Life on the Runn...

Anyone who has ever shared a space with me knows that I love to dim lights, turn on my diffuser, grab the biggest, coziest blanket, and curl up with a good book, some good music, and an extra hot cup of tea. Anyone who has shared classroom space with me knows most of that list holds true. My brother used to tease me about this relentlessly: How could someone who talks so much demand so much quiet?  And BR has long claimed I want to live in a cave (I think he believes I'm a vampire).  I always thought, as much as I love -- no need -- to travel and adventure, home was a place I could never get enough of. I'm comfortable saying that I'm a homebody, but the 'safer at home'  order  has also made me certain that I thrive when I am in the company of others (maybe it could be quiet company?!).  A relaxed schedule (no commute and time to play with the tiny human before the work day begins) and a very relaxed dress code (shoes never required; yoga pants are now work

This month's Reading Between the Wines selection was The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon.  It seemed to have a lot going for it when this Dateline and Forensic Files fan picked it up.  Murder, mystery, the beautiful expanse of the Alaskan wilderness. And for some, it may deliver.  For others -- that'd be me!! -- it doesn't quite measure up.  Though the book - for most of us - may have been a bust, Book Club itself was anything but.  I was really excited (and a bit nervous) host our March meeting.  We don't exist on Google Maps, so I had to share directions.  My gosh, I didn't want to lead my fellow readers astray -- or into Wales or Jefferson! Relief #1: I was told my directions were usable.  We haven't hosted a gathering since our new furniture arrived, and I wasn't sure if I should plan for us to chat in the sun room, in the great room, or...where? where? where? It turns out that the ol' saying is true, and the kitchen is the

Despite 10+ days of germs (some form of some of the many flu bugs attacking this winter), we made it to the UP last weekend, and I'm oh-so glad we did.   The purpose of our trek north was to watch my cousin Darrina play in the Special Olympics Tournament, but the weekend turned out to be so much more!  Darrina and her team did so well, and their coach, my uncle Terry,  is awesome! I thoroughly enjoy basketball, and I really enjoyed talkin' shop with H.  She tells me she plans to play basketball, soccer, drive a garbage truck, and play the ukulele.  She's got big plans, that little one! Coach Terry talking with his team Nice defense, Darrina!  After the team's two games, we headed back to my aunt and uncle's house, where our next two days were filled with lots of laughs and family time.  I got to see my brother, my grandpa, a few of my cousins, and their tiny humans, too.  H was especially excited to play with Baby Sabella, who she talks abo