We bought a German Shepherd puppy before we had kids.  I had two of these dogs when I was young.  One became a leader dog for the blind.  The other had more aggressive tendencies.  After school I would take this dog for a “walk.”  I was young, and we went behind my school to run… Continue reading Terror on the Track

My daughter and I spent an inordinate amount of time in a local drugstore.  We had to spray every test bottle of cologne on ourselves.  We sorted through greeting cards, too.  But, in the nail aisle things became serious.  What color did she want?  My nails are always short and ragged.  She kept hers nicely… Continue reading Nailed Polish

I have already indicated that my cooking ability is jaundiced.  I try.  We lived in a condo development with a large clubhouse.  All were invited to participate in a chili cook off.   I responded, “Yes!” I spent a whole day on the chili making.  I made a large batch of what my family knew as… Continue reading Chili Cook Off

When I taught Kindergarten, Fridays were “cooking” days.  I kept it simple for the kids (and me).  So one Friday I brought in a couple of toasters and loaves and loaves of bread.  I mixed up a batch of cinnamon and sugar and put salt shakers out with the mix in them on each table. … Continue reading Toast

My husband and I have a bit of time on our hands since he retired.  In other words, he needs entertainment.  Every day is like a snow day with all four of our kids home waiting for something special to do that was also fun.  We made tents out of blankets, watched all of Disney… Continue reading Eeeklipsed

While in high school, our art class teacher often took us to the Detroit Zoo.  We scattered and drew in our sketchbooks.  We drew animals and people watching animals.  It was great fun in the spring of the year.  We also bought peanuts, unsalted, in their shells.  I ate peanuts, but had never seen any… Continue reading Zoo Peanuts

I took German and Spanish at the same time while in high school.  I cannot advise that unless you plan to be a national level interpreter.  I cried through German assignments, and a friend of mine would help me with translation lessons from time to time. I went to college, a big ten university.  For… Continue reading Cigarette Purchases

I came home around two p.m. from High School.  I unlocked the door and came in with an armful of books.  There were no school backpacks in Paleolithic times.  I saw my dad laying on the couch with his arm over his mouth. “Why are you home so early?” I asked.  “Are you sick?” He… Continue reading Lunch Break

We went to a Halloween party in a suburb northwest of Detroit.  We were young, 23, and in costumes.  My friend went with my fiance and I to the party.  We all were teachers and the party was a bit tame by today’s standards.  We left the party around one a.m..It started to rain hard… Continue reading Halloween Stressed

I was an only child, a girl of thirteen.  I had no younger brothers who ran around the house naked as the day they were born.  My girls did. One evening I was headed to my bedroom.  I knew my dad was taking a bath.  Well, as I approached the bathroom my dad emerged in… Continue reading A Set of Keys