Sometimes my spa water ingredients, having imparted their essence for three days running, still have a glow about them when their intended purpose has passed. The leftover water they’ve splashed about in, freely frolicking while adding color and health giving benefits is to be used on the potted kumquat tree in my garden. • Their … Continue reading Leave It →

I didn’t recognize the lady who was power walking through my neighborhood this morning but then I don’t know everyone who lives in my community. It’s the way of things thanks to busy lives and iPhones and Internet. • In a job I worked years ago there was an awesome edgy girl name Shannon who … Continue reading Skinhead? →

There are some extremely hard working women at the university who start their shift at 4:00 am each day. They hustle, they sweat, they make the offices in the executive suites sparkle and keep the rolls of “important papers” stocked across campus. About the same time of morning that I’m sipping my first cup of … Continue reading Pouring Out →

Gone From My Sight A hand operated espresso maker was given to me about twenty years ago. The maker, AllClad, has been producing top-quality cookware for years. This particular item was somewhat of a one-off and they no longer make it. I’ve never seen another one like it, not even on eBay as a matter … Continue reading Assume the Position →

The finishing touch on the lobby I just redecorated was to add a couple of custom made lumbar pillows to the two small black club chairs. The fabric I found was already marked down since there were only a few yards left on the roll. I waited patiently while the two clerks cutting fabric took … Continue reading Scrapped →

Grandma Cary was a resourceful woman having been raised on a Kansas farmstead with countless brothers (a.k.a. farm hands) where mastering the art of making something useful out of every scrap at hand was essential. She married a boy from the nearest farm a couple of miles away. They eventually became a couple and built … Continue reading Go Solo! →

Beautiful Forelle pears lounging at the local Persian market on a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. They were so gorgeous how could I not choose a few to enjoy for myself? Throw in a handful of almonds, a slice of sharp white cheddar and freshly made pistachio halvah for dessert . . . anyone care … Continue reading World Traveler →

The starter soup at the Thai restaurant was delicately delicious on its own. My tastebuds told me so and even if my eyes had been closed I would have thought thus. But but I’m glad they were open to observe the fancy cut carrots that played a starring role in said concoction. • Really? An … Continue reading Attention to Detail →

Pinterest may have peaked in its popularity but it is still an awesome place to discover how to make a handcrafted travel mug warmer from the re-purposed sleeve of a worn out wool sweater. Or a trendy trivet made from reclaimed wine bottle corks. • Think about how many possessions actually go through our hands … Continue reading Remains of the Day →

We sat in the Thai food restaurant waiting for our server to bring the pad Thai. How pretty and lifelike that rose on our table looked but the colors were really just a little too perfect to be real. • We sampled (then ordered) the delicious iced Thai coffee, not nearly as sweet its Vietnamese … Continue reading Unreal? →