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Still Flapping in the Wind

Over the past 12 months, we have gone through three American flags. The winds around these parts have taken their toll on Old Glory. To try and save each flag from too much wear and tear, we have moved the flag pole down a few notches. The flag pole was one of the few must-haves when we moved into our home 12 years ago. It was something I always wanted as a way to show our patriotism and respect for all those in uniform who have and continue to serve this country. We purchased the pole at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. It came complete with a solar light that allows us to keep ...

You Say Soda, I Say Pop

When I was growing up, the evening meal was at 6 p.m. sharp. No dallying in front of the t.v. even for scenes from next week’s Superman show. What many people called dinner, we referred to as supper. Then when I was introduced to my husband’s family, my father-in-law explained that Sunday dinner was served at noon. Need I ask what happened to noon being lunch time? I was a bit confused in all the references to the proper time of day to enjoy dinner, supper or lunch. All I know is that I didn’t want to be late for any of those meals offered up by my in-laws. The same goes in ...

Forgive And Forget

I know how he feels. I’m sure there are plenty of you who probably have felt it, too, at some point in your lives. When Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop failed to make a successful field goal during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, there were cheers from the Pittsburgh crowd and pure disbelief from the Baltimore fans. While I am a Steelers’ fan, my heart dropped for young Tyler Loop. He was put in a position that his other teammates could not accomplish during four periods of the game. It was up to him to win the game with a 3-point kick. Instead, the ball he ...

Looking Forward, Not Backward

Four more days left in 2025, and I am ready to see it go. I’m poised to start 2026 with letting go of things that challenge my sanity, happiness and peace of mind. With that said, I have no idea really how to go about it. As many of my retired friends tell me, it is important to have a regular schedule. Routine is important for body, mind and soul. Let’s face it, when fully employed and attached to a 40-plus work week, there was little time to deviate from the routine. I learned that early on when I no longer went to the newsroom every day, I had to continue to put my thoughts, ...

Are You Done Yet?

There are some people who give the rest of us a bad rap. You know the ones I am talking about. They have had their Christmas and Hanukkah shopping finished since October. Their gift selections have been neatly wrapped and labeled. If they actually wrap gifts, they don’t have to use half a roll of Scotch tape like I do. The corners of their packages are sharp and emblazoned with matching ribbons. With the invention of holiday gift bags, people like me are spared some of the embarrassment of messy gift wrapping. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy tackling an oversized roll of ...

I’m Not Your Bro’

Those of us of a certain age will remember how people often referred to one another as “man.” It was a silly term for just about anyone in your life or in authority. The police were “the man.” We threw the word “man” around in every conversation. I.E. : “Man, you’re looking good in that leisure suit.” If we liked someone, he was “my man.” You get the picture. It was just a catch word of the times. Obviously today that slang word has been replaced with the word “bro.” A look at online police videos will show that law enforcement officers are called ...