Ah, the Fourth of July . . . hot dogs on the grill, brownies, fireworks, flags, and parades.  What a wonderful celebration of our ancestors’ break from the British Empire and the creation of a new nation. (more…)

Four years ago, I went apple picking on a New England farm and came home with a bag of Macs and a black baby bunny.  My children were initially thrilled with this new furry family member, but eventually the novelty wore off and Bella the bunny became my charge. (more…)

Just a few years ago, mother’s day for me meant breakfast in bed, big sloppy kisses, and hand-made cards proclaiming “I love you mommy.”  Now, with a house full of teenagers, I might get a meal with them and maybe, if I’m lucky, a mumbled “happy mother’s day.” (more…)

My husband, Dan, and I just completed a month-long, intensive on-line course called “Renewing Your Relationship” ( www.todoinstitute.org ).  It’s so easy to allow one’s relationship to take the back burner to work and kids.  Since Dan and I have both been through divorces, we are very aware that our marriage, as our primary relationship, requires attention, focus and energy. (more…)

I’m not a true died-in-the-wool, year-round chocoholic . . . and yet, when it comes to the day of red hearts and cupids, I go nuts for chocolate.  Sure, you could say that I’m just a puppet to marketing and a pawn in the game of retail consumerism.  And you’d be right; I am.  I admit it!  And I always have been — at least on this Saint’s day. (more…)