Special Events
2nd Annual Galentine’s Indoor Skydiving
For the second year in a row, I hosted a Galentine’s Day indoor skydiving excursion. I sported a “Boss” T-shirt for the occasion to dispel any doubt who was in charge. Kidding. Not really. I joked with the one friend who hadn’t ever flown before that she had to go first. To my surprise, she … Continue reading
Snowcream & Brownies
After being out of school, both as a student and a teacher, I don’t wish for snow. I already work from home; so I don’t get snow days. What I get is snowed in, which means that after a long day at work, I don’t get the mental and physical salvation of exercising with other … Continue reading
Spanish Reboot
Whether one takes the Bad Bunny challenge to learn Spanish in the four months between him hosting SNL and headlining the Super Bowl, or prepares for the consequences of POTUS’ announcement that the US will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition can be ensured,” ’tis the season to learn a new language. … Continue reading
2025 Year-End Review
I started working on my New Year’s resolution to swim half a mile, then practice straddle splits in the dry sauna about a week into January. I hadn’t planned to change from my milelong swim goal until I was actually in the pool and the goal no longer motivated me. That had been last year’s … Continue reading
Grilled Cheese Festival
I’d never been to a Grilled Cheese Festival before, but the name alone evoked fond childhood memories. However, we coupled the experience with ciders. I don’t remember what charity the event raised money for, but people were definitely generous, sharing extra food tokens with us as we arrived. We even saw other friends who’d arrived … Continue reading
2025 Family Reunion: Quilting Narratives
For our 84th consecutive Strange Family Reunion, we had some brand-new activities along with improvements on classic activities, making this year’s gathering fresh for everyone. One of our continuing traditions was the flag display. The Ghanaian flag represented part of the story of where our family DNA came from. As a matter of fact, that … Continue reading
Even Tastier
The first time I attended a pole-dancing competition, I was brand new to the sport. I couldn’t analyze many of the moves, but the most impressive thing I witnessed was different body types poling very well. Up until that point, I had lied to myself about losing around 20 pounds in order to do certain … Continue reading
Mom’s Great Grand Kittens
Two years ago, a feral cat birthed a litter of kittens under the tarp that covered our hibachi grill. In that litter were a white cat and a black cat who may be the parents of the latest patio brood. We did not tag nor DNA-test the felines, but they definitely roamed around with their … Continue reading
Mid-Week Art Night
I convinced my sister to go to an artists’ night with me. From the time we entered, she was the star of the show. Last year, she was ordained as a deacon. Born with a generous spirit, my sister usually attracts people. Before she’d warmed the throne, another woman gravitated toward her. As many things … Continue reading
2025 Dogwood Festival Dance Lessons
This year, I overcame the inertia of reclining in the den, binge-watching TV while working on creative projects on a Sunday and actually partook of a beautiful Sunday downtown event. I met my sister and her son at an African restaurant near the car show, shared a funnel cake, watched some local actors who performed … Continue reading