Some people think I’ve unjustly maligned the innocent pumpkin spice latte. Indeed, I’ve never tasted one. I also have a long-standing hatred for nutmeg and cloves, half of the four required spices in the iconic pumpkin spice mixture. Perhaps the spice blend is my version of ...

We discuss luck a lot in our family. We want our children to understand that they have control over their lives. Planning and being prepared is always a good practice. For example, we can buy a car and anticipate it will eventually need repairs or hope that nothing ever goes wrong. Having luck, ...

I am in the second round of my allergy season misery. It’s the time of year when I can be seen at the pharmacy looking for a magic potion because my symptoms correlate with five out of the seven dwarves. Yes, that is the way I measure my health. I’m not usually Bashful, and I strive to be ...

I was away for work and decided to take a mini break. My husband was fishing, and I picked up garbage on the beach. (Sadly, shell gathering is a thing of the past.) Three little kids came running up to my husband, wanting him to teach them how to fish. They didn’t want a lesson but wanted to ...

I remember when I had to read a map and write out the road directions to my destination. I wasn’t curious if I knew anyone else on the same road or path. I couldn’t imagine a world that cared to search for my whereabouts. My concerns were minimal: To arrive safely and on time. In the early ...

Blueberry season is my family’s favorite time of year, whether foraging wild blueberries or going to the U-Pick Blueberries in Vermontville. We recently had some wild blueberry picking experiences that have me researching how much sanitizing a tiny piece of fruit will take so I don’t become ...