I have had the rare opportunity to be up at our orange grove by myself for the past two days. Well, that isn’t quite accurate. Liz was here until this morning, but she was busy at work all day yesterday and then had a big project that kept her occupied for most of last night….

I have turned into a crossword puzzle junkie. This is a recent phenomenon and one I am thoroughly enjoying. I believe it has something to do with focusing my mind solely on the task at hand. I suspend all thought about the current political problems we are experiencing, my worries about friends who are going…

Our family gathered over the weekend in Ojai at our orange grove.  We had a wonderful time just being together, hiking down to the waterhole at the nature conservancy and eating some excellent food grilled on the open fire.  Here are a few photos to commemorate our weekend.  The weather was perfect, as was the…

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…