There was a time that talking about the weather was sure to break the conversational ice at a get-together. Now it might be wise to avoid this subject, as well as the usual uncomfortable topics, such as politics and religion. Just try it and see. Someone you may have counted[Read More…]
Tag: Dolly Viscardi
LOOSE ENDS: Has the tradition of resolutions ended?
The time for making official New Year’s resolutions has passed. Yet, that doesn’t stop most of us from making some new intentions for 2025. It isn’t worth saying them aloud, as intentions remain unspoken and therefore never have to be accounted for. It is after the fact that someone claims,[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Remember acts of kindness
Statistics on the increased problems with mental health throughout the holidays continue to support the research. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are most often the incendiary elements that spark furious flare-ups in individuals. Over the years, churches of all faiths encouraged their worshippers to do more than a few random[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: The importance of shopping local
This season of giving promises to be a challenge for many families. The commercial aspect of it is always bloated. The biggest and wealthiest advertisers go all out in every form of communication, radio, television, and social media. The numbers of consumers depending on online shopping, for all of their[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Thanksgiving Traditions
Some of us have been venturing out into feats of culinary change for traditional holiday dinners for years. Yet, as more and more family members travel far away and tables are filled with friends who can’t travel to their own families. It has become a tradition to fuse the tastes[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Talking Turkey
Got it” has become the all-purpose phrase that continues to be trending and it can be used in a myriad of different ways. This combination of words could come in handy when you most need it. Once it has been said, it cannot be unsaid. Later it may be used[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Keeping things running
By the time the election is over on Nov. 5 and this week’s print edition is in the mailboxes, most election results will be in. They will surely reflect some of the concerns voiced by the general public; the economy, foreign affairs, health care and immigration. We will also see[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Dealing with election anxiety
This time of year has always been a favorite of mine. The leaves in their annual last gasp to show their true colors: red, orange and yellow. The end of fall never has conveyed sadness to us winter lovers. Most of us in that category look forward to all four[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: A bad case of ‘snackamania’
Taking a cue from the bears roaming the high country this fall before heading into their dens, many of us might be packing on the pounds before winter. The chillier weather makes us hungrier, leading to increased snacking throughout the day. Heavier meals are also part of the traditional daily[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: What happened to dress codes?
Dress codes are no longer apparent in public places these days. Forget casual Fridays, as sloppy sweats continue to be the top choice most any day. Post-pandemic remote workers are more willing to go into the office three or four days a week when they can resume working from home[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: People by post?
Asking ourselves, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” is often a question posed by counselors and therapists to help anxiety-ridden patients cope with various situations. Picturing the worst-case scenarios coming true, as well as coming up with solutions for changing one’s reaction to daily stressors is reported to[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: ‘Just’ is not a helpful word
“Just” is one little word that becomes more important by its regular usage. It can be used as a powerful insult to convey lack of skill or intelligence or it can be used by someone as a sign of one’s humble beginnings acknowledging their humility. At the end of this[Read More…]