What’s Mine is Yours and Yours is Mine I’ve heard and read about the “new” trend of couples who keep their individual earnings separate. In my opinion, money can be all about control, and when you start off a marriage keeping things separate (“What’s mine is mine!”), the “togetherness” of a relationship is already in …
People are complex and there are always challenges when two people become one. Rick and I have been married for 55 years and believe we have some worthwhile advice to give those who are contemplating the adventure of marriage – or who are already married but going through some rocky times. We certainly did and …
Don’t let fear stop you! For many, starting a life group in your home can feel intimidating. You may have all kinds of questions buzzing in your head. What should we study? Who is going to lead the group? Am I qualified to teach? What if nobody shows up? What if a big group shows …
Over forty years ago, Rick and I were struggling in our marriage and close to divorce. We knew we needed to do something to change the road we were on. Moving and starting a business seemed to be a good idea. (Talk about stress!!) Only one house was up for rent in the small town …
I’ve been told most high school graduating classes get together every decade or so. Some never get together. They “move on”. We were blessed to live in a small town (Pleasanton) and had a small class that doubled overnight when San Ramon/Dublin was added to the school district. A lot of us grew up together. …
Both of my parents practiced Clean as You Go. This can apply to anything from making dinner, keeping your room tidy, the car clean, the house and yard in good order. Wash, dry and put away whatever you can while cooking a meal. Pick up, fold, or hang clothes you’ve tried on (including in a …
My mom died from cancer in 1994, and I still miss her, as I do my dad who preceded her by five years (also due to cancer). They both inspired me in many ways. Mother’s Day has passed, but gratitude is never limited to one day a year. We have had an influx of family …
A few years ago, we were invaded by gophers and a mole or two. I think the moles left when the gopher mounds began multiplying. We had over a dozen mounds on our front lawn at one point. Argh! We put a trap in one hole and the next morning five more mounds had erupted …
According to Siri, California drought conditions started in 2000. I’m not sure I agree with her because I remember intermittent wet years that were not that long ago and wearing goloshes to muck around in our flooded backyard. I remember joyous frog song in the growing pond behind our fence and muddy dog prints on …
I didn’t realize I was a collector until I started looking closely with an eye to purging at what we have around our house. Alas, I do collect things! It became clear that my eyes are drawn to the same things. For example, whenever we travel and I look for a souvenir that represented the …