We are entering the most fearsome time in the life of every winemaker, the time when the wines made from the grapes grown the previous year are sampled to determine if it is ready to be bottled. more

Last Sunday, my pastor gave us “homework.” We were to reflect on a time when a miracle happened in our lives. Now, I don’t have to think too hard about that one. more

My husband Tom once accused me of being unromantic. As much as I hate to admit it, I think he might be right. more

I was sitting at home sipping a malbec when there was a knock on my front door. more

Access to affordable, high-quality child care is not just a family issue — it’s an economic imperative. more

Recently, I was on mission in Tanzania with two fellow Church members. We were in search of Unreached peoples (UUPG’s). Upon return, one shared the following testimony with me. I want to share it with you. more

The first backyard skirmish between Charlie and Pete happened five years ago on a night with a full moon. Charlie is our beloved beagle mutt who is now 14 years old and missing a few teeth. Pete is a trespassing possum who’s been trying to drive Charlie crazy for years. more

The other day I shared a Facebook meme from a homemaking blog that said, “Minimize the amount of news that you are exposed to. We ought to guard the quiet of our minds, much like we guard the peace of little children. We do not need to know everything. Our children need not worry about the troubles in life. Quiet news and peaceful happenings bring cheer. Let us bring cheer to our homes and not spread distressing troubles.” - Mrs. White, “The Legacy of Home Blog.” more

Just about the time you have recovered from the spiritual joys, financial woes and snow of the previous winter festivities, you come face to face with another one, Feb. 14, Saint Valentine's Day. more

Words are hard – much harder than they used to be. It's a symptom of middle age I hadn't heard about until it started happening to me. A few aches and pains? Sure. Crow's-feet and laugh lines? Okay, fine. more

The deep freeze of January had gardening far from our minds. Warmer days should have us warming up to a chore that is best done during winter when plants are dormant. That chore is pruning. Pruning promotes the health and aesthetics of trees and shrubs. more

As we begin a new political season in these United States, I know that many people are feeling upset. Yes, the majority of voters chose Donald Trump, but that doesn’t mean that all people agree with him and his policies. more

Once every five years or so, we get a new television. Sometimes it's because we actually need one – like that summer when a lightning strike electrocuted several of our appliances. But most of the time, it's because Tom starts reading about the incredible picture quality on the newest TV screens, and he just can't stand it anymore. He needs to see it for himself. more

It was inevitable that with the first appearance of the signs of winter that the TV advertisers present an overstuffed man sitting in an overstuffed chair in front of a roaring fireplace holding a glass of red wine and touting some product or other. more

I find solace in nature. Even on cold, snowy days I bundle up and walk the trail here at my home. I often see a barred owl leave his perch and fly silently to a new perch on a different tree, just ahead of me. more

It was an early December morning and as per usual, my alarm clock jolted me out of sleep at 6 am. I grunted and grumbled as I angrily stopped the alarm. more

I’ve often fantasized about experiencing a day with nothing to do – you know, a day when I wake up and do not have to look at a calendar to see what is on the agenda, a day when I might lie in bed for a while, doing Wordle and Connections and Keyword without worrying about taking too long and cutting into my time for amending documents, grading papers, or practicing the piano (okay, that last one is a stretch, but I’ve been thinking about doing 30 minutes a day). more

Are you aware of an area that is considered to produce what are considered to be among the finest and true to the variety versions of the sauvignon blanc and pinot noir wines come from? more

I love New Year’s Resolutions. I love how every Dec. 31 appears to be filled with the powerful possibilities of a 365-day blank canvas, just waiting to be transformed into some great masterpiece. more

Artists in Warrensburg and Sedalia, myself included, were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of friend and fellow artist Gary Cadwallader, who died in a house fire Dec. 4 in Warrensburg. more