At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel as passengers by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, cousins, family (chosen family), friends, children, and even the love of our life….
I really and truly have and do love all our pets–except for one. Our dogs are named family members and so have been our birds–namely parrots and parakeets. Many years ago, our two younger sons acquired their very own parakeets at the same time. Eric nurtured his bird, played with it, taught it tricks and called it Puff–who went on to live 14 wonderful years. Mark-the-Younger at the age of…
by Roberta Murphy I’ve loved the idea of a treehouse since a young kid. Never had one, but imagined how I might climb up to my hideaway and maybe stay there forever. Am still fascinated with ideas of small homes and a treehouse, but not quite ready to actually live in such a primitive abode. Until now. Check out this Italian treehouse, appropriately called 25 Verde–and discovered on Australia’s Outdoor Design….
God planted one of his angels on a chilly Saturday November 19 morning in Wichita Falls, Texas. She grew up dirt poor, mischevious, resourceful–and was a promising athlete until a blood infection settled into her hip at the age of 14, which left her periodically crippled much of her life. Edith Putnam Michelson was a beautiful woman with a 1000-watt smile. She also had a rocking sense of humor and loved…
Life can change quickly. Personal power helps. Last night, we returned from Anthony Robbins 4-day “Unleash the Power Within” event in Dallas. I had attended with two of my sons–Scott and Mark–and was open to whatever learning, changes and friendships I might absorb and make. The event delivered on all fronts. As we drove home from the San Diego airport hungry for dinner, we stopped off at Jimbo’s Market and…
Instead of a cemetery with headstones, imagine a forest full of lush and beautiful trees with birds twittering above…and all fed by the ashes of our relatives. Imagine the power of just one tree. I am personally not offended and have often suggested to sons and family that my eventual remains be fed to the tomato or kale plants in a garden somewhere. Or perhaps a tree. This cremation idea from…
Who doesn’t like a discount when stepping out? Below is a long list of restaurants, stores, grocery chains, airlines , hotels and car rental agencies that offer senior discounts–with minimum qualifying ages ranging from 50 to 65. Many of these discounts are not published or advertised, so you must ask for them. Please print or save this link for future reference, and if you have any corrections or additons, please…
by Roberta Murphy Travelers from all nations once had the luxury of cruising Egypt’s Nile River, exploring the country’s ancient pyramids and steeping themselves in the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt. But that was before the Great Recession and recent political and civil turmoil. Egypt had been planning on a tourism rebound in 2012, but it appears those plans have gone up in flames as Royal Caribbean International cancels…
by Roberta Murphy More and more, we are receiving requests for homes in San Diego that will accommodate all living generations in a family. It’s an emerging trend and one which might grab the attention of builders in years to come. Much of the recent regrouping of families, thanks to a dismal economy, comes from boomerang kids. There are estimates that over 50 percent of recent college grads are returning…
Jeff and Rocky Turner Jeff and Racquel Turner are two favorite people of mine. Not because Racquel has a heart as wide and deep as the Mississippi River –or because Jeff so unselfishly shares his technological expertise with so many. Rather, they both hold out a helping hand to people and causes that can use a lift. A few years ago, Rocky realized that orphaned girls in Africa were missing…
