We’ve planted gardens in the past—usually perennial flowers that come back year after year. We had this one rock garden that made me so happy every spring, the way that the flowers just magically appeared when it was time. I still miss it. We have also had vegetable gardens that flourished. We didn’t do much besides plant the seeds and install a drip line. (Since … Continue reading Garden Dreams
Given the state of everything, I wanted to make a little space for sharing community and uplifting spirits. So you are hereby invited to a Virtual Potluck, right this very moment! I’ve already set the table and turned on the music. Now it’s up to us. What is a go-to recipe that you make whenever you’re invited somewhere? Please share it now, if you … Continue reading You’re Invited
In honor of the wonderful and beloved Catherine O’Hara. From Delia Deetz to Moira Rose and everyone in between…what a sublime collection of unique, hilarious, and unforgettable characters she created! What are your favorite performances or moments, if you feel like sharing? Here are some of mine: Schitt’s Creek: Moira Rose filming the winery commercial, the way she takes her role in “The Crows Have … Continue reading In Honor of Catherine
It’s that time of year, and I know everyone is busy getting ready for hosting or traveling or kicking back, so I’ll keep this short. What are some of your memories (or traditions) from around this time of year? A few from long ago and far away: Hope you have a wonderful week! Continue reading May we interest you in a flashback?
Fall is officially the coziest season, in my book. Yes, there’s winter. You could argue for it, and that’s fine. They are both cozy in their own way. But I absolutely adore how a cool, crisp autumn serves as a most welcome transition from the blazingly hot summer months. So rejuvenating to the body and spirit! Anyway, here are some of my favorite Cozy Things: … Continue reading The Coziest Season
So I just spent the better part of an evening looking for a form to submit feedback to a very large company. Surprisingly, this is not a new scenario. You’d think that the bigger the company, the more important it is to have a way for your customers to provide feedback. Even if Le Company does not care what we all think, it should at … Continue reading Ideas Welcome
We must have been the last people in the world to hear that nonstick pans are not so great for you. And we had the same ones since we got married; even if they weren’t all scraped to heck (they were), they were way past the 10-year deadline for use. Oops! So we decided to take the leap/plunge/bait and trade our old faithfuls for stainless … Continue reading Never Too Late
Cynthia here–at Left Coast Crime, I had the great fortune to meet the wonderful Jason Powell, who kindly agreed to visit us and answer some questions about his book No Man’s Ghost, which is out now. Please join us in welcoming Jason! What made you interested in writing this particular story? I’m always glad to answer this question because it gives me the opportunity to … Continue reading A Visit with Jason Powell
This doesn’t come along very often…it’s a real-life mystery. Your turn to sleuth, if you want it. 🙂 Here’s the situation. A friend is an avid puzzler–she always has one in progress on its own table. Lately, something strange has been happening: when she wakes up in the morning, the puzzle looks different. Usually less completed, as if someone or something has undone what she … Continue reading A Real Mystery
Left Coast Crime was wonderful. Continue reading Photographic Evidence
Usually the “Just a Friendly Note” series addresses the things that are perhaps not working so well—and it’s both fun and cathartic to articulate them. This week, however, I’m going to focus on the positive because many of us are feeling like we could use a lift. ☀️ Dear Packable Puffer Jackets: Thank you for the option to keep warm in a streamlined manner rather … Continue reading Just a friendly note (gratitude edition)
We have been told that technology is supposed to make things easier. But sometimes it doesn’t. Take, for instance, the issue of holiday returns, a pretty common activity. In previous years, the process typically went something like this: Fill out return form. Use provided mailing label and package item. Mail it back. Receive refund or credit for new item. This year, however, it went like … Continue reading What happened to all the helpfulness?
Chicks on the Case 