Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and honors all members of the Armed Forces who have valiantly served, fighting to protect us and keep our country safe. Veterans gave their time and risked their lives for you and me. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, on November 11 at 11:11am, the U.S., France and England each buried an “unknown soldier” in honor of those who died in World War I. The time and day were picked because fighting ceased in World War I in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11.

“After the keen still days of September, the October sun filled the world with mellow warmth … The maple tree in front of the doorstep burned like a gigantic red torch. The oaks along the roadway glowed yellow and bronze. The fields stretched like a carpet of jewels, emerald and topaz and garnet. Everywhere she walked the color shouted and sang around her … In October, any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.”

Addiction to drugs or alcohol has no boundaries. It has touched the lives of many people in one way or another, destroyed relationships and torn families apart. But there are many people who successfully recover from the disease of addiction and move on to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.

This summer has flown by so fast! Now, the lazy, hazy days of August are upon us and it is time to enjoy all that the month brings. Being a foodie, I look forward to the abundance of locally grown fruit and vegetables. I recently picked up some sweet corn from Eichelberg Farm in Linden for the first time this summer – so delicious! Genesee County has many veggie stands offering a bountiful array. But there is nothing better than picking a sweet, juicy tomato right out of your own garden. Don’t forget about the always over-abundant zucchini that’s just waiting to be picked and turned into yummy zucchini bread.

A milestone is defined as “a significant event in your life.” Milestones often begin a new leg of our life’s journey. I recently enjoyed one such significant event – my 70th birthday! I am celebrating this milestone by taking a road trip to Maryland and will be having lunch with some of my high school classmates. The Mt. Savage High School Class of 1971 will all turn 70 this year!

My dad, James Dennison, taught me many things. He would have been 100 years old this year and I think about him quite often. He passed away at the age of 90, the year he also celebrated 60 years of marriage to my mother. My dad led a long and very interesting life.

On Mother’s Day, moms everywhere are celebrated – it’s a joyous occasion filled with flowers, gifts and delicious meals (that mom didn’t have to cook). I have many fond memories of the day spent with my own kids, relaxing, enjoying handmade cards, bouquets of flowers (sometimes wilted) and breakfasts in bed (sometimes burned) prepared by little hands.

Everyone has a bad hair day once in a while – I certainly do – and bad hair can definitely ruin the entire day! Whether you are fighting the frizz, have fine hair, want to pump up the volume or just didn’t have the time to wash it, bad hair can spoil the best of times.

Spring is upon us! And you never know what kind of weather you will get in Michigan during the spring, especially during the month of March. It may come in like a lion and go out like a lamb – or vice versa. You may see a snow or ice storm  but there are also plenty of sunny and warm days to enjoy. You might even notice sturdy, yellow daffodils popping up through the snow.

My family and friends all know how much I love to cook. Nothing takes the chill out of a cold winter day better than a steaming bowl of soup, so I’m celebrating  National Soup Month with something I absolutely love to make!

This has been quite the year of travel for me – five road trips through 11 states! My latest adventure was spur-of-the-moment. I traveled with my daughter Melissa and two of my grandsons to Pensacola, FL to visit Mack, my 18-year old grandson who is a Marine and attending flight training there. It appeared that he would not make it home for the holidays and he was very homesick and missing his family. My daughter asked me to go with her because it was such a long drive.

November has never been my favorite month. The trees have lost the fiery colors of October, we wake to frost-covered ground, frozen fog and a bleak November wind. The days grow shorter and shorter … The promise of snow is in the air.