The best lesson I’ve learned about love is that the greatest gift I can give another person is to stop whatever I’m doing, really listen to what the other person is saying, and then make the added effort to see the world through that person’s eyes. That is easier said than done, especially if the…
On this Veteran’s Day Weekend, Let’s Also Thank Firefighters
Wildfire season has been in full swing in Ventura County this past week. Over 134 homes have been destroyed in nearby Camarillo since Wednesday morning by what is now being called the Mountain Fire. This blaze, fanned by 61 mph Santa Ana winds, went from 1/2 square mile to 16 square miles in just a…
Dawn at the Orange Grove
It’s the lightHow it illuminates a portion of each orange treeWhile the remainder resides in shadowThe trees stand swathed in light and darkSpring green accents on forest green leavesNew light spills onto the field beyondImbuing the graying oak mulch with a soft peach glowBrightness holds promise of the new dayShadow reminds that repose is nature’s…
Lest Anyone Needs Chicken Soup: Here’s an Excellent Instant Pot Recipe
Hi all, This is a tried-and-true recipe from kristineskitchenblog.com that I’ve used many times. Today, I’m using frozen chicken thighs, which means increasing the cooking time to 12 minutes versus 7. In fact, I threw in the entire package of chicken thighs to have extra for tomorrow for a different meal. I returned from Sicily…
First Official Day of Sicily Tour
We had a very full day today, starting with a tour of Old Town Catania, a trip to the Riviera del Ciclopi, “The House by the Medlar Tree in Acitrezza,” and then on to Caesar Palace Hotel in Giardini Naxos. The sites were entertaining, the hotel is beautiful, and I am so tired, I can…
The Final Day before the Tour Begins
Today, many members of our tour group arrived in Catania in preparation for the official start of our trip tomorrow morning at 10. People have flown from all over the US, Canada, and even Wales to join our SCN Sightseeing Tour and Writing Workshop, and it’s been exciting to hear of the safe arrival of…
Let the Fun Begin!
Our friends Jan O’Neil and Richard Davies have arrived from Wales to join us on our Sicilian adventure. Rich and Jan are the brother and sister-in-law of our friend and priest, Ian Elliot Davies, who is kindly watching our dogs, Cordelia and Frankie, while we are away. Jan and Rich have become good friends over…
Made it to Catania!
Ray and I have made it to Sicily. We took the bus from the Catania airport – 2 – 4 euros – then walked to our hotel with our backpacks. The temperature was mild, and there was a cool breeze. The young woman at our Arts and Jazz Hotel reception was fluent in English and…
Last Minute Departure Chores
This is what I did today, the day before our trip to Sicily for two weeks: Night night.
Almost Time for Sicily!
After one Story Circle executive board meeting and seven sessions with college and law school essay students today, I am heading home for a good night’s sleep. I will wake up early tomorrow to prepare for our trip to Sicily before seeing two final students in the late afternoon. Ray and I will have a…
20 Minutes a Day 