Blow dryers are a necessity this day and time. But I wish to go on record as saying there was life before blow dryers. I know because I lived …
This is an exciting time for our family. Anna and Dyllan are finishing up their master’s degrees at the University of North Alabama and Kenned…
When I was a stay-at-home “domestic engineer” I tried my hand at refinishing several pieces of furniture. The pieces were sometimes cast-offs …
In my collection of family pictures, I have several that I took from Ma Hughes’ picture box. Some are on heavy cardboard and the people who ar…
As the sun sets on this very special Easter Sunday my mind is reliving the events of this day. Our family gathered to celebrate the day that i…
While listening to an oldies radio station the other day I heard the classic country song, “Rockin’ Years.” It brought on an onslaught of memo…
I am writing this on March 21st. There is a wonderful aroma floating through the house that no air freshener can duplicate. That wonderful sce…
I turned 18 years old in January of 1965. As a senior in high school, I was involved in school and church activities, and I would, for a nomin…
Dawn dealt with the diagnosis of a cancerous kidney that had to be removed and the year that followed proved to be a time of learning for this…
As I look back on my life I find some of my fondest memories from my high school days are those of working in our high school library for one …
Mere words will not express my gratitude. How do you thank someone who has saved your life? How do you thank the spirit of a community?
I am amazed at how moments in life are remembered by those who lived them. One dear friend told me a story a few years ago about how she and h…
I received a priceless treasure in my mailbox this week. Someone I consider a very special friend, Linda Loden Cayson, sent it to me and even …
Every February just as winter starts to loosen its grip here in the South, my daffodils make their dependable return in my landscape.
Valentine’s Day is Saturday and that means there are decisions that must be made. Back in the day there weren’t many choices when it came to w…
STARKVILLE – Rice delphacid is a plant hopper that has been damaging Texas rice since 2015, and this invasive threat to Southern rice producti…
While roses may be the traditional choice when Valentine’s Day rolls around, I’ve found that orchids offer something even more meaningful -- a…
To say we here in Northwest Alabama were blessed to have no more ice last week than we did is an understatement. My driveway had a thin coatin…
One winter-blooming shrub that feels familiar and comforting to me is the flowering quince. This plant quietly becomes part of the family land…
Today I am waiting, wondering and watching. I’m waiting to see if the winter weather that is forecasted will become a reality, wondering if we…
I love reminding gardeners that flowers aren’t the only way to add color to the landscape. Some of the most dependable color comes from plants…
I turned 79 years old on January 17th, and it didn’t hurt a bit! As the 16th turned into the 17th I felt like I was 16 years old – until I sto…
Remembering the “four P’s” of freeze safety – people, pets, plants and pipes – is an adage heard constantly this time of year, but doing so is…
If you remember when we were more concerned about “ring around the collar” than coffee staining our teeth, and when we were told how dishwashi…
I consider this day on which I am sharing thoughts with you a very special day indeed. It is my maternal grandmother’s 122nd birthday. Ma Hugh…
I am up later than I should be on Christmas night, but I’m all a-flutter with happy thoughts.
When I answered my phone, I didn’t know I would be receiving the best Christmas present that any Mama could ever hope to get. The familiar, al…
The cold weather of the past few days, along with the date on the calendar, have reminded me this is “fruitcake season.” Fruitcakes seem to sa…