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Sneak a Peek is a new concept for me. I understand that it is an opportunity offered to young school children and caregivers to meet the teacher and to become familiar with the school setting. [...]

Six polka-dotted tumblers stare at me through the glass doors of my kitchen hutch. The tall containers no longer grace the circular oak table in the back corner of the wrap-around porch of my [...]

The power of fear is real. It is usually triggered by something true or perceived. Its teeth are sharp. I know, I have felt them. Once its jaws clamped down on me, it was tough to pry them open [...]

My mother spent many hours in The Garden.  It was a special place behind the barn on our property in Ames, N.Y. The Garden afforded Mom a place to express herself through nature.  “The best place [...]

As a result of my very first Girl Scout sleep-away camping experience, I knew I wanted to be a Red Cap forever. As a kid, I enjoyed the outdoors. I didn’t mind bugs or worms. But, I did not [...]

Life might go smoother if we all would just follow directions. Teachers give directions. Directions are printed on clothing for washing. And booklets, containing instructions, are included with [...]

In the summer of 2012, I met Dad’s adopted chicken. While at his home up north, my 84-year-old father struck up a love affair with a chicken he named Emily. Dad’s adopted chicken actually lived [...]

I think hibernation suits me. I admire the bears, skunks, bees, snakes, and bats who all take a winter break from their daily routine and go into a state of minimal activity. The “true” [...]

I am glad I was raised in a small town. Ames, New York is still the smallest incorporated village in New York State. When I lived there in the ’50’s and ’60’s, about 200 [...]

I am glad I have three sisters in my family. I am number two of 4 girls born in a five-year time span. Mom and Dad provided the main course of my DNA. Good genes and strong moral values sustained [...]