Food, fun, and fresh air are good for friendships and boosting your spirit. — When the bride-to-be suggested a camping trip in place of a bachelorette party, all the ladies were on board. We knew camping was a great girls’ getaway. And there are many perks to a weekend camping trip that a one night shindig can’t provide. Using travel trailers made it easy. As a group, we decided to…

A case for minimum wage. — I earned my first real paycheck when I was twevle years old, picking strawberries for $.50 a flat. Summer vacation had just started, and I was excited about earning my own spending money. I wasn’t forced to work. It was my choice, highly supported by my parents. Knowing the “picking”…

The small, more realistic steps I am taking to get back on track. — (I originally wrote this story in September of 2021, in the midst of the pandemic. I realized it was never published. However, I do think the experience of being pulled away from personal goals by life’s unexpected events is evergreen. …

The older we get, the more critical it becomes. My mother-in-law is planning a trip to Hawaii next month. She’s never been there before and despite the drain on her savings, she’s excited about going. She’s 81 years old and stepping out of her comfort zone. I want to be…

Beat the winter blues by trying something different. Winter can be so boring. Short days and long dark nights coupled with cold, nasty weather, do little to inspire us. It’s so easy to fall into the familiar territory known as our comfort zone. For me, that includes curling up on…

Card games allow for all ages and ability levels to learn and maintain skills at any time and any place without breaking the bank. Have you ever participated in a card party? Every Saturday night from the end of October until the end of March, our neighbors get together for a pinochle party. …

Because everyone wants to be heard. Clear communication is vital to any relationship. So it’s important to be able to share our thoughts and feelings. We want to be heard. It validates us as human beings. We all know this to be true. But what good is sharing if your…

How creating a “Worry List” can help you worry less and live more. Do you worry a lot? Do you ever think to yourself, “ I worry to much?” In other words, are you worried about how much you worry? It’s normal for us to be concerned about our job…

Budget considerations for those turning 65 or assisting a parent or grandparent signing up for Medicare coverage. If you recently turned or are about to turn 65, you’ve most likely delved into the Medicare maze. So many things affect your actual Medicare expenses. To say it’s confusing is an understatement. …