one of my three granddaughters to see the newest Star Wars movie. I had seen the first three installments to the series, but had missed the past two or three. I enjoyed the movies I had seen in the past, and she assured me this one would be great as...
Blow Us All Away
It's no secret that the Broadway show Hamilton played in Omaha during September. I first became interested in the show when it won every Tony Award in 2016. My enthusiasm grew even more when a graduate of Lincoln North Star had a role in the Hamilton touring company...
Succulents Suck
This summer, we had a granddaughter working at one of those pop-up green houses. Her location was near one of the Super Savers in town.I bought a flat of marigolds and planted them early. She was a great help in picking out the color and size of the plants. Not to...
Life Is Full of Puzzles
The other week I went to Omaha to visit my sister, her husband and our foreign exchange student visiting from Norway. Bjorg stayed with us during the '62-'63 school year. Although we've seen each other about every seven years, all of us understand those transatlantic...
Educating My Grandkids Through Sewing
My entire life has had both teaching and learning aspects in it. My mom was a Normal School teacher in a one room school house in Saline County. She taught at Crete Public Schools while getting her bachelors degree. She was a great role model. Although I didn't...
Ways to Make Summer Reading Not Feel Like Homework
Ah, summer—the sun is hot, school is out, energy is high, and let's face it, for parents this can be a challenging time. Not only does your routine change, but it’s also difficult to keep your kids reading.Does “summer school work” sound like a chore to your kids?...
My Husband’s “Me” Time
My husband’s job includes weird hours - some nights, weekends and overnight trips. Recently, he started a night class for graduate school. When he isn't at work or school, he uses about 50% of that time for himself (i.e., playing sports). I know it's important for him...
Reading Michelle Obama’s “Becoming”
I love to read. Since retiring, I joined two book clubs and thoroughly love both. I find myself reading novels I didn’t even know existed and enjoy the challenge of learning and living within each book.
It’s Little Women!
Recently, I took my granddaughters to the movie, Ocean's 8. Our grandson had a baseball game, and it was his loss, both figuratively and literally. However, during the credits I was surprised when a familiar movie and novel appeared, Little Women. Queue a grandma’s...
Dandelion Crowns for the Grandkids
One of my summer jobs is to keep the weeds in check. I do my best to patrol the yard, our raised garden and an area between a couple of houses that I call the “no person’s land”. I’ve discovered that if I patrol at least twice a week, I can keep on top of the task—heaven forbid we go on a two-week vacation.
Seeing “Kinky Boots” with My Granddaughter
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a touring Broadway performance of Kinky Boots at the Lied Center. I was accompanied by one of my daughters and granddaughters.
Grandma’s Book Club Blunder
I participate in two book clubs, each one very unique with members providing different perspectives due to the diverse membership. I love the challenges these book clubs give me. Reading books I would not pick up on my own and participating in the discussions are amazing experiences.
The Volleyball “Fatheads”
The other day, I received a quick text from Granddaughter #2. “Remember those fatheads from last year’s state volleyball tournament?” My first thought was, “Is she calling me a fathead?”
Pickleball Lessons from My Granddaughter
Our granddaughter stopped by after school the other day. I asked her how her classes were going, and of course, she said “Fine.” I followed up by asking which class was her favorite. And that’s how I learned pickleball…
My Experience with the 2017 Solar Eclipse
I started getting excited about the 2017 eclipse at the beginning of the year. I knew it was coming, I knew it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I knew I wanted a party.
Grandma’s Day Out at the Movies
On a recent Saturday morning, John was golfing, and I was not. The grandkids were busy, and I was not. I was bored and went through the different options I had. After some consideration, I decided to walk to the neighborhood theater and take in a movie.
My Little Free Library
This year, I got a tremendous surprise. I opened a small gift bag and the card said my birthday gift was outside the garage. I went out the door and saw a big red wooden box labeled “Little Free Library.”
Grandma’s Movie Theater
I love sharing and watching a movie with the grandkids. Some of the time, the grandkids are thrilled. Other times, they wondered what planet I just came from.
24 Ears of Corn, 1 Grandson, and a Happy Grandma
I always love the fall season. The smells of burning wood in the fire pit. The sounds coming from the high school marching band. The tastes of apples and sweet corn always bring back lots of childhood memories.
Music: A Bridge Between Generations
I still love to sing along to the radio while driving. I’ll sing country western, rock and even modern hits on KFRX. I’m still drawn to modern music — although rap is a tough genre for me.
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