“Take care of you.” My mother ended nearly every phone conversation we had with that one simple phrase. The funny thing is, Laurie LoBue was the one who always seemed to be taking care of everyone and everything. No matter what was happening in my life, or the lives of someone in her very extended

I have a tree fort. Yes, a tree fort – just like a ten-year-old, frog-collecting kid. The whole thing happened quite by accident. The deck on my house is up high, because there is a walkout basement below. It is also surrounded on each side by a swath of trees. So, as I sat on

Dear Good Housekeeping, I have a full-time job. Do you have an alternate set of lists for those of us who have lives? Yours truly, Leslie We’re well into the season, and I am just getting geared up for the annual torture-fest called Spring Cleaning. I did a little research – just to make sure

Maybe you looked at the title of this article and thought, “thank you, Captain Obvious.” I guess I can’t blame you … pets ARE wonderful! Duh. This happens to be “Pets Are Wonderful” month, in case you didn’t know. So, apparently someone, somewhere thinks we need to increase awareness. This is also Autism Awareness Month.

Ah, the words of William Shakespeare. In the play, “Julius Caesar,” a soothsayer (person who can see the future) issued that warning to Caesar just before the embattled leader was stabbed to death at a meeting of the senate. I did not even have to dust off my 5,000-page Shakespeare’s greatest hits book (also known

I would like to write something about loving others, or being in love, or some Valentine’s-themed column. It is February, after all … Nope. Not going to happen. I’m writing about self-love. If you’re worried that this means I’m venturing into the realm of self-help, don’t. You see, on Super Bowl Sunday, I’ll not only

Every January first at midnight, there are certain things you can count on if you’re in a bar or other large, public gathering. It is inevitable that, somewhere in the room, strangers will awkwardly kiss because they are terrified of being the only people in the room with no one to kiss at midnight. Women

This time of year, there is a little less room in the old mailbox. Greeting cards. I would say “Christmas” cards, but that seems to upset people. Then again, saying “holiday” cards is just as likely to send plenty of people into a tailspin. For the record, I’m not trying to fire up that un-winnable

I suppose I could wait until December to write a holiday-themed column, but why? Retailers have their Christmas ornaments on display in August – so, why wait? I start shopping for gifts early – actually, I am always shopping for gifts. It’s sort of a year-long adventure for me. I’m a “see something that screams

Are you searching for something … you know, like a dead AA battery, a remote control that doesn’t actually work with anything, or maybe a half-used roll of Scotch tape? Relax – I’ve found it in my junk drawer. Well, it’s not a junk drawer, so much as a “junk desk.” I just worked up

Labor Day. The first day of fall. “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” These are things we celebrate in September; but, there is another noteworthy national observance that falls on September 12: The National Day of Encouragement. Ever heard of that one? If your answer is “no,” don’t be discouraged. It turns out that this day

This month, two important construction projects will happen in Flint. When these projects are finished, two neighborhood parks, Hasselbring and Broome, will each have brand new playgrounds. No, these are not major commerce centers. We’re not talking about creating hundreds or even dozens of new jobs. But, the future impact of these two spaces could