Yesterday, we said our last goodbye to a friend we’ve had since we moved here. This fall, the last week of August 2008, that amounts to the beginning of our 12th year in Doniphan. I just made a quick calculation on my fingers, just to check the accuracy of that last remark. ...

Counting (And Recounting) On The  Benevolence Of Others Benevolence: Disposition to do good. An act of kindness. A generous gift. Synonyms (same meaning) of benevolence: Courtesy, favor, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service. It was my good fortune to wake during the wee hours of the morning. ...

We saw him twice that weekend. Once, when we were going to Poplar Bluff, and the other time, when we were returning from Pocahontas. I said to my husband, “He looks like Jesus.” At least what I think Jesus would look like. He wore light brown material wrapped in the manner of a robe, and his head was covered...

As I walked down the hall, I was intent on my destination … the free coffee available at the other end of the hall. As I poured my coffee, a resident wheeled up to the counter and placed her order. “Can I have a cup of coffee please?” she said. I felt like my friend Misty, taking an order at McDonalds...

 “That won’t do!” my husband almost shouted. Abruptly, we made a sharp,  right turn, and then stopped in the parking lot. I had no idea what precipitated this … Was there something wrong with our car? He was out the door and walking before I could ask what was wrong. Then I saw him and knew immediately. An American flag was lying on the ground...

As the heat settles in with the promise of warmer nights and scorching day temperatures, I dream of snow capped mountains. The mountains of Colorado are in our plans this summer, along with, hopefully, cooler temperatures. It dawned on us last year, that maybe going to Florida to see son and family was BEST in the WINTER, not summer. ...

My end of the year blurb WAS titled “Another Year Bites the Dust”. Our school year, with kids, ended as we  honked our horns leaving the parking lot and told them them all to “Have a  good summer!” as we took them home. Wednesday and Thursday were designated work days to get our buses spic and span. Today, Thursday, we had a bus safety inservice on a topic that none of us ever thought we’d have to deal with driving a school bus, certainly not an issue when many of us began driving years ago...

Oh, Lord. Where are all the mommies and daddies? Where have they gone? They are missing. And yet they are living and breathing, somewhere. I read Mother’s Day cards “I miss you!” and “I love you!”. Decorated with stick people with tears running down their faces...

This time of year, as we approach Mother’s Day, is bittersweet, to all of us whose mothers no longer walk with us here on earth.  If I take a moment and pause to look at the Mother’s Day cards, I still mentally pick out the one I know my mom would love. ...

It all started when one of my bus kiddos started singing my “favorite” song, (did you notice I used my sarcastic font?) a little gem called “Baby Shark”, infamous for sticking in your mind and not letting go. Don’t get me wrong. I love to hear kids sing. I’ve missed singing on the bus, in unison, since everybody is plugged in and tuned out nowadays. In my early years of bus driving, it was a common occurrence for the kids and I to sing...

I can’t recall who I wrote this about, but I’d bet it was a resident of the nursing home I worked at as an LPN. I was as attached to the old folks there as I am to the children here. AGE I see you now as none before The one that was and is no more The mother, wife, grandma too...

Easter It’s the eve before Easter Come break of day All will rejoice ”He is Risen!” they’ll say. How well we’re reminded With each coming spring By the songs of the robins And the geese on the wing. By the first blooming crocus The first blossomed tree...

Several ways to “lighten up” the things we do every day! Always do housework with whatever genre of music you adore. Use your dust mop/broom to belt out those tunes. Imagine yourself on stage. Always make a point of placing your favorite books and/or magazines in two of the best places to read and concentrate…your car and your bathroom...

(with apologies to Richard Le Gallienne) I meant to do my work today But I noticed some daffodils abloom in the yard Then saw brilliant flashes of color as birds flitted by And to tend dishes and laundry seemed extra hard.   I meant to do my work today...

So… today there’s a lot of “talk” out there about “being fully present”. For me, that means building flexibility into my life. I no longer make “to do” lists. I’ve arrived at this conclusion after many years of trying to maintain a sense of control over the time allotted me daily. An attempt has been made to be “fully present” and try to enjoy whatever I’m doing at the time. Especially what comes up that is unplanned. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”~ Allen Saunders...

My heart was heavy as I approached the high school office. I don’t go here often; in fact, I don’t recall ever coming down this year. But this matter couldn’t be ignored. I knew the circumstances surrounding this instance and it made my heart all the heavier for knowing. Thankfully, the sun peeks through the dark clouds of our lives, unexpectedly. It can happen in a moment and make an impact we don’t soon forget...