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The Festive Season Update: 2021 Edition

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If you're here because you couldn't resist checking out the QR code on the back of our holiday card, may I just say... you might be a dork. But, then again, consider that I'm the one who put a QR code on the back of our holiday card. I can relate! Saving this spot for an update on what's been happening around the Caird Creek Wildlife Sanctuary over the past year or two, since for some reason … [Read more...] about The Festive Season Update: 2021 Edition

The Festive Season Update: 2017 Edition

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Well, I’ve just sent Michael off with the Christmas cards, after a marathon session of sticking, stuffing and licking. And yet, I’d like to catch up with friends and family in a much more in-depth way (I miss you!!!), so I thought I’d do the equivalent of an “annual newsletter” right here on these virtual pages. (Please send along your own updates in email or in the comments!) While it’s … [Read more...] about The Festive Season Update: 2017 Edition

Thankful

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We’re lucky to be able to get away for the Thanksgiving holiday, retreating to my late father’s house in East Texas. It’s right on the edge of the Davy Crockett National Forest, and, surrounded by tall pines, it feels like we’re in the middle of nowhere. (We typically only see these giant trees when around here, so Rory calls them “family trees,” as he knows their presence means we are close to … [Read more...] about Thankful

My Friend Tigger

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I remember her crossing the finish line at the New York Triathlon in Harriman State Park in 2001, struggling and smiling — she’d made it! We’d spent countless hours training together for the race, bonding over our less-than-athletic physiques and our determination. But we both crossed the finish line triumphantly. I remember us going dress shopping before Y2K, then dancing and celebrating … [Read more...] about My Friend Tigger

Anna Maria Island — Seabirds, Turtles & More

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If Disney was an exploration of urbanism and the behavior of crowds, Anna Maria Island has been nearly the opposite — immersion in nature (including nearly constant rain). Here the beauty is mostly natural though I’ve also found lovely examples of architecture as well. The environment is mostly walkable, too, as the island offers a free trolley system. And a walk along the beach is always … [Read more...] about Anna Maria Island — Seabirds, Turtles & More

The Disney Experience

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The trip we’re on now will be an epic vacation to remember, of that there is no doubt. The boys are 7 and 10 — old enough to behave themselves (this is a relative concept, of course) and mature enough to appreciate activities beyond the playground. So, when Michael’s middle elder brother and his family suggested meeting in Florida (we are 10 in all, with 6 coming from Scotland and 4 from … [Read more...] about The Disney Experience

Farewell To “The Biscuit”

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Lately, our minds have cast back to the winter of 2003-2004, when a certain vehicle — eventually to be known as “The Biscuit” — came into our lives. Michael and I were fairly newly married and we’d moved to a 2 bedroom apartment in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, where the alternate-side on-street parking restrictions were loose enough to convince Michael he’d be willing and able to move the car … [Read more...] about Farewell To “The Biscuit”