Having lived in various states during my childhood, I feel compelled to share some of the most captivating and memorable places in the U.S. These are places that could make for a beautiful summer vacation with your family. As most of you know, my family would move north in the summer to states like Montana, …
I’m not usually a superstitious person, but yesterday it just happened that third time was a charm. My husband and I ventured out to do our civic duty and vote in our school districts election. I thought I was prepared and located the place in advance where we have voted in the past. After …
Remember the last time you had a good belly laugh? You found yourself rolling on the floor, almost peeing your pants, and pleading with the person who was making you laugh to stop! I remember about eight years ago (I can’t believe it has been that long) when my daughter showed me how to use …
Read more “Laughing – The Best Medicine a Doctor Could Prescribe”
As we continue to age (Mom used to remind me – we either grow old or die), we must avoid the detours lurking over the hill or in the next valley. As I found out last year, suddenly, I hit a pothole (figuratively speaking), and I was at the mercy of a surgeon who gave …
Recently, I had time to contemplate this question and thought I would challenge my readers to think about where you find your place of solace. It could be anywhere you find peace and calm and happiness. While vacationing in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, I found one location that worked for me. I rose early (or should …
I like to believe I’m blessed. I’m blessed to have my husband and family. I’m blessed to live in the United States and the state of Texas. I’m blessed to have many great friends. I’m blessed to have my health, although at times, like last year, when I questioned my health after two hip surgeries. …
With all the unrest in our world, especially in the Middle East, I thought it appropriate to remind readers that the national “Make a Difference” day is scheduled on Monday, October 23, 2023. I don’t know about you, but recently, I’ve felt unsettled and disheartened with everything I see in our world, cities, and communities. …
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Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons, especially when we were living in Denver. The leaves would change and fall to the ground, waiting for someone to rake them up (not my favorite part). The temperatures begin to cool; then, you have the opportunity to wear sweaters and boots. Although, as a former …
This summer has been excruciatingly hot, as it has in my areas of the United States over the past few months. In Houston, Texas, we’ve had forty-five days of triple-digit temperatures in 2023. We came up one day short of a record set in 2011 of forty-six days of temperatures above 100 degrees. Therefore, the …
Have you located your inner child recently? You might ask, “What is my inner child?” Your inner child is about having fun, enjoying life, and relaxing with others that make you laugh. My daughter and I were talking about this topic. She’s taking some classes, and that subject was brought up. What a great question …
Moving around so much during my childhood (27 different schools in nine states), we spent many holidays and special occasions with only immediate family – dad, mom, my younger sister, and me. I found it lonely, but it was all I knew. Then, several years ago, I had a wonderful counselor who told me that …
I’ve recently been off the grid without posting a blog for over a month. The real story is that I had replacement surgery on my right hip. Not an exciting adventure – when your bones are worn-out, arthritis is setting in, creating pain with each new step – you know it is a much-needed one. …
Searching the internet for fun for the family for the upcoming celebrations, Father’s Day, and Fourth of July, I found some games that might whet your appetite. That is something besides food. Laugh out loud! Croquet Giant Dice Giant Jinga Bocce Ball Limbo Ring Toss Cornhole Giant Chess Game or Checkers Horseshoes Frisbee Tic Tac …
Recently, I have put much thought into the clutter that is both in my mind and in my house. Close to retirement several years ago, my husband and I decided to downsize as far as the size of our home (no more two stories to climb up and down) goes so that we could have …
This month brings about a small amount of sadness for me. My mother is gone now so we are unable to celebrate her. My mother fought Stage IV Lung Cancer for the last three years of her life. She was strong and exhibited a positive attitude no matter what battle she faced. Growing up with …
When I left college in Texas in December 1979, I followed my parents to Denver, where my Dad’s employer, the USGS, had recently transferred him back to headquarters for the last couple of years before his retirement. It was a new adventure for me. My family hadn’t lived in Denver since one of Dad’s assignments …
As a child, I was athletic and a fast runner. Presidential Awards were given in PE to students who could master the list of athletic events, and every year I did so. I also enjoyed it when we would play the limbo game – where two people would hold a bar or rope, and one …
With Easter arriving on Sunday, April 9, 2023, and with small children around to provide gifts and treats for their Easter baskets, I wanted to devote this blog post to helping my readers with ideas for making that special day even more special. My family will attend Easter services and spend the day with extended …
The death of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Death is often sudden and catches us off guard. Does it make the grieving process more painful? How do you handle it? Recently, I lost a dear friend from church who turned ninety-six last December. She had recently fallen and broken her leg, requiring surgery, and …
With the recent change in our clocks, I got to thinking about all the other changes that surface each day, week, month, and year for most of us. I wanted to share my story; that change was especially important to my family and me as I grew up. If you don’t know my story, my …
Do you enjoy March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, as much as I do? Yes, I am a small drop of Irish and, luckily, I found a treasure on that day 42 years ago. At my apartment complex party, I met my husband on St. Patrick’s Day. No, he was not standing there dressed in green …
I recently (well, maybe a few years ago) became a retiree. I decided that I would write a blog post and assist others that might be in this situation soon. I want to give some do’s and don’ts, along with websites to research in order that you might smoothly enter the new stage. With …
Tomorrow, February 17, 2023, has been designated as Random Acts of Kindness Day. When my oldest daughter entered fifth grade in Denver, Colorado, her teacher emphasized the positive act of random kindness to others. I assisted in the classroom and was impressed at how the students, ages 10 and 11, practiced it with their classmates. …
With Valentine’s Day approaching in a couple of weeks, what better time than the present to look at our relationships. Let us check our relationships and how they might improve. Healthy relationships should be based on the following: Respect Open Communication Boundaries Honesty Trust Compromise Healthy relationships allow each person to have independence, make their …
Since we all seem to find ourselves busy as a bee (cliché), overwhelmed, and over-spending (or at least we did in December for the holidays), I thought I would research to find ideas on how we might live a simpler life – less stress, less debt, less clutter, more free time, and more happiness and …
Read more “Simplify Your Life Right Now – Seven Effective Ways“
As Christmas is now in our rearview mirror, I still have so many things rattling around in my head. I want to learn from yesterday and not make the same mistakes I’ve made in the past. But first and foremost, I want to live for today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed. When I worked with …
Read more “Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, and Hope for Tomorrow“
As 2023 is only a few days away, I wanted to list twenty of the most common resolutions to start the new year. You have probably heard most of them before, but a little refresher won’t hurt anyone. Right? Exercise more Eat healthier Lose weight if you need to Save money; deposit more in your …
Read more “Twenty New Year’s Resolution Suggestions for 2023“
Recently I read about different words added to Merriam-Webster’s English dictionary this year in September – a total of 370 new words. Several sounded familiar, but some were as foreign as a new language. So, just for fun, I will list a few of the words below and add their definition if I think you …
Read more “New Words Added to the 2022 Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary“
Thanksgiving holidays have different meanings for each of us. And most of the meanings are derived from memories as a child. For me, because we were never around extended family for the holiday, usually living in the south, it was all about being with my three immediate family members. Mom put her special touches on …
If you are anything like me, you tend to get immersed in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you don’t get organized early, you can increase your stress, weaken your immune system, and find yourself running in circles. To stay organized, I make calendars to track upcoming activities and record purchases and receipts …
One of my most treasured events is gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. This year I am even more thankful for the addition of my son-in-law and his family. Even if you cannot gather with your family, you can still pass on thanks to those around you or include others with no one to …
Read more “Best 15 Family Activities for the Thanksgiving Holiday“
Recently, I read an article in ideal-Living.com by Kelly Godbey stating that eighty-seven percent of people have felt a constant stream of crises in the past two years with no break. Each day we are bombarded with all the negative happenings around our city, state, country, and world. For example, inflation, the constantly rising prices …
Friday, November 11, 2022, is the official Veteran’s Day 2022. The theme this year is “honor.” I thought it would be thoughtful to gather some ideas on how the ordinary person can show their respect and gratitude for our former servicemen and women. Veterans are proud to have served their nation, and while in service, …
Read more “Veterans Day – How to Show Respect for Our Service Men and Women”
As grocery costs continue to rise, I thought I would do some research to discover tips to help my readers and myself, especially as our holidays quickly approach. Some tips I found for lowering your weekly grocery bill are: Redefine dinner. Dinner does not have to be a three-course meal with bread and dessert. …
While driving through my neighborhood this morning, I saw the most frightful yard decorations I think I have ever laid eyes on. The two scary figures in the front yard of a corner home were startling yet magnificently standing at least twelve feet tall. I am attaching a picture I snapped from my vehicle. Haunting, …
As I begin writing this blog post, I am reminded of the numerous friendships I am blessed with. Entering the Fall season of the year, which is one of my favorite seasons, I realize how meaningful these friendships can be – calling or texting me when I need a kind word, asking me to be …
Recently, my husband Don and I took a road trip to his hometown in Kansas for his class reunion. I won’t tell you how many this was. We were pleasantly surprised to see over 125 of his classmates attend out of a graduating class of 325, and we were told 52 had passed away. Don …
Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, which I’m sure you’ve heard someone talking about recently. Pickleball has been growing at an average of eleven percent yearly for the past five years. It’s played on a smaller court than tennis, with a net across the middle like Ping-Pong. It is a mixture of tennis, badminton, and Ping-Pong. …
Read more “The Pickleball Craze – America’s No. 1 Growing Sport”
Do you have a friend that every time you think of them, you laugh as fond memories dance in your head? I do. Two weeks ago, my friend, Kirk, passed away from a year-long battle with liver cancer. He was 73, but before his illness, you would never have guessed he was that age because …
As most of you already know, a hack is used to optimize productivity and, at the same time, save you money. Many people don’t think hacks are legitimate, but I’m going to list a few hacks that might come in handy – really! Write down your three most important tasks for the following day on …
With school starting across the country this month, many are first-time empty nesters struggling with feelings of loneliness and possibly boredom. We know this big day is coming but do little to prepare for it. The moment we unloaded the boxes and situated our student in their new dorm room, reality hit us hard as …
Read more “Are You Feeling Lost? 12 Ideas to Aid the Empty Nester”
It’s that time of year again! How did the summer pass so quickly? I hope you were able to find time to vacation or find a relaxing retreat during the busy summer solstice. We did find time to visit Lake Tahoe over the Fourth of July and see the fabulous firework display over the lake. …
Read more “Ten Tips to Ease the Back-to-School Apprehension”
What determines whether you are a “Have” or “Have Not”? You might own a nice BMW car that you have driven for over ten years. Will others automatically think you are a Have? But little did they know that I had purchased the car used from my neighbor who owned a small shop that located …
Yesterday, as I was returning from an appointment, I noticed a sticker on the rear window of an SUV. It was round with a horizontal line splitting the circle. On the top, it read “New Driver.” And on the bottom half, it read, “Please be kind.” The message hit me hard. First, we shouldn’t have …
What was your excuse today? I planned to exercise, but with temperatures so steamy, I told myself, “It’s too hot!” Or “I’ll do it tomorrow.” I planned to call my sick friend, but I might bother her, or she could be sleeping. I intended to send a birthday card to my mom’s dear friend, but …
WOW! What a way to start the summer. Heat advisories are cautioned from the south to the northeast before June 21st, the first day of summer. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for new and different ways to survive this summer heat, possibly finding a cooler place to vacation. I recently read an …
Read more “The Assault of the Summer Heat and How to Survive It”
Our great nation, the United States of America, celebrates Flag Day each year on June 14th. What does it mean to you? Why do we celebrate this day? The Flag Act of 1777 was passed in Philadelphia by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, which resolution approved the official flag for a new …
Read more “What Does “Old Glory” Mean to You as an American?”
I’m excited to announce this week is the first anniversary of my blog – Goodbye-Girl. I want to start by thanking all those readers who faithfully read my blog. I hope that I have been tackling issues you are interested in and will benefit from. I have approximately 300+ email subscribers, and my wish is …
My father applied to serve his country in WWII, only to be declined after they noticed the gaping scars on his right arm from surgery at two. His brother, Jim, two years older, enlisted in the Air Force. Jim served as a waist gunner at the middle door of a B17 bomber. Serving numerous missions, …
Read more “Remembering Those Who Put Their Life on the Line”
These school shootings are devastating—the horrific loss of life this week in Uvalde, Texas, cuts close to home in several ways. I lived in Uvalde as a sophomore in high school. That’s where I got my driver’s license. That’s where I had my first date. I played varsity volleyball for Uvalde High School. That’s where …
Did you ever have one of those days, weeks, or months when you say to yourself, maybe I should go back to bed, or perhaps I should not make such grand plans because they might be canceled, or perhaps I shouldn’t drive anywhere because I might wreck the car? I’m having one of those days, …
Read more “Ever Have One of Those Days, Weeks, or Months You’d Rather Forget?”
I don’t know about you, but free time – truly free time – doesn’t come around all that often. Since I am retired, family and friends that are not retired yet, seem to have the idea that those that are retired have all the time in the world at our fingertips. But they are sorely …
Read more “Free Time . . . What do you do with your Free Time?”
As Mother’s Day is celebrated this Sunday, May 8th, I thought it appropriate to share how important our mothers have been to us. For many, our mothers aren’t here any longer. This holiday then reminds us of their relevance in our lives. Mother’s Day isn’t the same without my mother. Her engaging spirit was enjoyable, …
I miss my mother immensely. I miss her hugs, her confidential knowledge, her sweet perfume smell, her positive attitude, her wise sayings, and, of course, her delicious cooking. She passed away in 2013 after battling cancer. My mother, like many, was resilient. Her parent’s divorced when she was in second grade. She was the youngest …
It can be. But when you are in severe pain, most often not. Laughter is important. It can relieve stress, if even for a couple of moments. It is good exercise and can benefit your health. It can be a reset button to boost your immune system. This “medicine” is quick, free, and can be …
Developing a topic or idea for a post this week has been a chore, and I’m at a loss for words. Okay, I know what you’re thinking. No way could Julie be at a loss for words. Well, it has happened. As I’m typing this blog, my husband, Don, is in extreme pain in his …
With the Easter holiday quickly approaching, I thought I would post six suggestions to lessen stress and tension during this time so we might wholeheartedly enjoy the time spent with our family and friends. Accept imperfection. When competition arises when playing games, participating in sports, and video games, realize that it is only a game, …
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1 – From the beginning or 2 – starting with no advantage or preparation = scratch. (No, not an itch to scratch.) When you think of the word scratch, what do you think of? Cooking usually comes to mind—actual homemade cooking. The cooking our mothers and grandmothers used to do. Box mixes and prepared meals …
What are the sounds of silence? They are probably different for each of us. It can also depend on where we are, what time of day, which day of the week, and what frame of mind we find ourselves in. The silence I often yearn for is not total silence. If I’m in my office …
A shamrock (clover) has frequently been associated with luck. Ireland has used the shamrock as its symbol since the 18th century. Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity. Are there clovers growing in your yard? I was young when my friends and I would hunt for …
We are all finding ourselves in uncertain times. Life, as we knew it a few weeks ago, is gone. When talking with friends one of the first things out of my mouth is: how gas and grocery prices are going up, and the war on Ukraine. What a travesty to see innocent people leaving their …
This week I had a hard shot of reality hit me with the passing of one of our friends who was also my dad’s co-worker we had known for over 60 years. Fred was a manly man, beard, baritone voice, always drove his Volvo cars. His flannel shirts were connected to him unless the weather …
I hope this blog post might help you find a fun and interesting location to take your family for Spring Break 2022. This special week is a chance for your family to find adventure, learning opportunities as well as make memories to last a lifetime. Our family developed a bucket list of places and things …
Since we just celebrated Valentine’s Day on Monday, I thought I would broach the subject of friendship. What characteristics of a friend are important to you? I believe many of my characteristics will also be yours. I tend to be drawn to friends that are dependable, inspirational, loyal, fun, a good listener, non-judgmental, and honest. …
People who develop their creative side tend to feel more passionate about their pursuits, mainly because this type of pastime can have a calming effect on both the brain and the body. With these activities, the changes we encounter can be less devastating and become more of a learning experience. Specific topics or creative …
Do you ever struggle with the right words or the right way to express your feelings towards your loved one? It could be your spouse, partner, brother, sister, mother, father, child, or friend. I believe we all have found ourselves in this situation more times than not. Valentine’s Day cards are a great way to …
Read more “A Heartfelt Valentine’s Day Card for Your Loved One”
I realize it is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Still, after thinking about the goals I set for myself on January 1, 2022, I thought it might be an exciting exercise to challenge myself to give advice to myself for the future. Play along with me and maybe try the exercise yourself. Be a good listener; …
Read more “Advice to Self – 13 Important Things to Remind Yourself 5 Years Down the Road”
It feels like the days and weeks in 2022 are flying by at a faster pace than last year. (I remember my mother saying how each year went by a little faster than the last.) So, I decided to get a jump on the next gift-giving holiday – Valentine’s Day. I realize some people don’t …
Read more “10 of the Best Romantic Gifts for Valentine’s Day 2022”
2022 has arrived, and information is coming at us like sheets of rain. Do this, not that, buy this, read this, go on this vacation, follow these guidelines about the pandemic, listen to this TV channel, and follow this star on Instagram. The problem is there is tooooooo much information floating around, and, sorry to …
Read more “The 10 Best Blogs to Read in 2022 to Improve Your Life”
Are you one of those people that makes New Year’s resolutions? I found that I quickly forgot about them almost 100% of the time, or they were never accomplished. Why is that? Do we make the resolutions too challenging? Do we want to succeed in making the resolution history – or something we might brag …
Read more “New Year’s Resolutions or Things to Accomplish in 2022”
During the holidays, with all the different ages of your guests, it can be hard to find things to occupy them and keep the younger children interested for any length of time. I wanted to share a few fun, laugh-generating games to assist you: Charades – some ideas: Christmas gift shopping Shoveling heavy snow Sitting …
Read more “10 Enjoyable Holiday Games to Play With Your Guests”
My heart aches after hearing the sad news about the devastating killer tornados as they landed and disrupted life in six states this past weekend. Many lost their lives, many lost their belongings, but many, especially children, will be forever scarred from the horror of the event. I have lived through two tornados and the …
Read more “Stormy Weather, Tragic Scenes, Loss of Life – How Do We Respond?”
Does it seem like there are additional changes and stress during the holidays, particularly the months of November and December? I believe many of our stresses this time of year are because we all try to make the holidays “perfect.” We try to achieve perfection, but the truth is we will never quite get there, …
Read more “Six Suggestions for Navigating Stress and Changes During the Holidays”
At the beach, the waves are crashing against the shore, seagulls crooning, jet skis motoring back and forth, bodies on boogie boards testing the waves, and children sculpting their prized sandcastles. Feet quickly navigate the hot sand to reach the safety of cool water. Joggers methodically traverse the beach to get their daily exercise. Sweethearts …
Read more “Saltwater and Sand – How Do You React to the Waves of Life?”
As a child, we’re not interested in our history or any of our family’s customs. But as we mature, it becomes fascinating, almost a need we have to find out everything possible. Joining Ancestry.com https://www.ancestry.com/ or Archives.com https://www.archives.com/ is a must, and even swabbing our cheek and mailing it in to discover our DNA is …
Read more “Stories Share Our History With The Generations to Come”
Do you remember those childhood days where you would think for months about what you wanted to be for Halloween? My friend Susan shared how she got excited to shop the Fall church rummage sale to find something interesting to make an exciting and memorable costume. My mom being a seamstress, usually had extra fabric …
Read more “Fall & Halloween – How Special Does It Make You Feel?”
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I’m going to turn over a new leaf?” What does that mean? It means to start over, act differently, or change your attitude about something – change, improve, reform, or amend. In the 16th century, a leaf referred to a page in a book – like turning to a …
Begin the holidays by stretching your creative planning skills. It will challenge you, and your guests will remember their experience for years to come. My mother was the ultimate Hostess. There wasn’t any occasion Mom would shy away from entertaining. All the memories of the different parties with her delicious homemade food, dazzling drinks, and …
Read more “12 of the Best Holiday Theme Party Ideas for 2021”
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2020, I was still elated about my daughter’s engagement to an extraordinary young man. My gynecologist tried to reach me but didn’t want to leave a message on my cell phone. We finally connected on Thanksgiving evening. I quickly connected with MD Anderson and began …
Read more “Diagnosis: Breast Cancer and Lifestyle Risk Factors”
I want to share a few thoughts about leaving your friends and family when moving to a new location. It’s difficult for most of us to move to a new place, especially when we have no choice in the matter. I know because it happened several times a year for me. In the 60s and …
Are you a person who never forgets to write a note to others, no matter what the circumstances, especially to thank them for their kindness or offer help? I like to think that I’m that person, although I’m sure there have been times when I’ve let it fall through the cracks, meaning well but falling …
Read more “What is Note-Worthy? Perfect Words to Express Your Feelings”
It’s with a heavy heart, and in the act of kindness and healing, I’d like to devote this blog to the spirit of unity and the selfless act of donating and volunteering. I’d like us to all cohesively assist our fellow Americans after the devastating fires, floods, and severe weather that have devastated parts of …
I want to share a story regarding positive thinking. This experience happened during the summer before I was to be a Junior in college. I’m a Type A personality, the oldest child, and a people pleaser, which contributed to my trying to be everything to everybody. My parents had moved from Nacogdoches, Texas, so I …
Your boss just called notifying you that you are being transferred to a new location. The first thing that runs through your mind is the considerable undertaking to pack up, make the physical move, and then try to fit in with the new supervisor and staff. You also wonder about the housing, the schools, changing …
“As long as you feel pain, you’re still alive. As long as you make mistakes, you’re still human. And as long as you keep trying, there’s still hope.” – Susan Gale “Moral character is the DNA of success and happiness.” – Frank Sonnenberg “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profundity. Kindness in giving creates …
Read more “10 Inspirational Quotes That Can Change Your Life”
What do we mean when we say EXTRAORDINARY? The online definition is: beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established; exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy, remarkable. What about ORDINARY? It means: of no special quality or interest; commonplace, unexceptional; plain or undistinguished. So why would we want to seek the extraordinary in …
Class reunions – some attend, some don’t. Many people have no desire to see their former classmates. Others, I believe, are afraid to participate because they are unhappy with the way they feel or how they look or fearful of what others might say about them. While others may have had a falling out with …
ARE YOU READY? August and September bring about a new chapter in many of our lives. For students, they are going back to their school routine (hopefully after the Covid pandemic). Parents are preparing their students for the new year at school, for any extra-curricular activities before or after school, and for any clubs their …
I’ve never tried to figure out the highway miles that I have traveled. Montana to Texas, Wyoming to New Mexico – way too many to calculate. On the longer trips, Dad had a daily goal of 600 miles. We witnessed the speed limits go up and down – trying to conserve gasoline, which immensely …
As my daughters are now adults, I have been going through totes of pictures accumulated since birth. I love scrapbooking, so I am finally getting around to sorting, embellishing, and inserting into scrapbooks, along with tidbits I remember. The pictures recovered tell my story. Your photographs tell your story. Special moments today are the …
Choices are new every day! When an unanticipated change hits you – you have the option to make a monumental difference in your life. You try to avoid detours and disasters. Although the choice might seem insignificant, it could pave the way for a positive outcome, and you could capitalize on the opportunities presented …
Changing schools was an uncomfortable part of moving. It started when I attended two different playschools, which now I believe they would be called preschools, and then on to kindergarten. I didn’t mind meeting new people and making new friends. The part I hated was that I had a large overbite from sucking my …
When I was in elementary school, I wasn’t fond of science class until we were introduced to hands-on learning. I remember one of my favorite exercises was gathering fireflies in a jar to study their blinking bodies. I also learned that during the larval stage or winter, fireflies hibernate. Some burrow underground, while others …
My dad was a cartographer (mapmaker) with the USGS headquartered in Denver, Colorado. When I was about a year old, my dad began taking assignments in the Rocky Mountain Region (which included seven states: Montana, North and South Dakotas, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas). We would move two to three times per year. Before …
