Selling a car is like saying goodbye to an old friend. Granted, some cars haven't been very good friends – gas guzzling, sticky transmissions, a tendency to pull left into oncoming traffic – but our car had been exemplary, taking us back and forth across the country in carefree comfort. It had seen nine states and outlived three sets of luggage. It had been a trooper. Still, it … [Read more...]
Come Back, Little Columbine
By Sue Murphy It’s been a long winter for my little not-quite-acre. First, we had the drought, then a few snippets of sub-freeze and thaw. There was a round of evergreen fungus, a little root rot and ravages of the little critters who were just trying to nibble their way through to spring. Also, after calling, coaxing, pleading with several groups to come and fix our fake … [Read more...]
Bye-bye Bigtop
By Sue Murphy Well, that’s it. I’ll never ever be able to run away and join the circus. The circus is shutting down. It’s true. The Ringling Brothers, Mr. Barnum and Mr. Bailey, all the circus grand pooh-bahs, got together and decided to pack up their tents for good. The last of the Greatest Shows on Earth will be May 21 in Uniondale, New York. It doesn’t seem possible. I … [Read more...]
Thank You, Norman Nelson
By Sue Murphy Harold and I were driving through a small Illinois town last fall when I saw a sign in front of the VFW post that said, “WE WILL MISS YOU NORMAN NELSON.” I never knew Norman Nelson, and now, apparently, I never will. The sign didn’t say why Norman would no longer be at the VFW. My hope is that he was moving to Florida. It would have been a good idea. Winters are … [Read more...]
Gridlock
By Sue Murphy If you're looking for a new house, your kindly real estate professional will ask you to make a wish list. How many bedrooms would you like? In which neighbor- hood would you like to live? What is your budget? Actually, unless you plan on winning the mega-million lottery, you’d better start there. Your house is where you live your everyday life, so, if possible, … [Read more...]