I’ve introduced you to my cousin Ollie - great guy, but about a leg short of a chair, if you catch my drift. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Ollie’s ma, my Aunt Leena. She taught him everything he knows, which explains a lot. Now Aunt Leena doesn’t have a lot of book learning, but you really can’t fault her logic. Like when she tells Ollie if he doesn’t have enough sense to come in out of the rain he might as well go on down to the mailbox and get the mail. Or when sh

Memorial Day is a national holiday to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces. While people have been honoring their dead and decorating their graves for a very long time, the practice really took root in America during the Civil War. I don't think the original concept is adhered to as much these days, with people around here putting flowers on any family or friend grave, whether veteran or not. None of my immediate relatives died in a war, so for most of my li

Something is wrong with me. I must be a horrible aberration or have a rare immunity to this debilitating disease. You see, my youngest child recently moved out. And I’m happy. Possibly even thrilled. I’ve been hearing about this disease called Empty Nest Syndrome for years. I’ve dreaded it, but understood it was a rite of passage. Something you just have to get through, kind of like PMS. Each day I wake up and wait for the agony of ENS. But it’s just not there. Don’t get me w

Today I'm going to introduce you to a life-altering method of relaxation. Anyone can do it, almost anywhere. All you need are a bag of M&Ms and a flat surface. First, dump all the M&Ms out on the flat surface. Sort them by color Then make a picture with them. I prefer landscapes. Somehow, the colors and shapes lend themselves to patch of flowers, with a big sun (okay, so you have to use your imagination here, people!) The bigger your bag of M&Ms, the bigger your picture. Then

This is another story in the continuing (mostly factual) saga of my Cousin Ollie. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, and speaking of tool sheds... There was the time Ollie went out to clean the garage at Mom's farm. The shed was a tiny little place, barely room for the little station wagon parked with its bumper up against a big metal work table and the tall red tool chest - you know, the industrial type on wheels with a big lower section and smaller upper one. Mom's husba

Last weekend the weather was absolutely great. Normally I would have spent it doing chores, but winter isn't that long past and I couldn’t bear to waste the sunshine. We all loaded up for a drive up in the hills – husband, kids and, of course, dogs. While I packed the cooler, gathered coats, hats, sunscreen, dog bowls, first aide kit, etc. (all those items that keep disaster at bay!), and loaded up the dogs, everyone else sat in the truck complaining they were ready to go.

You know, that odd duck who just seems to get himself into all kinds of crazy situations? That slightly goofy relative who’s always the first to offer help when you need it but is about two tacos short of a combination plate? Don't get me wrong. Ollie's a swell guy. Hard worker. But requires supervision. Anyway, old Ollie was staying out a my mom’s farm this past summer, helping out with chores while her husband recuperated from some surgery. One of his projects was puttin