As I look back and say good-bye to the year 2021, all I can say is it was a very interesting year. Although it began in turbulence with the January 6 insurrection at our nation’s Capitol building – an unsettling experience – and ended with terrifying tornadoes in Kentucky, it brought me some good personal experiences. Here are some highlights of my 2021.
Christmas really is the most magical time of year, full of so many traditions. I’m not much of a baker, but I enjoy baking cookies during the holidays. My absolute favorite are frosted gingerbread cookies I make from a recipe I got years ago at Cafe Aroma in Fenton. The cookies were temptingly displayed on the countertop near the cash register and they looked so delicious, I had to try one. The soft cookie topped with cream cheese frosting and red and green sprinkles was instantly addictive. Making these for my family has become a tradition.
On Veteran’s Day, we reflect and honor all of the men and women who selflessly served in the military to protect our country. I have been thinking about that a lot lately, as my 17-year-old grandson, Mack, has decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after he graduates from high school next spring. It is a decision he made completely on his own, without telling his parents. His mom isn’t entirely on board with it; but he will be 18 in December and it is his choice. He will leave for boot camp in July.
October is the month when fall foliage is at its peak in Southeast Michigan – a glorious sight to see! There’s something about taking a walk on a brilliant, sunny October day that is soothing to the soul, drinking in the rich hues of the golden yellow, burnt orange and deep red leaves.
My old high school friend, Mary Ellen, contacted me on Facebook to let me know that she was helping to plan our 50th high school class reunion, which will take place in October. She wanted to let me know early because I live out of state and would need to make travel arrangements. I attended Mt. Savage High School in the state of Maryland, nestled in a valley of the Allegheny Mountains. It is a small blue-collar community with a population (based on the 2010 census) of 873.
Oh,my goodness! Roundabouts are showing up all around Genesee County! And whether you love them or hate them, traffic circles are here to stay and more of them are coming. One was recently constructed at Linden and Grand Blanc Roads and another is currently being created at Embury and Grand Blanc Roads in Grand Blanc Township.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy the summer sun? What I like best is spending time at my favorite cottage on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda. It was a family tradition for many years, starting when my kids were little. We would spend an entire week relaxing on the white, sandy beach, building sand castles, swimming in the lake and watching the campfire glow late into the night – a much needed break from our busy lifestyle.
Do you remember the TV show “Kids Say the Darndest Things?” It was a half-hour show hosted by Bill Cosby from 1998-2000. Art Linkletter, whose popular segment of the same name appeared on his “House Party” show from 1957-1970, was a regular contributor on Cosby’s program. What some of those kids would say really cracked me up!
A celebration of all mothers, Mother’s Day is observed in America on the second Sunday in May and on various other days in countries all around the world. It is reported that approximately 152 million Mother’s Day cards are sent in recognition of the occasion. Jewelry, flowers and cards are the most popular gifts. And, according to history.com, more telephone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.
According to its spiritual meaning, the month of April is a time of growth and moving forward in new and positive ways. The birth flower for the month is the daisy (one of my favorites) which is associated with purity and innocence. For me, April is a sign of rebirth, as I watch daffodils and crocuses slowly unfurl in my flower garden.
Okay, I’ll admit it. I am a fan of the reality show/singing competition, “American Idol.” I have been watching it for years, back to the days when Simon Cowell, who everyone loved to hate because he was so frank (and sometimes just plain mean), Paula Abdul (who was too gushy and nice) and Randy Jackson were the judges. Why do I watch it? Because I love seeing a 15-year-old girl with raw talent, who has never performed outside of singing in the shower, bring the judges to their knees. Or, a kid from Texas whose singing is so good, it makes you cry. And, I love how the show makes me laugh and brings a little sunshine to this “gray” time in our lives with the pandemic and so much political division in our country.
Many people have taken to the great outdoors during the pandemic to relieve boredom: walking, ice skating, snow-shoeing, sledding, building a snowman or just getting a dose of fresh air during these trying times. And while winter is not my favorite season, I like to bundle up and take a walk on a sunny but cold winter day.
