During spring and summer, bees and other flying insects are busy collecting food. Unfortunately, sometimes we humans get in their way. In order to protect themselves, they end up attacking and stinging us. Most insect stings produce only local discomfort.…
A friend of mine is afraid of dogs and always imagines scenarios that might unfold when someone approaches with a dog that does not appear to be under control. In Richmond and the surrounding counties, there are leash laws that…
When my dad turned seventy-five, there was quite a party. We were all together: my four older sisters, my brother, and me, various and sundry spouses, the majority of his seventeen grandkids and four great grandchildren, family friends and neighbors,…
Garage sales, rummage sales, tag sales.The sale ing season is upon us. Until I had children, two daughters, I was never the garage sale type. Now you can't keep me away. It's more that just saving a buck, although we…
He’s downstairs on the computer. She’s up in her room checking Instagram. Mom is deep into another book on her iPad. And me? I’m glued to a tiny smartphone, checking my email for the umpteenth time today. Good gracious, what’s…
Plum Chutney Peel 4 plums, and halve, pit, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 large, sliced shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot begins to soften, about…
Artists Roy Lichtenstein and Tom Wesselmann used images from popular culture to create some of the most renowned pop art of the twentieth century. Visit VMFA to view their fabulous works of inspiration and get ideas for your own…
Last Election Day, a staffer at Starlight Children's Foundation MidAtlantic visited a local children's hospital and met Mason. A frequent flier, Mason had just celebrated his ninth birthday and was fighting his forty-fourth case of pneumonia. Spying the staffer's I…
Okay, maybe it's just in my head. I love music, and my kids say I have a song for everything. Some of my fondest and most vivid memories are centered around music. To this day Country Roads makes me cry…
Q: My mother is moving in with our family and there are going to be a lot of changes, starting with two of our four kids sharing a bedroom. I can feel the resentment building up already. Any suggestions for…
