An early taste of spring brings muddy chores, family gatherings, a joyful baptism service, and gratitude for blessings both big and small, from healing and birthdays to thoughtful gifts.

This past week, we observed Ash Wednesday, which began the sacred season of Lent.

I kept thinking about that moment when new life, soon to be crawling and climbing, meets a life that is shuffling down a slope in time.

I would have forgotten some of the stories I wrote about the children if I hadn’t written them down. If you can find time to write down cute stories about your children growing up, that would be great.

It has been over two weeks since we said goodbye to our beloved black Labrador, Zeke.

Recently I had a curtain-opening experience after reading a poem that left me kind of excited. About breaking more rules with the English language.

We have had a real winter so far with cold weather and lots of snow. Our younger generation in the family has had lots of fun with sled rides.

I do love words, which is why I was fascinated by Anne Fadiman’s attraction to what she calls “four-dollar” words. However, I have spent too much time in the newspaper biz to share Fadiman’s word addiction.

I am in third grade at school. I like math best. My favorite time of school is recess. I like playing with my friends.