Listening to all the speeches at both the Republican and Democratic conventions and then watching as
Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, it suddenly hit me: How, when it comes to family, I won the lottery.
My maternal grandmother was one of nine children, four boys and five girls. They were all open-minded, tolerant accepting and opinionated at a time when that was not so common. They came by it honestly enough, my great Continue reading
Even though I’m not ‘of the faith’, I’ve always loved Christmas. While it has no religious significance for me, I am always buoyed by the ‘spirit’ of it. It’s one of the 
only ‘holidays’ when families truly make an effort to be together, regardless of the travelling involved. It’s also a cheerful and convivial time.
Friends and neighbours are always invited to drop in, and wherever you go, you’re greeted by the sound of music, laughter, shrieking children, barking dogs, ice tinkling in glasses and cups clattering on saucers.
You’re also met by the most intoxicating scents, and sights: Toasty fires, glowing candles, colourful stockings hanging from mantels, candy canes, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot chocolate and all manner of cookies, baking away in the oven. And even though I know they’re messy, as far as I’m concerned, nothing beats the smell of a real pine tree in the house. Nothing.
Suddenly, the stress leading up to Christmas is gone. And once December 25th finally arrives, everyone’s mood becomes
365 And Counting 