Rachael and I made these bars today.  Instead of orange juice and zest, we used lemon.  It was equally delicious. These are very tasty indeed. Give them a try and let me know what you think. I’ll check back in with you again tomorrow. Oatmeal Date Bars 12 ounces moist pitted dried dates, preferably Medjool,…

Am I the only person out there who turns his/her attention away from a difficult task just before its completion, then lets it languish for weeks or maybe even months before finally returning to do that last hour’s worth of work?  Of course, between the time I put the task down and I pick it…

I have had one of those days: started early and ended late (like 5 minutes ago and it’s 9:25 pm.).  I had a writing group this morning, which was fun and informative followed by students who ranged in age from 11 to 55, and who needed help with homework, essays, and a speech to a…

(I wrote this blog this morning and have just read that the White House has decided to lower the flag again to half-mast in John McCain’s honor.  However, I have decided to post this piece anyway because many of the basic sentiments remain the same, though I am happy Trump has reversed his decision on…

I saw my little granddaughter Luna (age 5) and grandson Nico (age 2 1/2) today,  along with my daughters and two sons-in-law.  It was a lovely afternoon and early evening.  Nico took me out back to play – reached out and took my hand and led me through the sliding door to the back patio. …

Jacob Peterson stared at the tall taupe vase with its intricate pattern of circles and lines that held a bouquet of purple and white lilacs. He loved that vase that he had made with his own two hands; the pattern on it reminded him that life had dozens of lines and intersections, places to connect…

Today, Rachael and I made homemade macaroni and cheese, lentil soup and orange cookies. It’s been too hot lately to have the oven going, but today was just cool enough so we could go back into baking mode.  I am always happier when I can bake.  Somehow life feels more stable and settled.  Half of…

I wrote this list a couple of years ago.  Everything is still pertinent except I have accomplished #4: skydiving.  My kids also have given me an online Spanish class which I will be starting soon.  So that’s the beginning of #36. Now if I can just find that pool where I can skinny-dip every day……

My father’s family, the Leatherwoods, come from deep Southern roots.  My grandfather and grandmother Leatherwood were the son and daughter of two of the founding families in the Texas county where I was born, where my father was born, where his father was born.  I grew up where three of the successful businesses on the…