Years ago, our elderly dog decided to die in front of us. It wasn’t a simple passing. Our golden retriever didn’t “disappear” and resurrect herself as a puppy a few weeks later. She had a stroke after exiting a ferry when we were visiting my mother-in-law. Our Ella chose to die in a ...

In my small hamlet, there are certain sounds I relish hearing. Children laughing, gentle winds, and trees creaking — a peaceful atmosphere. The sounds we never want to hear are those of emergency vehicles. I appreciate the need for sirens, horns, emergency whistles and the people/services ...

For most of the winter season, we live in a snow globe. It feels magical when I see the online snow-filled photos. People are skiing with a blue sky backdrop or sipping hot chocolate after sledding on a perfectly groomed hill. The social media version of winter evolves into a Hallmark ...

I understand the business philosophy of “the customer is always right.” It just isn’t true. Somewhere along consumerism’s winding pathway, some people have lost sight that our small business owners and workers are society’s lifeblood. I’m not sure what rung of the ladder gives ...

New Year’s Eve traditions are supposed to bring luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. From midnight kisses and countdowns to good wishes and resolutions, all customs are part of gesturing in the New Year. Since I’m just as superstitious about bringing in any bad luck, I’ll bring ...

During COVID, my daughter started a local food pantry in Bloomingdale. She was worried about friends who wouldn’t have enough to eat. These people weren’t faceless or nameless. They didn’t live in a different time zone. It wasn’t a matter of just writing a check based on a mailer. They ...