The best gift I have ever received was when I turned 60-years-old. My children planned a trip for the entire family down to Ensenada, Mexico for five days. This had the dual purpose of a celebration of my “big” birthday as well as a chance for our family to meet our new son-in-law’s family, who…
Author: lenleatherwood
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
The Wonders of YouTube for DYI Projects
I have joined the ranks of those who watch YouTube videos to learn how to do something new. In my case, I want to reupholster the cushions on our outdoor furniture at the orange grove. We already have the outdoor fabric. It’s just a question of me getting a little guidance on the simplest method…
Tips Appreciated on How to Naturally Lower Cholesterol
Hi folks, Well, this is a shout-out to anyone who might have some down-to-earth tips on naturally lowering cholesterol. These would include simple methods to help shed a few pounds too. Yesterday, I started taking psyllium husks in a glass of water (which is supposed to be excellent for lowering cholesterol), then repeated again today…
Blood Tests and Lessons Learned
I had to get blood work done a few weeks back since I was applying for a new life insurance policy. I was nervous about it. My current life insurance was up and I want Ray to have some security if I die before he does. He thinks he won’t need it, but if something…
Heading Home after a Camping Weekend
We have just had the loveliest weekend. We went up to Ojai on Friday night and spent the last two days just hanging out with our family at the orange grove. Ron's mom and a family friend came up today for breakfast with us. That was the biggest event of today. Yesterday the biggest event…
Ojai Family Weekend.
I am dead tired. Just going to say that we had a wonderful day and are now settling to bed for the night. The moon is bright; the night quiet. The air is lovely and cool. Here are just a few photos. Some are down in Ventura at the beach. We will talk again tomorrow….
Up in Ojai
We are up in Ojai with our family. An impromptu camping trip before life gets busy again with work and other obligations. Looking forward to a relaxed time with everyone including the grand babies. The moon is shining bright tonight. No need for a flashlight when walking through the grove. The moonlight shining in the…
Riley, Quick Writes and My Day
I am sitting with nine-year-old Riley and we are writing a quick write. This is when we just put whatever we want down on the page to clear our minds and to build up writing muscles. Riley is having trouble coming up with something to write about. Cordelia is sitting next to him and I…
Weathering the Weather in Ojai
Ray and I spent the night in Ojai last night at the orange grove. It was a strange night, weather-wise. The temperature had reached 99 degrees during the day and was just cooling off when we arrived in the early evening. However, the Airstream was stuffy even with two fans running and all the windows…
Leslie and Haley’s Slightly Delayed Adventure: Day One
Here is everything that went into two backpacks for three weeks in the Sierra High Country on the John Muir Trail. Here is what all of that looks carried by Leslie and Haley, who are now in Yosemite after a few initial problems. I took Leslie and Haley to the airport bright and early this…
20 Minutes a Day 