My father-in-law, Geoff Cronin was a raconteur with a encyclopedic memory spanning his 93 years. He sadly died in 2017 but not before he had been persuaded to commit these memories of his childhood…

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Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord. Apart from a really lovely lunch out with family this week, it has been back to normal after Christmas and nothing m…

I am wearing my oldstuff again.Tight jeans andT-shirts that smell of cedar.I’m selling my goodthings at the yard sale;An original still lifeby Diltheyand a landscape I paidtoo much for in Coconut G…

Today, we are going to take a look at various items. We are catered by Caroline of Austin. Our entertainment is Neil Diamond. Biscuits & Gravy - buttermilk biscuits, sausage gravy, fried eggs Spinach & Feta Egg White Omelet - grilled red onion, cherry tomato, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast Ham & Cheddar Omelet - smoked ham, aged cheddar, breakfast potatoes, choice of toast …

So where is Dad and Aunt Barbara?" "They went off to see a sculpture garden and an art exhibit." "So what does that mean to us?" "Of course you would ask that. Well, it means we are on our own until they come back." "On our own. Like we're orphans?" "No, it means that Dad will be taking some time to be with her."

Monday’s dVerse challenge, hosted by De Jackson, aka WhimsyGizmo, was (is) to write a quadrille (44-word poem) using the word “smile”.  Well now… I know I can do that! &nbsp…

My father-in-law, Geoff Cronin was a raconteur with a encyclopedic memory spanning his 93 years. He sadly died in 2017 but not before he had been persuaded to commit these memories of his childhood…

Check out the latest celebrity post Holly and I have collaborated on! Please leave any comments on Holly’s HOUSE of HEART

Welcome to the 2023 series of the music column where I am joined as always by Jazz singer and composer William Price King.  We hope you will join us every Tuesday for some of the chart hits of the …

Today, I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 129. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is "focus." This is our prompt today. Focus by John W. Howell © 2026 "You got the target?" "Roger. My focus is absolutely laser sharp." "Well, just track it then and wait for my order." "Yes, sir.

Today we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art display to view the installation of Lakeway artist Sofia Besondy We are catered by La Santa Barbacha of Austin. Our entertainment is Nora Jones. Menu…

Hi everyone, it’s Robbie Cheadle bringing you Nicole Sara’s thoughtful and interesting analysis of Leda and the Swan by Giovanni Antonio Bazzi. Leda and the Swan Picture caption: Leda a…

Do you participate in the Goodreads Challenge? I have for the past several years. It helps me keep up with reviews and my seemingly infinite pile of books waiting to be read. I surpassed my goal in…

This post was originally published by Marie Ann Bailey and me on January 6, 2014. Since some of us still make New Year's resolutions, I thought it might come in handy. Top Ten Things Not To Do as New Year’s Resolutions 10. For your New Year’s Resolutions, do not put “Exercise Daily” or the word “exercise” anywhere on your list. If you do, at best, you will wind up paying for a gym membership you will never use because you always have an excuse not to go.

Today we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art display to view the installation of Lakeway artist Sofia Besondy We are catered by La Santa Barbacha of Austin. Our entertainment is Nora Jones. Menu BARBACOA -braised beef topped with cilantro and onion BENITO TACO -pinto beans, chicharron, barbacoa, queso fresco, avocado, herbs BEEF ASADA TACO - grilled beef, roasted onions, fresh guacamole, cilantro, radish…

Coffee first, then face the day. The low caffeine warning light is blinking behind my eyes. A touch of the two-coffee icon on the touchscreen starts the process that delivers eight ounces of life-saving goodness. One sip and the red warning begins to fade. A second sip, and the chimes of Westminster announce another idiot who cannot read the Do Not Ring the Doorbell sign.

Today's good news story comes from The Cool Down newsletter. Thank you to Noelle Granger for sending it to me. Experts thrilled by recovery of beloved US creatures: 'It was really successful' By Drew Jones Wild turkeys are thriving across Illinois in what one wildlife expert has dubbed "one of the greatest wildlife management success stories in modern times." Once entirely extirpated from the state in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss, wild turkeys have returned to nearly every corner of the Prairie State through sustained restoration efforts that began in the 1950s.

The storm marks the end of our season. An ocean whipped by wild winds. The moon hides in the indigo sky, above the sea , the stars have hidden too. Behind  thunderheads the archer guards his l…

"Wow. That sun feels good on the face, Twiggy." "Tell me about it. We haven't laid out for quite a while." "Why don't we do this more often?" "You tell me. I don't know why." "Being inside on a day like this is a crime." "Well, all we have to do is get Mom or Dad to open the door, and we could do this all the time."

Good books deserve being shared on a regular basis and as always during the year I will revisit my reviews from the last 12 months to remind you of my recommendations. The first review for 2025 was…