Are Dark Circles & Eye Bags Inevitable as we Age? Yes, No, Maybe

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My sister-in-law has a truly lovely face, but often laments the dark circles under her eyes. My husband does too. In fact, all the siblings suffer from what they affectionately call the “family eyes.” (Of course, they use their name.) A branch of my family also has that frequent dark, sunken look. As we will … Read more

Eating on Day of the Dead — & What About the Butterflies

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Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is still alive-and-well. In my house, even though we share none of the cultural background, we have built our own tradition in acknowledgment of it. We’ve modified it, not out of disrespect, but on the contrary to pay tribute to loved ones, honoring their spirit, and that … Read more

What to Know about Blood Pressure Medications for YOU or a Loved One — (a Primer)

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When I was a kid my mother used to say that I was ‘about to make her blood pressure go through the roof.’ Technically, I had no idea what she meant; I suspect she didn’t either. But I knew the underlying meaning. She was annoyed or upset and I was the source. These days I … Read more

Sharing Evacuation List. Ready for Disaster? Think AGAIN.

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With Appreciation To all who have called, texted and emailed, asking about our fire situation in Southern Oregon, and expressing concern, THANK YOU. Your wishes extend to many in Oregon (and the whole west coast) who were not as lucky and have suffered greatly. drb   As I slump into my chair to write this … Read more

Butterfly Puddler — A Pollinator ‘Garden’ that Fits the Tiniest of Space

Butterfly Image by David Mark from Pixabay 85628

A flowered ceramic cup with large saucer and jumbo latte. A cushy chair with low tables and view from the expansive wrap-around windows looking out to local shops and mountains beyond. A friendly smile from Lori, a new friend, and a couple of hours of random train-of-thought conversation. Both thoughtfully sharing planned professional projects. This … Read more

Beyond Politics, are Cloth Masks Sufficient?

Mask fabric vote BKw.border

Late one evening having stepped away from the computer and ready to ‘veg-out,’ I was munching away on a big bowl of popcorn in front of a favorite PBS show. Following the show, and after channel surfing, I landed on a local news station. A public-service announcement (PSA) flashed on the screen, no audio, just … Read more