We lived overseas for the past 15 years, and weren’t always able to come home for Christmas. The last time we spent Christmas with family, in our own home; our daughter was still in college, she and my two sisters-in-law were single and my mother-in-law lived with us. That means this Christmas will

Typhoon Odette/Rai passed through the Philippines, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Winds destroyed homes, floods washed away lives and livelihoods. Where there once was abundance, now there in want, and for those who had little, now they have none. Death tolls are high and will go higher. This isn’t the first time they

     With just a week to go before Christmas, it can be hard to find “the reason for the season.” Colorful lights and decorations adorn homes and businesses.  Christmas trees are everywhere.  Looking at the displays, the reason could be snowmen, cartoon characters, or may have something to do with Santa, elves and reindeer.       

     My grandson spent the weekend with us so we could take him to buy Christmas gifts for his sisters and parents.  Grandma is a world class shopper, so I thought she would help Peanut with his shopping.  I was surprised when she went off to look for jeans and told me to help him

…and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Having no mice is a good thing and after a busy day I don’t mind some peace and quiet, but it was too quiet in our place this Christmas. We have been in Beijing for 5 months and I stayed in