What did you do this summer? That seems to be the universal question of greeting as summer winds down and we begin to migrate back to our normal routine of work, school, and fall social occasions. Of course, how you react to the question usually depends on how you feel your summer ranks on the spectacular summer vacation scale. If you had … [Read more...]
Book Review: GOODBYE, VITAMIN by Rachel Khong
"...there is a bit of magic in this author’s ability to tell a deeply affecting story with interspersed humor" I will be honest: I don’t know how to feel about this book. Prior to picking up GOODBYE, VITAMIN by Rachel Khong, I had just finished reading a heavily literary, epic novel that was almost 600 pages, and perhaps the contrast felt a bit … [Read more...]
Pondering The Possibilities: The Bat-Candy-Halloween Connection
Have you ever wondered how the bat-candy-halloween connection got started? Well, I think I might have the answer. Okay, it is pure speculation on my part, but the evidence seems pretty convincing me. It is all because of fruit. Does that sound far fetched? Well, would you want to go up against one of these creatures every time you wanted a … [Read more...]
Pet Owners Against Daylight Saving Time — Unite!
In all the discussions about the pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time, I have yet to hear anyone address the most compelling reason of all for getting rid of Daylight Saving Time -- our pets. In the U.S. alone, 62% of households are pet owners. It breaks down to something like 46 million households with dogs and 36 million households with cats. … [Read more...]
For The Joy of Animals: Turkey Bobbing
Turkey bobbing anyone? We take an all hands -- and paws -- approach to prepping for our christmas feast. Do you have plenty of helping hands and paws at your house? MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ~~~ You can find more Macho and Nina YouTube fun at The Fry Ranch ### … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday Betty White, I’ll Never Forget Your Kindness
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the hilarious, uber-talented Miss Betty White. No one is more deserving than she of the sweet surprise and outpouring of affection she got, in celebration of her 93rd birthday, from the entire cast and crew of Hot in Cleveland. Enjoy the flash mob celebration, then read about my own encounter with Miss … [Read more...]
A Disgruntled Snowman’s Snow Fight
We may be disgruntled by the snow, but it is here to stay -- at least for a couple of months. So we might as well find humor in it where we can. I've long been a fan and follower of the folks over at Animation Chefs. Their goal is to: "lead kids into a thinking, making, sharing pattern that will change their relationship with … [Read more...]
Ten Things I Don’t Want to Hear Two Days Before Christmas
Here is my Ten Things I Don’t Want to Hear Two Days Before Christmas list: I have a Christmas lunch at work/school/preschool tomorrow. What would you like to make? I need to start my Christmas shopping. Can you take me to the mall? How about that! The guaranteed Christmas delivery wasn’t actually guaranteed. The turkey’s going … [Read more...]
Who Doesn’t Love The Fair?
I don’t. There. I said it. I don’t like the state fair. When the family packed up to make our annual trek, I tried hiding under the couch but someone spotted me. I tried to beg off for financial reasons. Think of ALL the money we’d save if I didn’t go. Sadly, it was Teacher Day, and I qualified for free admission. It cost exactly the same … [Read more...]
The Art of The Virtual “Smudgy Hug”
Humans are social beings. We crave human-to-human contact. Even as machines and technology take over more and more aspects of our lives, we try our best to humanize them. Think of our phones. We give them names, voices and mannerisms. We dress them. We play with them. We share our lives with them. Why? Because, even though they are … [Read more...]
How to Raise Gun-Free Boys
When my husband and I first started talking about having children almost two decades ago, one of our concerns was the pervasive violence in our culture. Seeing boys barely old enough to write their names pretending to blow one another up was troubling, and we decided our kids were going to be different. We didn’t buy in to gender stereotypes. Kids … [Read more...]
For The Joy of Animals: Nature’s Ball Return
A dog with a ball, but no one to throw... A creative dog puts a refreshing twist on the game of "Fetch" and lets nature in on the action. After all who would make a better partner in an endless game of fetch than nature's ball return! ### … [Read more...]
The Adventurous Mind: Prudence
The road less traveled Isn't always on foot. The adventurous mind... Creates its own landscape. Webcomic by xkcd: Prudence Do you have an adventurous mind? Do you like to find the mind roads less traveled? ### … [Read more...]
Pondering Possibilities: Digital Toilet Paper
Like it or not. Embrace it or not. The digital age has brought a lot of changes to our world. But there has to be a limit. Right? Still ... Can we really rule out the possibility of digital toilet paper? After all, there was a time when we "wiped" with leaves, rocks, and even sticks. And isn't it about time for some toilet paper … [Read more...]
For The Joy Of Animals: Cow Boredom?
Can there be such a thing as cow boredom? I have a special fondness for cows. My grandparents were dairy farmers, so as a child I had ample opportunity to watch cows' inaction. And no, that is not a typo. Once you get beyond the constant chewing and tail switching along with their incredibly large and friendly looking (think oversized dog) … [Read more...]