Articles
The Summer we know and love
Summer, Autumn, Winter (“Winnie”) and Spring are friends of my sons. Two are adorable, one is a tart, and the other will be a beauty someday — as soon as she grows into her teeth, bless her heart. With absolutely no connection to these young ladies whatsoever, and thinking only of the calendar, I have…
Read MoreBless your heart, it’s a good thing!
“Bless your heart, darlin’!” Elinda Lou was so sweet when I told her of my ailment. Since we live in a fast-growing area of Alabama, it doesn’t surprise us anymore when we need to explain ourselves to friends who have moved here from far away, and this was no exception because Tina from Toronto was…
Read MoreFollow the Star party
The year I thought I would definitely win the Mother of the Year award, I decided to secure the trophy and crown by throwing a little Christmas party for my boys. I convinced my husband to dress up in an old Mardi Gras tunic and tie a folded tablecloth around his head to make…
Read MoreA real Charlie Brown tree
I can freak out over a Christmas tree like no one else. Other things may get (literally) swept under the rug, but for some reason, my tree has to be perfect. I poke and fluff each branch daily up until about 11pm on December 24th to make sure it is the loveliest tree of all.…
Read MoreAll the details and a sparkly goat
Finally, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and its just now cool enough to feel like fall. I was able to wear my boots to the Lighting of the Trees last night without feeling weird. Actually, Bob and I avoided the (pushing) masses of the tree lighting and instead attended the very exclusive lighting of the…
Read MoreHello Lessons
Our eldest son was a bit shy, or so we thought, until we discovered he was more accurately stubborn. When an acquaintance stopped, leaned down, and asked, “What’s your name?” our son stared straight at him with no emotion whatsoever. “Tell Mr. McGibby what your name is,” we coached. Still, our darling little redhead looked…
Read MoreBoy Scouts are for boys
This story origianlly appeared in Advance Publication newspapers in 2017. The Boy Scouts of America are still pushing to add girls to their ranks. If we follow the money, the legal problems of BSA have drained them of resources, and they are eyeing the budget of Girl Scouts. Combining forces seems like a woke move,…
Read MoreThere’s something charming about a non-sweaty bride
Let’s have an honest chat with nature-loving brides who are planning weddings for next year and insist on getting married outdoors. I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine, Mr. November. He would love to host your wedding and will make sure you and your guests don’t melt in a heap of sweaty…
Read MoreA little evil eye in restaurants can work wonders
A restaurant in North Carolina recently banned children under the age of five. They were forced to make the decision after parents refused to lower the volume of their son’s ipad game even though surrounding diners complained it was intrusive. Both supporters and detractors have jumped in to comment, but I think my vote would…
Read MoreHot as new love
Summer in the South — it’s hot as new love, and this is the time of the year that separates those who are long-time Southerners who know how to roll with the heat, from those newer residents who are taken by surprise. Although we welcome new neighbors from other regions, the ones who set in…
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