I have a dear friend who had a birthday this week—a big one. She turned 75.But you’d never guess it. She’s one of those people who seems completely ageless—physically strong, mentally sharp, and always ready for a hike, a challenge, or a great conversation. She exercises her body and her mind with equal passion. But […]

I live in a rural place and love it. A dirt road, trees and ponds all around me, and just a few houses dotting the landscape. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. We’ve gotten used to the wildlife that shares our space—bears that lumber past our property, foxes that dart down the road, and even the […]

My husband finally got his dream vehicle—a Ram truck. He loves it. I, however, see it as a tank on wheels. It’s huge. Massive. A behemoth of a machine. But, of course, I had to learn how to drive it. I was terrified. The hardest part? Staying in my lane. No matter how hard I […]

I love live performances. Plays, musicals, concerts—you name it, I’m there. There’s just something magical about watching a story unfold on stage, feeling the energy of a live band, or getting swept up in nostalgia.A few days ago, my husband and I went to see The Cher Show at our local theater. It was fantastic. […]

I had a “wellness visit” scheduled for last week. That’s what they call “physicals” for seniors now. A new name, but the same old doctor’s appointment.  I had written down a long list of concerns I wanted to discuss with my GP. Things I used to shrug off now seemed more important. But not a […]

I live in New England, where snow and ice are like that clingy friend who never knows when to leave. I’m used to it—or at least I thought I was. Take last week, for example. I was dropping off my dog at his “doggy daycare” so he could have a playdate while I actually got […]

Recently, we drove out of state to visit our daughter and son-in-law. Everything about the visit was lovely—except for the drive. My aging body no longer appreciates long car rides. But there was one shining star amidst the monotony of highway miles: the toll stations. No more frantic searches for loose change in the glove […]

“Write what you know.” That’s the advice everyone gives new authors when they’re struggling to figure out what to write. My mentors gave me that same guidance. “OK then,” I thought. “I’ll write about things that have happened to me.” But here’s the problem: my life is boring—with a big ol’ capital B.  I don’t […]

My husband and I are empty nesters, which means our pets have officially become our “kids.” One of those kids, our golden retriever ZZ, had his third birthday last week. Naturally, we couldn’t let the occasion pass without a proper celebration. I made goodie bags for his doggy friends at play care and baked cupcakes […]

Last week, I spent time in the Outer Banks for a little family reunion. It was lovely! There’s something about the ocean that makes seeing family feel even more special. But one of my favorite parts of the trip wasn’t a big gathering or a group activity. It was the quiet, early-morning walks on the […]