The nasty war of words between Ted Cruz and Donald Trump sank deeper into the gutter last week with the photographic posting of Melania in the buff and Heidi looking rough. Since when are potential (or actual) First Ladies targets in a political campaign? Unfortunately, since the ink was drying on the United States Constitution.

Growing up, my keenest memory of Easter Sunday is not about jellybeans or hand-dyed egg hunts. Instead I still picture our family sitting in the back right pew of the Central Valley Methodist Church — four squirming siblings, aged 8 to 11, bookended by parents who tolerated no “hacking around.”

Men go food shopping with lists -- and good intentions!

“Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.”

President John F. Kennedy

Several years ago I went to Alaska to witness the Iditarod.  It’s a tale worth retelling. The race always starts on the first Saturday in March, and for the following two weeks, it’s the only headline in our 49th state.

Pain is a four letter word!

BUSHWHACKED!  

A Dedicated Democrat Succumbs to the Charm of a Former President

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!