This month’s column was inspired by happenings in April including two major events: First: the surge and rise of women’s basketball during March Madness (along with the elevation of women in sports and our place in this world) and second: the total solar eclipse! Over the past months, the SHIFT in energy has been palpable and inspiring, and has projected us into May where positive vibes can continue to thrive as we wrap spring and head toward summer.
For our spring UK trip, the main point of interest for my five-year-old son, Arthur, was the promise of a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. It was the carrot dangled before him to inspire good behavior, push through difficult kindergarten days and the highlight of many conversations in the months preceding the journey.
My March column discussed the challenges involved in balancing a federal budget that is currently $1.5 trillion or so in deficit. The necessary tax increases and spending cuts would far exceed what Americans have ever experienced. A natural question might be why the budget deficit and the national debt, which is the accumulation of all the past deficits, is even a problem. The government has consistently run a budget deficit since the 1980s without an issue. Why should we worry about it now?
Now that spring is upon us, I can’t wait for my lilacs to bloom. I have a big, beautiful lilac bush in my front yard. For about three weeks, we keep a full vase of lilacs in every room, filling the entire house with their lovely scent.
Here’s a hypothetical: You’re reading this “Home & Garden” issue of My City 1 and are inspired to run to your local nursery to grab some broccoli, kale and arugula 2 plants and get an early start on your garden. While enjoying this magazine in the early afternoon, you decide to have one too many glasses of Chardonnay. You then get into your car, head off on your errand and are subsequently stopped on the road by law enforcement 3. Suspecting that you might be driving under the influence, the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle and blow into a breath-testing device. What do you do?
Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate all that the season has to offer than by attending or hosting a beautiful garden party? This month, we are covering everything – from etiquette to what to wear – for all of the fabulous spring soirées adorning your social schedule.
You just never know what kind of weather to expect in the month of April – an early spring snowfall, April showers or bright, sunshiney days. But one thing I know for sure is that crocuses and daffodils will begin to bloom and thrive – even if covered in a blanket of the white stuff! Even with a lingering chill, the trees will start to bud and the birds will start singing.
On one of those Michigan perfect blue-sky days several years back, I was in my kayak on a Fenton lake. Letting my paddle go still for a few moments, I drew in a deep breath and decided to take in the beauty of the day. It was breathtaking – that is, until I glanced slightly to my right out of the corner of my eye and caught a white flash. Turning to see what it was, I was horrified to discover a used diaper floating in the water amongst the lily pads.
At the end of 2023, inflation appeared to be falling to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Inflation was 3.3% in December 2023 and was expected to be below 3% in January. However, inflation was higher than expected at 3.1% in both January and February. There is a strong possibility that inflation will continue to run above 3% rather than falling to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
At the top of the tallest tower of Blarney Castle in Cork County, Ireland sits a stone with magical properties. Legend says that whoever places their lips upon the stone will have “the gift of gab” or “blarney” as it has been called. Thereafter, those who receive the gift are destined to speak with persuasiveness and eloquence to those engaged in conversation. Its powers have been bestowed upon professionals from all over the globe including Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Mick Jagger, Laurel & Hardy, and others. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people kiss the Blarney Stone per year. What brings so many people to the stone and how did it gain its powers?
