My mother, for as long as I can remember, has always been a life weather watcher. She knows more about the weather than Dick Goddard, even with no formal education. And in our family, it has been those forecast alerts that have dictated every family event. Growing up, I remember watching the thermometer, we couldn’t […]
Tara Sue, Columnist
Posted inLife and Culture
The Christmas Gift and a reflection on the day
As a child, I always thought my family was rich with great communicators. However, as I matured, I realized that we are not really what you would call great communicators, but more like constant communicators. We find no shame in being in each other’s business, because we are each other’s business. Therefore, once December hits, […]
Posted inLife and Culture
A special Christmas kiss
In our family, Thanksgiving is officially over when the last bit of leftover turkey is served either in the form of a soup or a-la-king. That final meal means it is time to go to the attic or basement and pull out multiple bins of Christmas decorations. I love that part of Christmas, the decorations. […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Thanksgiving, the holiday in the middle
Halloween is over and the costumes are put away. However, we are still grabbing candy out of a plastic pumpkin for a quick treat, and there are a few soggy pumpkins sitting on the porch need to be pitched. Overall though, I am now ready to scan the grocery ads for a good price on […]
Posted inOpinion
Mother bear at a fall wedding
Traditional fall weekends are usually times when family and friends gather for bonfires and football games. However, my family is notorious for breaking that tradition. For some reason, we find the late fall and early winter months a perfect time for a wedding. Believe it or not, but I actually checked our family history and […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Family, food and fun mark “Beggar’s Night” tradition
In a few days, kids will be filling our streets and begging. No, I am not psychic or making a catastrophe prediction. I am talking about Trick or Treat, or “Beggars’ Night.” In my family, beggar’s night hosts generations of participants. My elderly mother still recalls the names of neighbors and their contribution on […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Sweet Sweetest Day
I know that once October hits everyone is thinking holidays. You have probably already scanned the flyers for the best prices on trick-or-treat candy and soon will be moving things around in the freezer for a turkey, not to mention all the things that beg your attention as you begin to realize that Christmas is […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Fall Harvest: family and memories
October has always signified the end of harvest in my family. All summer long and well into early fall we gather as a family to pick, wash and stuff produce into jars and freezer bags. And believe me, this process is no small endeavor and participation is mandatory. If you even dare suggest that the […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Bellville Street Fair hosts competitions
If I were to be completely honest, I would have to admit that I love (let me whisper) competition. Sh sh sh … that’s right competition. I realize that this acknowledgement is risky. We live in a society where the current trend is to pronounce everyone a winner; therefore, no one is ever a loser. […]
Posted inLife and Culture
What’s next after back-to-school?
My family and I have spent the last two months lathering on sun tan lotion, shaking sand off our beach towels, and cheering on baseball teams. Yes, for two months we have basked in what I call exhausting summer fun. However, the nights are getting cooler, pot roast sounds more appetizing than grilled burgers, and […]