Did you ever hear of a Bassett hound taking the majority of the votes for a local political office and being elected mayor of his city? A friend of mine told me of her dog, Murdoch, who had risen like a comet from a well-known elected “canine customer of the[Read More…]
Tag: Loose Ends
Loose Ends: Bad behavior
When did it become socially acceptable to blame others for our own bad behavior? I know that it erupts in the privacy of our homes, as starting a family and raising children is stressful. It usually produces parents who lean on what they learned from their closest role models. No[Read More…]
Loose Ends: The decision-making process
My first introduction to rural western life included life experiences offered by local sheep and cattle ranchers. Today with the number of pioneer ranches decreasing, they continue to carry on seasonal traditions and often include newcomers to participate in the yearly rituals. Whether it be branding calves, shearing sheep, or[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Watching our words
“How big is baby?” are the breathless words every baby loves to hear. They learn to throw out their arms then shout out “SOOOO Big!” in reply. This is a common childhood game played by most every family with a little one. I continue to hear it and it always reminds[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Cell phone addiction
“Wait, my hands are full, I can’t talk right now,” the woman said into a cell phone. Leaning over a cart full of groceries, she dropped a couple of boxes of cereal on top of the precarious pile. She still was able to hold her phone and resume her conversation,[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Best laid plans
This is the best beginning after a terrible year I have ever experienced. I decided not to clutter up 2022 with New Year’s resolutions. Prior experience has finally knocked some sense into me. If I resolve to do something I am overthinking things. The key word here is resolve. That[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Christmas spirit
I hope when any of you are out walking a dog in the next two weeks, the dog doesn’t inadvertently leave behind a present. “Please pick up after your dog. Your neighbors will thank you.” This sign remains posted on one of my favorite walking paths, as real winter weather[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Christmas traditions
While every family celebrates the yuletide differently, there are cultural traditions that some families continue to keep passing on over the years. They can be centered around food, gift-giving, or participating in once-a-year family activities. These traditions were originally passed down from their ancestors and shaped into a version of[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Let it dust?
“I can’t believe it hasn’t snowed much yet.” “It better be a white Christmas!” So many of us seem to be having these conversations right now. It is discouraging as we are so used to celebrating the holidays by going outside. Sure we can drive around and see the lights[Read More…]
Loose Ends: What’s in a name
Reading an obituary of a friend’s cousin on Facebook recently, I was struck by the similarities in the way both children grew up in different small towns here on the western slope of Colorado. The cowboy culture has remained very much a part of raising children, no matter how far[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Conversations
One skill that we are keen on teaching children is listening. I am sure the first preschool and primary school conferences of the year addressed that one specific skill and informed the parent’s mastering it. I believe it is even more of a problem because of remote learning and the[Read More…]
Loose Ends: The political ring
I was so sorry to hear Rio Blanco County had a low voter turnout this year. Yet, I somehow expected it. Visiting with family and friends these past few weeks before the election I got the feeling that so many people were disgusted with the entire political process, they didn’t[Read More…]
