Porch has advantages

April 28, 2023

When I grew up my grandparents had an enclosed porch. We spent a lot of time there. Of course, it was only available during the summer months. I loved that porch. The bugs did not bother. The windows were open as long it was good weather. I used to play on that porch. My cousin and I had our dolls out there. We also put up the card table and played games out there. Sometimes I did Swedish weaving or embroidery out there. When I moved to Hickory Heights the porch on the west side was a mess the boards were rotted so we could not use that entrance. It was not long until my husband, ...

Taking special care of the skin we’re in

April 27, 2023

The skin I’m in is showing signs of neglect. My factory-issued pelt has kept me together so far, but I think I need to spend some time and money to ensure that it remains in one piece. Naively, I was never one of those smart women who were attentive to the softness or the suppleness of their skin. In addition to their usual mascaras and lipsticks, my airline friends’ travel bags were filled with creams and lotions. I stared at them with curiosity, but not much interest. My skin wasn’t silky, but it kept me all together in one piece. Soothing moisturizers and enriched emollients ...

New roundabout in Warren is more like a road to ruin

April 24, 2023

I truly regret having to write this. I really do. Especially given the wonderful job PennDOT did with the Hickory Street Bridge Project. But now, regrettably, we are at the other end of the scale with the despoilment of the intersection at Market Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Driving by the detour signs for this calamity is like being repeatedly poked in the eye with a sharp stick. First of all, let me anticipate some of the counterarguments to this letter. “You should have attended the meetings.” I did go to one in the incredibly jam-packed council chambers. My immediate ...

St. Stephen is one for the ‘faithful’

April 22, 2023

Editor’s note: This saint series will feature a saint and how he or she is a meaningful example for us today. St. Stephen one who helps ‘faithful’ Pope Francis wrote that “the saints help all the faithful” for “their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.” St. Stephen is an example of giving witness to the truth of Jesus even amidst persecution. St. Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Church. He was appointed deacon with six others as found in chapter six of the Acts of the Apostles. Following the resurrection of Jesus, ...

Return home is a trip

April 21, 2023

A friend suggested that we go to Aggieland. It is an animal preserve with all types of animals. There is an area to ride through and a walking area. We enjoyed both of them. We purchased cups of food for the animals in the ride-in area. Our first encounter was with the camels. They were aggressive putting their heads inside of the car to try to get more food. The ostriches did that too. Most of the animals followed the car along, but did not invade our space. We saw wildebeests, warthogs, elands, oryx, and more animals than I can remember. We actually went through the riding ...

Molting season has already arrived

April 20, 2023

Last week’s 80-degree temperatures accelerated pet shedding and suddenly Richard and I are ankle-deep in Finian fur. Finian is our Maine Coon cat. The breed is known for their splendid good looks, their large size and massive amounts of long, thick fur. The sloughing season has arrived. Every room looks as if an army of giant dark, thick dust-bunnies has invaded. Finian’s fur loss has never been this profuse. Yesterday, there were so many dark fur clumps on our off-white living room carpet that it looked like a large Dalmatian had spread out, asleep on the floor. In addition to ...