“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” Erma Bombeck, American humorist The era that set all that Thanksgiving should be in my mind was actually rather brief. It began the year my immediate family returned to our Chicago-area home base and… Continue reading The ever-changing table
Category: family life
I married a Boy Scout
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin, American founding father One recent afternoon, I not-so-innocently remarked that our crock pot lid was not long for this world. My husband slowed, glanced toward the appliance and moved on without saying a word. I was in no way surprised, however, when I opened… Continue reading I married a Boy Scout
Secrets from my children
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Benjamin Franklin, "Poor Richard's Almanack" She almost caught me. Just when I was looking longingly at a newspaper circular for elastic-waisted pants -- the mom jeans to end all mom jeans -- my youngest daughter strolled through the kitchen. I flipped the paper over… Continue reading Secrets from my children
A chip-sniffing dog
“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” Mark Twain, American humorist Miles, our Appalachian porch dog, is well fed to say the least. And, well watered. That means little when it comes to the street, however. There, as he does when running off… Continue reading A chip-sniffing dog
3 things I didn’t know about my family
"When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out." Erma Bombeck, American humorist All sorts of stuff goes on behind my back. Literally. "Where was I?" I demanded, mystified as to how my daughters had done such stuff in their early childhoods. I have no… Continue reading 3 things I didn’t know about my family
Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal 