by Susan | Feb 26, 2016 | On My Mind
Gold fever has taken over at our house, in school, and in our community. Hannah’s high school girls basketball team is going to the state championships (class “c”) in Augusta tomorrow evening. Each night this week has been filled with Hannah’s...
by Susan | Feb 14, 2016 | On My Mind
A little known fact about me is that I am incapable of cooking a grilled cheese without burning it. I am forever scraping carbon off the burned side. I’m an okay cook, but there are so many things going on in my mind at any given time, that I tend to get...
by Susan | Feb 9, 2016 | On My Mind
The aftermath of two snow storms – almost back to back – has left us feeling as if winter has finally arrived. Just when I’m starting to count down to spring! Despite the snow and the bitter cold, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw this...
by Susan | Jan 31, 2016 | On My Mind
In our house, it seems that it’s only a matter of time before our loved ones are labeled with nicknames. Hannah was just a wee one when she became Roo or Hannah-Roo (much to her dismay today). Purfessor Snape, our black kitty is most often called Boo. Yet,...
by Susan | Jan 3, 2016 | On My Mind
There’s something about this time of year that drives me into nesting mode. Maybe it’s the cold that has driven me indoors – or because it’s a season of new beginnings. Regardless the reason, I’ve spent the last few days cleaning,...
by Susan | Dec 29, 2015 | On My Mind
I knew that winter weather would catch up with us sooner or later. Today we got our first measurable snowfall of the season here along the coast. No one in my household seems too excited about this change – it was 50 degrees out just two days ago. I’m just...
by Susan | Dec 26, 2015 | On My Mind
This day after Christmas, the temps soared close to 50 degrees outside – so beautiful that I felt guilty sitting inside reading. With the weather man predicting snow twice this coming week, it seemed imperative that I get outside and tackle some chores. While I...
by Susan | Dec 24, 2015 | Family, On My Mind
The wrapping is finished. I’ve got a good start on Christmas breakfast and dinner. The house looks somewhat presentable. I’m feeling conflicted – grateful Christmas is a once a year event – and sad that I’ve not had more time to enjoy the...
by Susan | Dec 21, 2015 | On My Mind
Sunrise on the day of the winter’s solstice. This last day of autumn began with a frosty 21 degree F morning and ended with a balmy 45 degrees. Winter is entering like a warm breeze. The Christmas Eve forecast is calling for a high of 55 degrees and a low of 45....
by Susan | Dec 9, 2015 | Family, On My Mind
The first weekend in December is when we pick out and harvest our Christmas tree. Every year Hannah and I engage in a debate over the best tree. She likes fat and full, I like thinner with a bit of space between the branches for ornaments to hang. As fun as it can be...
by Susan | Nov 26, 2015 | On My Mind
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Now tell me, how do I make it through a Thanksgiving dinner with only one stick of butter?!
by Susan | Nov 17, 2015 | On My Mind
A frosty start to the day it was. Beautiful in a crisp, stark way, frost glistened like jewels on the grasses as the sun rose over the hills. Waiting for the car defroster to tackle windshield frost while I sipped my coffee, I pondered our to-do lists and what this...
by Susan | Nov 7, 2015 | On My Mind
This morning was a gift. Sunny and sixty, I spend spent an unusual November morning on the porch with my coffee soaking up vitamin D. It’s been more than a month since I had a full day off to enjoy just being. To be able to spend it on the porch this time of...
by Susan | Oct 8, 2015 | On My Mind
I’m not sure what a vice grip as a kitchen faucet handle says about us. The handle that belongs on the faucet has been falling off for two years. Two years! It drove us batty every time we forgot it was loose and the handle fell off, clunking into the sink. The...
by Susan | Sep 28, 2015 | On My Mind
It was a spectacular weekend here in Downeast Maine. I had plans to attend the Common Ground Fair, one of my absolute favorite things to do. Yet, when it came time to leave on the five hour round-trip to Unity, I realized that I wanted nothing more to be home. This is...
by Susan | Sep 9, 2015 | On My Mind
On the eve of a new adventure with a new puppy, I’ve been reflecting on the canine beasts who have added so much to my life. With the exception of my first year out of college, dogs have always been a part of my existence. I grew up with both purebred and...
by Susan | Aug 29, 2015 | On My Mind
I am guilty of a serious impulse purchase. It’s been two months since we lost Ginger and I think of her every day. I miss having a dog around the house. That we would someday get another dog was never in doubt. We’ve had some discussions about what type of...
by Susan | Aug 5, 2015 | Family, On My Mind
Birthday’s at our house tend to revolve around food. Hannah’s Sweet 16 started with my attempt at artistic chocolate chip pancakes. She was expecting Mickey Mouse, but I figured it was time to expand my horizons. Despite the fact that I couldn’t...
by Susan | Aug 5, 2015 | Family, On My Mind
My memories of that little girl with blond curls and sky blue eyes who loved Blue’s Clues and Beauty and the Beast are so vivid in my mind that it’s hard to believe that she’s 16 today. In honor of this momentous occasion, here are 16 adjectives that...
by Susan | Aug 2, 2015 | On My Mind
Summer has finally arrived with hot and humid weather. After waiting so long for summer-like weather, I have to keep reminding myself not to whine. I really don’t like hot and humid. I don’t do humidity. With cool weather just around the corner, my mantra...
