Houston Kraft is a 26-year-old motivational speaker who studied at Bowdoin College and now works with middle school through college-age students across the country, advocating kindness, compassion and respect. 

He is my choice for Valentine of the Year!

THE WORDS OF MY MOTHER

My mother, Lucille Hogan Burkhardt, died 21 years ago on February 5. Among her many wonderful traits — intelligence, humor, kindness, sarcasm and fierce loyalty to her family — she was an excellent writer. In the early 1950s, she penned a column that appeared in the NEWBURGH (N.Y.) NEWS called “The Trading Post.” 

I have no doubt that genetics play a major role in my life, and especially with my desire to blog. In her honor I’m sharing a column that is as relevant today as it was then.  The only difference is that now we are besieged by phone calls, rather than door-to-door solicitors!

SnowBirds Discover that Wintering in Florida can be a Wild Experience!

Women on the run in Key West, Florida!

HOW TO COOK A MOOSE: A Culinary Memoir by Kate Christensen

Simply put, every chapter reveals a delicious (and historic) aspect of Maine cooking. Bon Appetit!

Hi Grandma, it's Maddie!  Ding! Ding! Ding!

Auld Lang Syne .... and Welcome 2016!

The words “Auld Lang Syne” literally translate from old Scottish dialect meaning “old long ago.” It recalls happy days gone by … and coming back together.

Dear Santa, all I really want for Christmas is .....

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornament -- it survives and thrives through the years!

Christmas traditions abound in December and, growing up, our family had one that brought out the Grinch in my dad.