Stars and Stripes Forever

“A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great, but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol  of all that we and our comrades have  worked for  and lived for,  and died for, a free Nation of free men, true…

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Me, Me and Me Again

Can you describe your “style” in one word?  Long ago and far away, when I was just out of college and we were heading to law school, I used a few of my precious extra pennies to purchase the first issue of Country Living on the newsstand, and spent many months studying every photo and article.  Of course, at that…

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Lady of the (Napkin) Rings

If a burglar were to invade my house and open my dining room sideboard drawers hoping to find silver treasures, he would be disappointed.  Instead he would find my hoard (oops, I mean collection) of  napkin rings. Although it is pouring outside and much too cold to think about eating on the deck, I can think about setting my spring…

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Tuscan Sun Elixir

When I travel, one book always goes into my bag.   It has it all–adventure, food, travel, history, art, inspiration, romance, and most of all, beautiful prose, with descriptions of scenery and events so complete that I easily become totally immersed in its world. It is an escape I enjoy tremendously. And to celebrate the one year anniversary of my blog, …

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Independence and the Dog

Hi everyone!  We’re out on the deck today, and I’m trying to help Mom because she’s a little upset with me.    It all started yesterday after I had that super fun-tastic ride in the police cruiser.  I thought she would be happy to hear about my adventures, but ever since the nice policeman (who really liked my kisses) left,…

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Pioneer Time at the Green Star Ranch

Yippee-aye-o-ky-yeah, yee haa!! It’s Pioneer Woman  time here at the  GREEN STAR RANCH Drop your gear and take off those boots! These once belonged to  a little buckaroo who sits very tall in the saddle now   and can outshoot and outrun Mr. Fun ! Little buckeroo’s big sister is a  tough and sweet cowgirl who can spend weeks backpacking through the West’s extreme wilderness  ~~ and…

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St. Patty’s Day in Dublin

Mr. Fun is in Dublin.  Right now!  He stepped onto his hotel balcony and snapped this photo of his view, including the tower of Dublin Castle, for me to share with all of you!  He travels to Ireland (lucky him) every quarter on business, and I (lucky me) reap the rewards when he finds goodies to bring home!  He has…

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Counting the Days

Winter has been wicked here.   Today, March 2nd, my deck is still covered in a crusty snow. But  SPRING is on its way. PLEASE! After a sinus and ear infection that literally knocked me off my feet with dizziness, a wild week of driving around New England in horrible weather seeing my two kids, and a weekend of college…

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A Dog’s Eye View

Welcome to my home.  My friends call me Nellie, although I answer to Nellie Belly, Nelle Belle, Miss Brown, Brown Beast, Smelly Nellie, Nellie Belly Burp (because I have been known to…), and most anything sounding like Treat or Ball.   My official name is Naughty Miss Nellie Belle, in keeping with my ancestors who include  Bad Buster Brown, Good…

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Mexican Birthday Table

October 16, 1991  This time it’s a boy! A blue bundle of fun and joy! He shares his name with my dad.  WILLIAM.  He has a grandmother who thinks he is a prince and a big sister who thinks (still) that we brought him home for her entertainment!  And even though he is growing into a handsome, intelligent, talented, kind ……

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