Yesterday, two men came to install our European shower door and another man came to install our window treatments. What they had in common was that they were all representatives of local businesses eager to satisfy their customers. They did

 … finish reading Day Fifty-One

It was a day of calm and rush. In the morning I visited Ruth, my crocheting friend, and we quietly chatted and crocheted for a small hour. I think I crocheted more than she did, as my pattern is easier

 … finish reading Day Forty-Nine

At 10 AM this morning we finally closed on our new home. If you count from the time we signed the original reservation until this morning, it took thirty-nine months. This is longer than the gestation period for elephants (22

 … finish reading Day Forty-Eight

Last night we turned our clocks back as the United States ended Daylight Savings Time for 2009. So today I went around the house and reconfigured all the times. “Use your cellphone to make them correct,” Earl suggested, “since it

 … finish reading Day Forty-Seven

Thoughts while I wait for oatmeal cookies to bake . . .

It’s Halloween, and the weather is certain scary. But then it usually is. Maybe we should move Halloween to the end of September.

The cookies are not

 … finish reading Day Forty-Six

Spending the day at the main Fred Flare location is always a mixed bag for me. I usually start the morning thinking that I’d love to move to New York and be a full time part of the business. But

 … finish reading Day Forty-Three

The plumbing problem is solved, according to my trusty observer and fellow condo owner Earl. He was eager to report that this morning found him at the condo in the company of the plumber, the electrician, the flooring guy, and

 … finish reading Day Forty-Two

When it rains it pours. I’m in New York on business one week from the day we’re supposed to close on our new home, and Earl calls with concern in his voice. I sense it immediately.

“There’s a plumbing problem,”

 … finish reading Day Forty-One

It’s five o’clock in the afternoon, and I’m sitting in the Maritime Hotel in New York City, marveling at how long it takes to get from St. Joseph, MI, to the Big Apple. Especially during football season.

I started from

 … finish reading Day Forty