Month: January 2000

My husband is so sure that certain auto manufacturers produce such good products that twice he has agreed to purchase vehicles without ever seeing the car. The first time was almost a necessity. We had planned to use up my husband’s vacation time in Indiana visiting relatives and then take our sons to Urbana 93,…

I have assiduously avoided collectibles. I did not want to have to dust one more thing, nor did I want to increase the number of items I had to tell little ones, “Don’t touch!” I was doing pretty well at my vow to remain free of valuable, untouchable collectibles until last year’s after Christmas sales.…

Early last year I wistfully commented I would like all of our children to be at my husband’s 60th birthday party this year. In the heat of summer, the next generation began asking questions about when and where we would meet, so they could begin planning vacation time. In the cool of the fall, assured…

Even though I promised it would be her turn to go next, it was a very sad-looking 2-year-old granddaughter who watched me leave with her baby brother to check out a nearby book sale. At the sale, the baby arched backwards until I pu t him down. He promptly walked under the table to the…

In return for opening hearts, homes and hands to those around us, we are strengthened and encouraged by a community of family and friends. I saw this anew when I flew to Rochester, N.Y. to attend my nephew’s wedding the weekend before Christmas. I watched as old friends and new did everything they could to…