When I was growing up, I figured I’d be a dancer and a musician. Little did I know I would grow up to become … Gate Girl!

Many of us live in places where the weather may change at the blink of an eye. We may have four layers on in the morning, but by afternoon, we have shed three of them: our “I’m warming up” layer, our “It’s past midmorning” layer and our “Dang, it’s a different climate” layer, which leads to …

I remember one time we were trying to make it back to the house before the snowstorm drifted our lane shut, but our four-wheel drive was no match for the high winds, and I sank into a drift about half a mile from the house.

Thank you. Thank you for showing up month after month and engaging with others in our community. Your time and attention is valuable.

My husband’s grandfather went by the name Pete. It wasn’t his given name, and no one seems to know for sure where he got it or when it started. Pete was as amazing as they come: the perfect blend of gentleman, comic and hard worker. His kindness radiated out of his sparkling eyes.

The New Year is known for new beginnings and fresh starts. Usually, it is met with much optimism and hope that disappointments of the past will be turned around and goals will be realized.  

When our kids were little, we made an effort to go see grandparents over the holidays. We flew south some years and drove five hours to my folks other years.

I bought a toilet brush last week. Another one.