# Deb Richmond Author > Heartfelt stories from the front porch > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Long Ago School Days: Memories That Make Us Smile](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) **Published:** September 23, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** As I “Liked” all the back-to-school photos on Facebook this year, I was relieved to be done with lesson plans and grading essays, but I was also grateful for the many memories of my school days. I asked others to share their school memories. Here are quite a few of them: [ ![school memories](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Naptime.jpeg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Naptime.jpeg) #### It Was Another World (Naptime Photo: [Facebook: The Vintage News](https://www.facebook.com/thevintagenews/photos/kindergarten-nap-time-1971-wish-we-had-this-at-work-/957117869778972/)) **Marguerite Kerstetter** Before walking to school every day, I gathered eggs and milked the cows with my sister Alice. There were no school buses. Alice and I walked to school every day, even in deep snow. I once rode the factory bus to school. Sometimes the teacher sent me to the community store during recess to buy her a snack. The two classrooms served first through fourth grades and sixth through eighth grades. We called them the big side and the little side. Each room had a pot-bellied stove. Teachers had to arrive early to light the coal stove in each room so the classrooms were warm before the children arrived. Even with that early warming, we fought for front seats closer to the stove on the coldest days. In school, we memorized parts for plays. Teachers sometimes put on fun plays on Friday afternoons. School was over after the plays. When someone got sick, they had to stay home. Superintendent Mr. Zeiders came and put a quarantine sign on the door. Each school day began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. The teacher then read a Bible verse. Some of those verses stayed with me. We had Dick, Jane, and Sally reading books, and we memorized much of what we learned. We had to memorize Longfellow’s poem, “The Ride of Paul Revere.” Physical fitness training took the form of baseball competitions between local elementary schools. Every two weeks, we left school after lunch and walked several miles to the other schools. Schools took turns hosting the games. **Linda Hosler** Mom made me a black-and-orange dress to wear to school. She also made a pair of black pants to match the dress. When I got to school, they sent me to the office and told me to take off the pants because girls weren’t allowed to wear them. I refused to take them off, saying, “My mom made these, and I’m not taking them off.” I wore the pants for the rest of the day, but I didn’t wear them to school after that. **Sheryl Smith** remembers Eating paste! I learned to read! I swallowed my milk money when I fell from crossing the bars. We always put our money in our mouths to keep it safe. I dragged home bulletin board discards when the seasons changed! **Kristin Ann** When I was little, we went to kindergarten every other day. My brother was a year younger than me, so I went first while he stayed with the sitter. I loved my first day. I took my shoes off at the door and put them neatly in my cubby. The next day, I went to the sitter like always. On day 3, my mom woke me up for school. I was confused. “But I already went,” I said. Apparently, I thought I only had to do it once. My mom told me I had to keep going, and I replied, “You mean I have to go every day for the rest of my life!?” And there I was, about to start another school year. Every day for the rest of my life. *Note from Deb: I think Kristin is currently in her 20th year of teaching, so she is still going to school.* **Debby Jaeger** remembers Riding to elementary Catholic school with my cousins in my uncle’s beer delivery van! **Haley Scott Cometz** added Lying on those woven rugs we all had to buy for naptime **Karen Zimmerman** I went to a one-room school one mile from home. I rode my bike on nice days and walked when there was snow on the ground. My Mom took me on rainy days. **Rose Bellaire** The teacher was respected in the classroom [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/treasure-and-terror.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/treasure-and-terror.jpg) #### Treasures and Terrors **Deb** As a student, I never lost the excitement of early September because, on the first day of school, each student got a new box of eight large, flat-sided crayons. I loved the smell of new crayons, and the unused tips that would soon turn into broken pieces and dull points. **Terrie Sikula** remembers Riding the bus, sitting in the back and bouncing high every time we hit a bump. I had the best friends through high school. Prom and other dances were fun. We had funny teachers, including Mr. Bird, who looked like a bird. Teachers smoked outside. We wore ugly gym uniforms! *Note from Deb: Our Grade 7-12 gym uniforms were almost indecent - maroon and gray horizontal stripes with a full-front zipper, and short shorts attached.* **Teresa Wagner** I remember falling on the playground and scraping my knees. The teacher on recess duty would take me inside and put something on my brush burns. I don’t know what it was called, but I still remember the smell. **Amy Helling** Watching the bus go past the end of my driveway on the first day of kindergarten! *Note from Deb: I still have dreams about missing the bus!* **Patricia Bell** recalls Walking through the woods to catch the bus. The snow was up to our knees, and there were a lot of foxes roaming around! **Matt-Jackie Matter** enjoyed The last day of school for the year! Getting out of jail for three months-freedom at last! **Denise-Chris Loughlin Boaz** At my elementary school, if you were on the first bus, you would go to Mass (aka child care). The sisters were our teachers, and we loved them. You were lucky if you were chosen to help them in the kitchen. My favorite Sister instilled in me a love of music. She played guitar. I am still involved in music ministry every Sunday. If schools could only go back to the structure and discipline of that time… **Linda Slayton Granath** When I was in kindergarten, around 1957, a kid put his head through the back of a wooden chair and couldn’t get it out. I remember the janitor holding the chair as they walked down the hall to saw it off. *Deb's note: The chair was cut off, not the kid's head*. My daughter **Katie Poling** remembers the day her bus flipped onto its side into a cornfield. Katie, her brother Ron, and their two cousins, Heather and Bud, all rode the same school bus. I remember my friend driving me to the scene to make sure my kids were okay, and my dad telling someone, “All my grandchildren are on that bus!” **Sandy Brown** remembers Smelling yeast rolls in the school hallway before lunch, cursive writing, picking a musical instrument, and my first crush. I rushed out to the playground to get the activity I wanted: hopscotch, tetherball, or the swing. *Note from Deb: I remember trying to get the inside position of the merry-go-round, so I wouldn't fly off when they spun it too fast!* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease](https://debrichmond.com/characteristics-of-alzheimers-disease/) **Published:** August 27, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** The characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease and early symptoms can appear similar to the typical growing older behaviors faced by many adults in their sixties, seventies, and eighties. Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is known for its impact on memory, thinking, and behavior. Recognizing the early symptoms of this condition can make a difference in the intervention and management of the disease. While the disease mainly affects older adults, symptoms can emerge years before a formal diagnosis. Understanding these early signs is essential for individuals and their loved ones to seek medical attention and support. #### Key characteristics of Alzheimer’s **1. Memory Loss:** One of the most well-known characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss, which disrupts daily life. This can be difficult to recognize because many older people excel in forgettery. “Why did I come to the basement?” “Where did he say his office was?” “I know you told me this, but could you tell me again?” It’s common to forget recent conversations, appointments, or events, especially as we grow older. A difference between forgetfulness and dementia is the ability to recall the details eventually. In Alzheimer’s patients, roadblocks of Beta-amyloid proteins put obstructions in place, making it difficult to access the information. Sometimes, the facts or conversations are lost for good. **2. Difficulty with Problem-Solving:** People with Alzheimer’s Disease might have trouble with tasks that require planning and problem-solving. They may struggle with managing finances, following recipes, or organizing tasks. Working with numbers may challenge people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They may take considerably longer to complete ordinary chores and have difficulty focusing on tasks. **3. Confusion with Time and Place:** The inability to remember dates or losing track of time is another potential sign. People with Alzheimer’s Disease may become disoriented, even in familiar surroundings. They may not recall how they got there or how to return to where they came from. **4. Challenges with Language:** It is common for older people to struggle to find the right words in a conversation. Alzheimer’s Disease patients, though, may replace a common word with the wrong word or repeat themselves frequently. This is not the same thing as when Granddad tells the same story we’ve heard a dozen times over the years. Early symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s can include having difficulty joining and taking part in conversations or continuing in conversation partway through the discussion. **5. Misplacing Items:** A common early sign is putting items in unusual places and struggling to retrace steps to find them. This behavior goes beyond the occasional misplaced item. My husband and I sometimes jokingly ask who put the cat in the refrigerator (we don’t even have a cat), but placing items in entirely inappropriate places is one of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease. The frequency of misplaced items, inability to retrace steps, and unpredictable locations of the items distinguish this malady from typical growing **6. Poor Judgment:** People with early Alzheimer’s might fall victim to scams or make uncharacteristic financial choices. They may neglect to take care of personal hygiene or be unable to take the prescribed dosages of medications. One of the characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease is the inability to accept blame for mistakes or faulty choices. **7. Social Withdrawal:** Early on, individuals might begin to withdraw from social activities, work, or hobbies they previously enjoyed. This withdrawal can stem from difficulties in following conversations, the inability to find words, or remembering how to engage in activities. Unfortunately, a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease is a lack of socialization, which tends to build neural connections in the brain. **8. Changes in Mood and Personality:** Mood swings, irritability, confusion, paranoia, and heightened anxiety might manifest as the disease progresses. Personality changes can be particularly distressing for individuals and their loved ones who may be accused of hiding, stealing, or losing money and personal items. **9. Difficulty with Visual Perception:** Some individuals might experience problems with visual perception, such as difficulty judging distance, identifying colors, or reading. Visual perception in Alzheimer’s patients could impact balance, mobility, and safe driving practices. Experiencing one or two of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s disease. However, if multiple symptoms are consistently observed and interfere with daily life, seeking a medical evaluation is crucial. Early diagnosis offers several benefits, including the opportunity to explore treatment options, enroll in clinical trials, and implement lifestyle changes that may slow down the progression of the disease. Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but early detection allows families to better plan for the future, find appropriate care and access support networks. If you or a loved one notice any of these early symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor. Knowledge and awareness are key to managing Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and understanding. Read more: [What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?](https://debrichmond.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease/ "What Is Alzheimer's Disease?") [Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer’s Disease](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer's Disease") [Alzheimer’s Association – 10 Early Signs and Symptoms](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs "Alzheimer's Association - 10 Early Signs and Symptoms") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving --- ### [Working to make this web page accessible](https://debrichmond.com/accessibility-page/) **Published:** July 8, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ## Welcome Thank you for visiting my website. I am working to meet accessibility needs on my web page . I believe everyone should be able to enjoy books, stories, and helpful resources, regardless of ability or the technology they use. Many of my readers are older adults, family caregivers, and individuals seeking encouragement in life’s later years. My goal is to make this website as welcoming, readable, and accessible as possible for everyone. ## My Commitment I strive to provide a website that is easy to use and compatible with a variety of devices and assistive technologies. While no website is perfect, I continually look for ways to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience. Whenever possible, I aim to: - Use clear, easy-to-read language. - Organize information with descriptive headings. - Maintain good color contrast for readability. - Use legible fonts and adequate spacing. - Provide alternative text for meaningful images. - Create pages that can be navigated using a keyboard. - Keep navigation simple and consistent throughout the site. ## About *The Wandering Place* *The Wandering Place* explores themes of aging, care giving , family, memory, and hope. My desire is for every reader to feel welcomed into these stories. If you need information about the book in an alternative format or have questions about accessibility, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll do my best to help. ## Ongoing Improvements Accessibility is an ongoing effort rather than a one-time project. As technology changes and new recommendations become available, I will continue working to improve this website. If you notice a page that is difficult to use, an image without a description, or any other accessibility barrier, I would be grateful if you let me know. ## Contact Me If you experience difficulty accessing any part of this website or would like information in another format, please contact me. When writing, it is helpful to include: - The page or resource you were trying to access. - A brief description of the problem. - The device or browser you were using, if known. I will do my best to respond promptly and provide the information you need. Thank you for visiting my website and for your interest in my books. **Last reviewed:** July 7, 2026 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [True Love Stories](https://debrichmond.com/true-love-stories/) **Published:** February 2, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Tales that are True, Heartbreaking, and Tender Aside from my tendency to avoid romance novels (the men are too perfect and the women too thin and beautiful for my window on reality), I still enjoy hearing a good love story. True love stories. About real people. Love that survives hardship and even loss. Here are a few love stories. Some have happy endings; some are heartbreaking. Most true love stories have elements of both. [ ![Lyle & Eleanor Gittens wedding 1942](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Eleanor-Rogers-Gittens-wedding.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Eleanor-Rogers-Gittens-wedding.jpg) #### Four Score and Almost Four As of November 2025, Lyle Gittens (age 108) and his bride, Eleanor (age 107), have held the record for the longest marriage. They were married on June 4, 1942, creating one of the most enduring love stories in modern times. The couple met when Eleanor attended a basketball game at Clark Atlanta University to cheer on the team. Eleanor doesn’t remember much about the game, but she remembers a player named Lyle. The couple knew they belonged together and made wedding plans despite the looming threat of war. A week after their engagement, Lyle was drafted. They married during Lyle’s three-day pass from military training. Eleanor wondered if she would ever see her new husband again. Lyle served in Italy with the Army’s 92nd Infantry Division while Eleanor worked in payroll and as an elevator operator. When Lyle returned from military service, the couple settled in New York City and raised three children. Eleanor earned her doctorate in Urban Education at age 69. Lyle and Eleanor currently live in Florida, near their daughter. At last report, they were celebrating 83 years of marriage. (By the way, Eleanor is still posting on her Facebook page.) [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Boldt-Castle.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Boldt-Castle.jpg) #### I'll Give You a Castle George C. Boldt was born in 1851 in Pomerania, Prussia. He came to the U.S. at age 13 and worked as a kitchen worker before becoming one of the most successful hotel proprietors in American history, owning New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. George, his wife Louise, and their children spent delightful summer days on Hart Island in the middle of the Thousand Island region. Boldt bought the island and worked to reshape it into a heart, renaming it Heart Island. In 1900, Boldt hired 300 construction workers, artisans, and craftsmen to build a Rhineland-style hilltop castle with 120 rooms, a drawbridge, a yacht house, Italian gardens, tunnels, and a tower. The castle was to be a gift for his wife and a way to show his love for her and the children. George had hoped to finish his treasure by June 14, 1904, the day of their 27th wedding anniversary. But Louise died on January 7, 1904, at age 42, possibly of tuberculosis. Her husband was heartbroken. He abandoned the castle and never returned to Heart Island. The castle stood empty and vulnerable to vandalism until 1977, when the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and remodeled it. Today, it is open to tourists (and one of my favorite castles within driving distance). You can visit Boldt Castle and the Yacht House for under $20 per adult. [ ![true love stories](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Brownings.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Brownings.jpg) #### Forbidden Love Elizabeth Barrett was a 38-year-old, unmarried, world-famous poet. Barrett’s father, a wealthy owner of Jamaican sugar plantations, refused to allow any of his twelve children to marry. To compound Elizabeth’s struggles, she suffered from an unknown health condition that caused malaise, breathing problems, and painful spasms. She was confined to her room. Struggling poet and playwright Robert Browning was enthralled by Elizabeth’s poems. He wrote her a letter praising her work, saying, “I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett.” He described her work as "fresh, strange music, the affluent language, the exquisite pathos, and true new brave thought.” He Browning wanted to meet the lady poet. Elizabeth and Robert first met in her rooms on May 20, 1845, and began a secret courtship, exchanging over 500 letters. They were married privately in 1846 and moved to Italy, where Elizabeth’s health improved. She eventually gave birth to a son. She died in 1861 in her husband’s arms, (in his words) “smilingly, happily, and with a face like a girl’s. Her last word was ‘Beautiful.’” Love stories produce the most glorious treasures. Elizabeth Barrett Browning gave us these words: *How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.* *I love thee to the depth and breadth and height* *AND* *If thou must love me, let it be for nought* *Except for love's sake only.* [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Blue-sneakers.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Blue-sneakers.jpg) #### We Kind of Made a Deal In 1980, Tonight Show host and comedian Jay Leno married Mavis Nicholson. They have been married for 46 years. When Mavis was diagnosed with advanced dementia in 2024, Leno gained conservatorship of his wife’s estate. Some of his associates and friends were shocked by Leno’s faithful care of his wife and even suggested he get a girlfriend. According to a Fox News article by Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Leno said, "You’re just doing the right thing because you’re supposed to. Right? That’s kind of — that used to be the norm, and then when you strayed, that was the out-of-whack part. Now the out-of-whack part is fairly common, and staying and doing what you’re supposed to do is stunning to people. Well, we kind of made a deal, you know." Leno says he enjoys his wife’s company and caring for her needs. This man understands the basis of true love stories - love through the good and the most challenging. Leno looks for the humor in everyday life. One day, Leno took Mavis to a mall because she was down. He wanted to do something she would enjoy. He asked her if she would like to buy shoes. Mavis showed interest in a pair of bright blue sneakers. He encouraged her to buy a second pair. When the couple reached the checkout line, Leno found that one pair cost $24; the other pair cost over $800. They were designer sneakers. Leno laughed and told Mavis she looked great. Leno says he promised to stand by his wife decades ago, and he continues to do so today. #### Sources Used admin. “A Short History of Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands.” Usboattours.com, November 17, 2019. <https://www.usboattours.com/a-short-history-of-boldt-castle-in-the-thousand-islands/.> Fhard555. *Boldt Castle, Heart Island, Thousand Islands, New York*. July 12, 2012. Photo. *Wikimedia Commons*. [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boldt\_Castle,\_Heart\_Island,\_Thousand\_Islands](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boldt_Castle,_Heart_Island,_Thousand_Islands,_New_York.jpg#Licensing.) Giang-Paunon, Stephanie. “Jay Leno Rejects Hollywood Pressure to ‘Get a Girlfriend’ and Stays Devoted to Wife with Dementia.” Foxnews.com, January 15, 2026. [https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jay-leno-rejects-hollywood-pressure-get-girlfriend-he-stays-devoted-wife-dementia.](https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jay-leno-rejects-hollywood-pressure-get-girlfriend-he-stays-devoted-wife-dementia) ———. “Jay Leno Tries to ‘Find the Humor’ during Wife’s Dementia Battle.” Fox News, January 31, 2025. [https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jay-leno-find-humor-wifes-dementia-battle.](https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jay-leno-find-humor-wifes-dementia-battle) Henry, Carma. “ELENAOR & LYLE: A Love Story.” The Westside Gazette, February 24, 2022. [https://thewestsidegazette.com/elenaor-lyle-a-love-story/.](https://thewestsidegazette.com/elenaor-lyle-a-love-story/) HISTORY.com Editors. “Great Romances in History - Love, Marriage, Truman \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, December 22, 2009. [https://www.history.com/articles/great-romances-in-history.](https://www.history.com/articles/great-romances-in-history) Newman, Vicki. “Oldest Married Couple Ever Share Their Sweet Love Story 83 Years after Saying ‘I Do.’” Guinness World Records, November 5, 2025. [https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2025/11/oldest-married-couple-ever-share-their-sweet-love-story-83-years-after-saying-i-do.](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2025/11/oldest-married-couple-ever-share-their-sweet-love-story-83-years-after-saying-i-do) Stone, Marjorie. “Elizabeth Barrett Browning.” *Victorian Poetry* 44, no. 3 (2006): 322–31. Wikipedia Contributors. “George Boldt.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, January 19, 2026. www.boldtcastle.com. “History — Official Boldt Castle Website – Alexandria Bay NY in the Heart of the 1000 Islands,” n.d. [https://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/about.](https://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/about) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories --- ### [A Debut Novel - The Wandering Place](https://debrichmond.com/a-debut-novel-the-wandering-place/) **Published:** April 26, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![ChristLit Winner](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ChristLitWinner.jpg) #### A Letter from the CEO of ChristLit Award Deb Richmond’s The Wandering Place is quite simply one of the best books I have ever read, and I enjoyed every single moment of it. Richmond has pulled off an extraordinary feat, crafting a multifaceted, page-turning mystery without ever losing the deep empathy required for a story centered on caring for aging parents. Her writing style is exceptionally vivid; she brings the characters to life so masterfully that you can instantly sense how they dress, move, and speak, making the entire narrative incredibly engrossing. At the heart of the book is Kaye, whose honest, unfiltered inner thoughts had me laughing out loud, providing a wonderfully authentic anchor for the reader. What makes this novel truly unforgettable is its stunningly accurate and validating portrayal of the exhausting reality of loving someone through dementia. Richmond handles the messy, imperfect nature of caregiving with a rare grace that is a gift to readers everywhere. Using the shifting, elusive memories of dementia to unravel a long-buried family secret is absolute genius. The unfolding mystery becomes much more than a simple quest to find out what happened in the past; it is an emotional journey to discover truth within a fading mind, ultimately proving that the greatest discovery of all is the enduring power and strength of family love. Adding another layer of brilliance is the clever meta-narrative structure, where the main character writes the exact manuscript we are reading in real-time as the story unfolds. This setup even playfully pauses to note that it is depicting the misadventures of older adults and the struggles of aging, posing the witty question, “If it's no fun to live, how much fun can it be to read?” I can confidently confirm that The Wandering Place is absolutely brilliant to read. It balances heavy, poignant realities with sparkling wit and suspense, creating a masterpiece that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. \- Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards ![The Wandering Place](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Where-to-Find-TWP-poster_1.jpg) ![The Wandering Place copyright Deb Richmond 2026](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Guardian-Angel-Poster-9-26.png) [ ![The Wandering Place book, cover design by Brian Muecke copyrighted 2026](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Kindle-Cover-wseal.webp) ](https://www.amazon.com/Wandering-Place-Deb-Richmond/dp/1963272943/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HIFRLXLTO7UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vJOcmG-Jtl8h_HP_3_bkQA.j1JSpRbRZMNnlgJbwEYqFPOV7zOUYG8DBZscmVww198&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+wandering+place+deb+richmond&qid=1778696440&sprefix=%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1) #### Where to buy [Sheltering Tree Media](https://www.shelteringtreemedia.com/product/22852820/the-wandering-place "Sheltering Tree Media") [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Wandering-Place-Deb-Richmond/dp/1963272943/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HIFRLXLTO7UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vJOcmG-Jtl8h_HP_3_bkQA.j1JSpRbRZMNnlgJbwEYqFPOV7zOUYG8DBZscmVww198&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+wandering+place+deb+richmond&qid=1778696440&sprefix=%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1 "Amazon") Available in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover formats #### Other Stories by this Author [How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/ "How I Lost My Little Friend") [Looking for Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/lost-raggedy-ann/ "Looking for Raggedy Ann") [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House on the Highway") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author Updates --- ### [Let It Snow! No? Major U.S. Snowstorms](https://debrichmond.com/let-it-snow-no-major-u-s-snowstorms/) **Published:** January 20, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Watching your weather app for possible snowstorms? Apologies to my sun-loving family members. I still love a good snowfall. I’m retired and don’t need to go anywhere. I can watch the white stuff outside my windows as it blankets the world in sparkling beauty, covering the brown bleakness of winter. On an unofficial snow day—which is not quite the same as a teacher snow day—I’m tempted to feast on hot chocolate and heavily buttered toast, curl up on the sofa wrapped in a warm blanket, and read a book or two. Watching the snow barely cover the roads by my house, I’m reminded of snowstorms from years past. I remember one not that many years ago (January 1996)—okay, my kids were teenagers, so maybe it was long ago—the snow was deep enough to build tunnels from the house to the garage and crawl through on our bellies. I remember building full-sized snow forts on the baseball field during elementary school recess and pelting outsiders with hard-packed snowballs. My parents told of walking to school while the snow piled up to the telephone wires. But not everyone feels the same delight when the white stuff falls. If you dread winter’s greatest blessings, here are a few tales from America’s history to remind you that it could be worse! ![snowstorms](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11Alivecom_.jpg) #### The Storm of the Century **March 12-15, 1993,** was dubbed “The Storm of the Century.” On Thursday, March 11, the system formed over Mexico and brought high winds and hail to Texas. It then moved along the Louisiana coast before slamming into Florida on the morning of March 13, producing tornadoes, high waves, and lightning. Thundersnow occurred when warm tropical air rose rapidly, creating unstable conditions in the upper atmosphere and producing snow, with 60,000 lightning strikes from Georgia to PA. Forecasters called the conditions feeding this storm a “meteorological bomb.” Over the following days, the Coast Guard rescued 235 people at sea. A 200-foot freighter sank, and another ran aground on a coral reef. Some seafarers faced 65-foot waves. Many people died or were lost at sea. As the storm moved up the coastline on Sunday, March 14, it intensified into a blizzard. It reached as far west as the Dakotas, bringing more than $5 billion in damage, power outages, 144 mph winds in New Hampshire, a foot of snow in Florida and Alabama, and 56 inches of snow on Tennessee’s Mt. Leconte. By Monday, March 15, the storm had moved into Canada and then dissipated over the ocean. One North Atlantic cargo ship, which had survived the Perfect Storm of 1991, floundered in 90 mph winds and 100-foot waves. All 33 crew members were lost. More than 300 people died. In addition to those lost at sea or in tornadoes, some died during the cleanup. Pennsylvania had the highest death toll, primarily from overexertion-induced heart attacks and accidents caused by whiteout conditions. Because meteorologists did not classify the event as a tropical storm, it was unnamed, earning monikers such as The No Name Storm, The Great Blizzard of ’93, The Storm of the Century, and the ’93 Superstorm. For the first time in history, the National Weather Service used weather-prediction models and longer-range forecasts to provide advanced warning, enabling state governors to declare a state of emergency before snowstorms appeared. Doppler radar was not yet in widespread use, but forecasters in Florida were able to issue warnings with lead times of 30 minutes to 2 hours. ![The Great White Hurricane](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Wide-Newsletters-1.jpg) #### The Great White Hurricane **March 11 - 14, 1888** More than 100 years earlier, the Northeast experienced the Great White Hurricane. The days before the storm brought unusually warm temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Sunday, March 11, began with above-freezing temperatures and rainfall and ended with subzero temperatures as a cold Canadian front collided with warm air from the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, the rain turned into heavy snow, paralyzing transportation systems in major East Coast cities. Many workers were stranded. Fire stations were unable to respond, resulting in $25 million in damages (almost $1 billion today). Telegraph wires were damaged, leaving many cities isolated. From March 11 through March 14, more than 60 inches of snow fell, accompanied by 45 mph winds. Snowdrifts buried three-story houses, and more than 400 deaths were reported. The impassable road systems and the threat for future snowstorms prompted the cities of Boston and New York to develop underground subway systems, which were constructed within the next decade. ![snowstorms NYC 1888](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bliz-1888-nyc-pic-930px.jpg) #### The Schoolhouse Blizzard **January 12, 1888**— The day began with warm temperatures, a relief to Midwesterners who endured a brutal winter the year before, when temperatures plunged to 48 below. Even the 1887 summer was cut short by chilly weather in August, subzero temperatures by October, and excessive snowstorms in December. So when the thermometer climbed toward 50, people rejoiced. School children left home with high hopes, leaving winter coats behind. The unexpected Arctic front covered 780 miles in only 17 hours and met a warm, wet front from the Gulf of Mexico, hitting Montana in the early morning and traveling through the Dakota Territory into Nebraska by the afternoon. A South Dakota farmer said, “About 3:30, we heard a hideous roar. … At first we thought that it was the Omaha train which had been blocked and was trying to open the track. My wife and I were near the barn when the storm came as if it had slid out of sack. A hurricane-like wind blew, so that the snow drifted high in the air, and it became terribly cold. Within a few minutes, it was as dark as a cellar, and one could not see one’s hand in front of one’s face.” (Meier, 1930s) A Norwegian farmer, Austin Rollag, wrote that “the air turned silent and ominous, and in the next moment, the blizzard crashed in.” Others reported ice needles flying at them in 60 mph winds, freezing their eyes shut. Some people died within a few steps of their door because of the whiteout conditions. Survivors lost limbs due to frostbite. One man’s frozen body remained discovered until April, when the snows melted. Many schoolchildren were caught trying to get home without being dressed for cold weather. One family lost six children trying to get home from school. They were found with their arms wrapped around each other. A 19-year-old Nebraska schoolteacher, Minnie Mae Freeman, led her 13 students through blinding snow and freezing winds to safety. The schoolhouse door blew away, and Freeman knew her students, dressed for warmer weather, would not survive in the fragile building. The teacher tied herself and her students together with rope, advised the children to huddle for warmth, and headed toward a farmhouse a mile away. After the students left the schoolhouse, the wind tore the roof off the building. Estimates put the number of deaths, mostly people caught out in the weather, between 250 & 500. Many missing people were not reported in remote areas. The cold temperatures created ice skating in San Francisco, frozen water pipes in Los Angeles, and temperatures of 7 degrees below in Texas. #### Other Memorable U.S. Snowstorms **The Knickerbocker Storm of 1922** was named because it collapsed the roof of the Washington, D.C. Knickerbocker Theater, killing or injuring over 200 people. **The Great Appalachian Storm of Thanksgiving weekend 1950** brought 62 inches of snow and caused 160 deaths. **The Chicago Blizzard of 1967** stranded 20,000 vehicles and over a thousand city buses. Helicopters delivered food and blankets to stranded motorists (I’m wondering if they dropped down a porta-potty!). A record number of babies were born at home that day. Some soon-to-be mothers were delivered to the hospitals by sled, bulldozer, or snowplow. **On March 29, 1970, Easter Sunday** brought enough snow that our family’s car got stuck on our way home from church. **The Blizzard of 1996** caused many deaths, not only from heavy snowfall but also from the flooding that followed, which shut down all three NYC airports and turned the city into a ghost town. **Snowmaggedon in February 2010** hit Washington, D.C. Three major snowstorms in 20 days left 200,000 without power. **Snowzilla, aka Winter Storm Jonas**, impacted 85 million people in **2016**. **2019’s bomb cyclone** (when a system’s pressure drops rapidly, causing the storm to intensify) affected 25 states, especially Colorado. **More Stories from American History** [Service and Sacrifice on the Homefront](https://debrichmond.com/sacrifice-service-on-the-home-front/ "Service and Sacrifice on the Homefront") [Shortages on the Homefront](https://debrichmond.com/shortages-on-the-home-front/ "Shortages on the Homefront") [Two Hundred Years of Changes in Public Education](https://debrichmond.com/changes-in-public-education/ "Two Hundred Years of Changes in Public Education") [The First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/ "The First Centennial Celebration") #### Sources on U.S. Snowstorms Adventure-journal.com. “Minnie Mae Freeman Saved a Schoolroom Full of Children during One of the Country’s Deadliest Blizzards on Record – Adventure Journal,” August 11, 2023. [https://www.adventure-journal.com/2023/08/minnie-mae-freeman-saved-a-schoolroom-full-of-children-during-one-of-the-countrys-deadliest-blizzards-on-record/?srsltid=AfmBOort2dw6c0I9crTlacrX5Ri\_6ts77rzSvLtDhH-nsYgSZQwB9H-G](https://www.adventure-journal.com/2023/08/minnie-mae-freeman-saved-a-schoolroom-full-of-children-during-one-of-the-countrys-deadliest-blizzards-on-record/?srsltid=AfmBOort2dw6c0I9crTlacrX5Ri_6ts77rzSvLtDhH-nsYgSZQwB9H-G). Alferia. “The 1993 Storm of the Century - the Original Superstorm - a Retrospective and Analysis.” YouTube, March 21, 2023. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClJtiIxtM84>. Armstrong, Tim. “On This Day: The 1993 Storm of the Century.” National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), March 9, 2017. <https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/1993-snow-storm-of-the-century>. ———. “Superstorm of 1993 ‘Storm of the Century.’” Weather.gov, 2019. <https://www.weather.gov/ilm/Superstorm93>. Brunner, Borgna. “The Great White Hurricane.” InfoPlease, February 28, 2017. <https://www.infoplease.com/great-white-hurricane>. Bureau, US Census. “January 2025: The 1815 Battle of New Orleans.” Census.gov, 2026. <https://www.census.gov/about/history/stories/monthly/2026/january-2026.html>. Burt, Christopher. “The Blizzard of 1888: America’s Greatest Snow Disaster.” March 12, 2020. <https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/the-blizzard-of-1888-americas-greatest-snow-disaster>. Ctdigitalarchive.org. “Verifying Connection,” 2026. <https://collections.ctdigitalarchive.org/node/1185374>. Ford, Alyssa. “125 Years Ago, Deadly ‘Children’s Blizzard’ Blasted Minnesota \| MinnPost.” MinnPost, January 11, 2013. <https://www.minnpost.com/minnesota-history/2013/01/125-years-ago-deadly-children-s-blizzard-blasted-minnesota/>. Glenn, David. “30th Anniversary of the 1993 Superstorm.” WTVC, March 11, 2023. <https://newschannel9.com/weather/stormtrack-9-blog/30th-anniversary-of-the-1993-superstorm>. Historic Ipswich . “The ‘Great White Hurricane,’ March 11, 1888,” December 14, 2025. <https://historicipswich.net/2025/12/14/great-white-hurricane/>. Lakritz, Talia. “11 of the Biggest Blizzards to Ever Hit the US.” Business Insider, n.d. <https://www.businessinsider.com/biggest-blizzards-us-winter-weather>. ———. “Biggest Blizzards in History to Ever Hit the US.” Business Insider, January 5, 2024. <https://www.businessinsider.com/biggest-blizzards-us-winter-weather#the-blizzard-of-1996-resulted-in-150-deaths-and-around-3-billion-in-damages-across-the-northeast-6>. Meier, O. W. “Recalling the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard of 1888, Ca. 1930s \| Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.” <https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/recalling-schoolchildrens-blizzard-1888-ca-1930s>. Minnesota DNR. “With a Bang, Not a Whimper: The Winter of 1887-1888.” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Accessed January 6, 2026. Samuelson, Heidi. “The Blizzard of 1967.” Chicago History Museum, January 26, 2022. <https://www.chicagohistory.org/1967blizzard/>. Staff, History.com. “The Biggest Snow Storms in US History \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, March 14, 2017. <https://www.history.com/articles/major-blizzards-in-u-s-history>. “Storm of the Century \| Storm, Eastern Coast of North America \[1993\] \| Britannica.” In *Encyclopædia Britannica*, 2020. <https://www.britannica.com/event/Storm-of-the-Century>. US Department of Commerce, NOAA. “March 12th-15th, 1993: Superstorm.” [https://www.weather.gov/jan/superstorm\_march\_1993](https://www.weather.gov/jan/superstorm_march_1993). ———. “The 1993 Storm of the Century.” <https://www.weather.gov/tbw/93storm>. WGAL. “March 1993: ‘Storm of the Century’ Dumped Nearly Two Feet of Snow on South-Central Pa.” WGAL, March 13, 2023. <https://www.wgal.com/article/south-central-pennsylvania-blizzard-of-1993-anniversary/43293741>. Wikipedia Contributors. “1993 Storm of the Century.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, April 3, 2019. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993\_Storm\_of\_the\_Century](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Storm_of_the_Century). Youtu.be, 2025. <https://youtu.be/hC9Ux8fQWA4>. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [The Grief Journey](https://debrichmond.com/the-grief-journey/) **Published:** March 11, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ### The grief journey: When normal is gone, and life hits hard The loss of a loved one, whether from an unexpected end or a slow falling away, changes everything. Normal is gone. Grief is overpowering. As I leave middle age behind, I face more encounters with loss than I ever imagined in my younger years. In the next newsletter, I share some ways to help those who are grieving. But today, I want to acknowledge the pain that is a natural part of losing a piece of your heart and soul. My writer friend Julie Losch Doherty understands this loss, and she is a skilled communicator. I’m sharing her words below. ### Life is a Series of Ammo Cans [![grief journey](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ammo-Cans-300x169.jpg "Ammo Cans - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ammo-Cans.jpg) from August 9, 2025: I don't know how or why it's suddenly August, but here we are: August. August has been my favorite month, not only because it's sunny and full of flowers and butterflies, but because it contains my birthday. This year, August is the month in which I will say my final goodbye to my beloved. When Maury died in May, August felt far away. Now, it's here, and just when I'm seeing some progress in my grief journey, I have to steel myself to carry him--in a cardboard box--onboard trains, planes, and Ubers, just for the privilege of sinking him into the peaty soil of his homeland. I tell myself this is what he wanted, that his children need it, that I can do it; I've survived worse. I tell myself lots of things, but none of them offer any comfort. He knew this would be hard for me. In fact, he apologized for it during his last week on earth. I told him I would be okay. In other words, I lied. It isn't going to be okay. It's going to be as far away from "okay" as you could possibly get. But I'm going to do it anyway. Because that's what love does. It forces you to go to great lengths. It stretches you beyond your limits. I seem to be doing surprisingly well, all things considered. I'm not sure if that's because of my faith or because I'm an undiagnosed psycho. Jury's out. But somewhere around the two-month mark, the ache in the pit of my stomach eased a little. I stopped crying in the bathroom at work when a project overwhelmed me. I cooked a meal or two and even went out to eat twice. I started whipping the place into shape, since many things fell by the wayside during his illness. I even cleaned out some of his stuff, which admittedly brought a few tears and some surprises. He isn't here to defend himself, so I feel bad writing this, but my husband was the ultimate hypocrite when it came to his health. He would preach for an hour on the advantages of detoxing, oil pulling, never consuming seed oils, and only eating organic foods. Then he would sneak off to Dollar General, load up on sweets, and hide the receipt. Once, he hid Little Debbie Snack Cake boxes in the floor joists of our basement so I wouldn't see them in the trash. Not long ago, I found a single Raisinet in our hallway, thinking it was a poop nugget from the dog. I know--ew. When I realized what it was, Maury launched an Oscar-worthy defense, complete with waving arms, declaring that it *must* have been there for *months* (as if I don't vacuum every other day.) No lie--we were still debating it when the dog brought me a ball of paper she'd been playing with. I unfolded it. Voila! A receipt for Raisinets purchased that very day! Along with Mountain Dew and Sugared gum drops. So I was not surprised when I found this while cleaning out the basement: an ammo can, stuffed with Twizzlers. It brought about one of those laughing/crying moments so common in a widow's life. That's life, isn't it? A series of days, each like an ammo can. We open them one by one, expecting contents that speak of preparedness, survival, maybe even control. But that isn't always the case, is it? Sometimes, they surprise us, not always kindly. What we do then, in the face of the unexpected, defines who we are. You would think the world would cut me some slack, given what I'm going through, but you'd be wrong. Lately, my "ammo cans" have held more than I bargained for, leaving me to face their sordid contents alone. It's brutal, having no strong arms to surround me, no warrior to fight for me. There's not even any opportunity for discussion. It's just *here's your can full of misery*, followed by silence where comfort should be. The potential to fall into despair is great and very real when those "cans" tell me I'm worthless. Maybe your cans have been telling you the same thing. You can't change their contents, but you *can* change what happens next. Lean in to Jesus, who reminds us, again and again, that no matter what the ammo cans throw at us, we're worth everything to Him. #### Read more by [JULIE DOHERTY, AUTHOR](https://www.juliedoherty.com/blog?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-03-11&utm_campaign=The+Grief+Journey) | ## More Grief Journey Stories [I Want the World to Remember](https://ejbvpaw.clicks.mlsend.com/tb/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjE1ODg5ODksXCJsXCI6MTgxMDAzNTI5NjE4NDU4Mzc0LFwiclwiOjE4MTAwMzU0MjY3MzIyOTYyOX0iLCJzIjoiYWNmMGM0OWFiNGZiZjAzNiJ9) [Memories of My Mom](https://ejbvpaw.clicks.mlsend.com/tb/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjE1ODg5ODksXCJsXCI6MTgxMDAzNTI5NjMzMTM4NDQ1LFwiclwiOjE4MTAwMzU0MjY3MzIyOTYyOX0iLCJzIjoiZjVlMTM0OGUyMDVmYzA5MiJ9) [Age and Beauty](https://ejbvpaw.clicks.mlsend.com/tb/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjE1ODg5ODksXCJsXCI6MTgxMDAzNTI5NjQ3ODE4NTE0LFwiclwiOjE4MTAwMzU0MjY3MzIyOTYyOX0iLCJzIjoiOWExODc4YWRhNmM0OTJiYyJ9) [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://ejbvpaw.clicks.mlsend.com/tb/c/eyJ2Ijoie1wiYVwiOjE1ODg5ODksXCJsXCI6MTgxMDAzNTI5NjYxNDUwMDA5LFwiclwiOjE4MTAwMzU0MjY3MzIyOTYyOX0iLCJzIjoiNjU2Y2E2ODAxM2M4MjAwMSJ9) | |---| ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Grief Support --- ### [Not My Mama's World](https://debrichmond.com/not-my-mamas-world/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### The World Has Changed Recently, I've noticed that today’s world is not the world of my past. It’s certainly not the world my mother grew up in. One of my favorite karaoke songs, introduced to me by the teenager who used to live here, is “My Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert. It depicts a daughter’s response to a breakup marked by screaming, substance abuse, and violence, in contrast to her mother, who expected her child to clean up and put on a calm face. I realized that many of the things I do are not done quite the way my mother did them. The world has changed, for better or worse, and I have changed with it, most likely for the worse. ![rotary phone created on Canva, copyright Deb Richmond 2026](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Rotary-phone.jpg) #### Where's My Phone? When I was a child, the rotary-dial telephone sat on a round table large enough to hold only a phone, a lace doily, a small notepad, and a pen. The table sat in the hallway. It didn’t even earn a place in one of the house’s frequently used rooms. Maybe it was kept in this spot so Mom could hear the deep double clangs from any room in the house. Eventually, we progressed to a wall-mounted, pastel-toned device. My parents even installed a second phone in their bedroom. We were quite advanced. Today, my phone never leaves my side. Walking to the kitchen and leaving my phone unattended, far away in the sunroom, creates a sense of unease. Fear of missing out—the anxiety created by the thought of a missed call, media post, text message, or email—is not quite a recognized mental disorder, but it’s getting there. The realization that I can’t remember where I put that darn little blue mini-purse down causes near panic. “Rich! Call my phone!” My mother could walk to the neighbors’ for an afternoon chat, hang clothes on the line, or drive to the grocery store for hours without ever wondering what she’d missed. How did I become so dependent on something that didn’t even merit a second thought back then? I’ve been practicing walking away from my phone. Of course, I’m usually carrying an iPad or a laptop and always wearing a smartwatch, so I never really miss anything except the silence. #### Good Night, Everyone! When I was a child, if I ever found a reason to stay up past midnight (which was rare), I would hear, “This concludes our broadcast day. We now conclude with the playing of the National Anthem,” followed by a song we all knew by heart. Screen time ended at midnight. End of discussion. We turned out the lights, locked the front door (sometimes), and went to bed. It was just us kids with Mom and Dad until morning. Those end-of-the-day messages disappeared sometime in the 80s or 90s of the previous century. Today, input from the outside world never ends. Texts, IMs, emails, internet searches, binge-watching TV, FB posts, and 20 or 30 other social media platforms bombard us with information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instead of turning out the lights and going to sleep at midnight, I’m often staring at a tiny screen, playing an online word game, or reading a digital book. I’ve even forgotten how to enjoy a day of rest. I feel guilty if I don’t accomplish something every day. I need to adopt my parents’ strategy of the enforced afternoon nap and strict bedtime. Maybe I should find one of those apps that shuts down my devices by a certain hour. I could use the rest. ![As found in Canva by Jupiter images and tempImageTSJaav.jpg; adapted by Deb Richmond 2026](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Patriotism.jpg) #### I Pledge Allegiance In 1976, our family traveled from PA to California in a car without air conditioning, pulling a pop-up camper. In 1976, you couldn’t drive past a town or business without seeing signs for the planned July Bicentennial events. The celebrations included reenactments, festivals, an unbelievable number of parades, and even the opening of a new Smithsonian venue, the Air and Space Museum. In 1976, we stood proudly in our classrooms, hands on our hearts, as we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. That pledge is now absent from most schools. As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary—and I shudder at how quickly those 50 years have passed—I look for the grand celebrations, but I’m not finding many. In some settings, it's hard to admit to being a patriot. The red, white, and blue vest I made in my seventh-grade Home-Ec class would be frowned upon in today’s society. I’m saddened that the spirit of America has died in recent years. I don’t like everything happening today, but I still love my country. I love the beauty of the mountains and rivers and the chance to learn about the amazing people, past and present, who shape this country. I hope that by the 300th anniversary (I’ll only be 114 then), we’re ready to return to the over-the-top, inescapable celebratory images of our nation's history. ![Family photo of Nancy Varner; copyrighted by Deb Richmond 2026](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mom-as-a-child.jpg) #### Short and Sweet "Short and sweet" perfectly described my mom... And my attention span. Recently, my husband, Rich, was listening to a C.S. Lewis sermon on YouTube. I found myself taking every sentence from that classic sermon and turning it into a meme of those zingy one-liners. When did my attention span shrink to one-minute messages? I even cut out half of my stories for this newsletter because most of us can only read short blurbs before falling asleep. (Sometimes I can’t even stay awake through a short blurb.) For those of you who stuck with me through the entire newsletter, I have an offer. With the launch of my debut novel, *The Wandering Place,* I realized something else had shifted. You see, I’ll never get rich selling books. I give away more copies than I sell. I love giving and receiving gifts. I was excited to give away a few books as thank-yous to those who have been reading my posts for several years. I spent hours combing through my subscriber list, tallying opened newsletters, and building a spinning-wheel random-drawing tool. Okay, making that spinning wheel was fun. I may spin it a few times just for the thrill of it. That’s when I noticed the change. I emailed the winners and got no response. I asked them to reply to my email with a mailing address so I could send the new book. Maybe they just didn’t want the book. But I realized what had changed, and it made me sad: Normal, safe, and sane people do not share their mailing addresses, even with someone who has entered their homes for the past four years through newsletters. And how could I blame them? I wouldn’t share my mailing address with someone I’ve never met. So I’m going to try again, but this time I’ll draw names only from those who chose to enter. **If you would like a chance to win** a free copy of *The Wandering Place,* simply **reply to this newsletter email**, and I’ll enter your name on a new, smaller spinning wheel. But unless you live close by, be prepared to share your mailing address with me if your name is drawn. I’ll need a way to send it to you. Of course, my mother would have walked as far as her legs would carry her, knocking on doors and handing out invitations for the drawing. If she didn't know the people behind the door, they'd be fast friends by the time she stepped off their porch. But it’s not my mother’s world anymore, is it? (The spinning wheel will spin on June 14, 2026 - Flag Day.) **More stories about my family** [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/ "Memories of My Mom") [Not Much of a School Boy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a School Boy") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [The First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Watching events unfold for our 250th Anniversary as a nation makes me wonder what the first centennial celebration looked like. I watch the movie *The Music Man*, and I long to live in the days of ice cream socials, community picnics, and the patriotic tableau, whatever that is. When I think about my plans for July 4th each year, my mind wanders to scenes of old-fashioned patriotism, and I remember singing “My Country, Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful” in elementary school. Thank goodness for music teachers like Mrs. Sheaffer, who taught us all to sing. ![Centennial commemoration at Philadelphia July 4 1776-1876; courtesy of the Library of Congress](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Centennial-Philadelphis.jpg) #### Anniversary of a Nation Following President Ulysses S. Grant’s proclamation, July 4, 1876, was the Centennial Anniversary of the Nation. The 37-starred flag appeared everywhere. Small towns and large cities held their own celebrations, including parades, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, community picnics, cannon fire, and fireworks. Colorado had more reason than most states to join in the festivities. It was slated to become the 38th state on August 1, 1876. ![International Exhibition, main exhibition building, Machinery Hall; courtesy of Library of Congress](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Machinery-Hall.jpg) #### A Six-Month Celebration However, the main event of 1876 was the first Centennial Exposition, held from May 10 to November 10 at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. (Some of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be held in the same location.) This was the first of many World Fairs on U.S. soil. The Exposition showcased America’s growing industrial strength, new inventions, and financial success. Since more than half of the visitors were from across the ocean, the Exposition changed the world’s view of the United States as an “underdeveloped and second-rate country at the outer fringe of Western civilization,” according to the American Heritage magazine. Many immigrants took notice and set their sights on the country’s welcoming arms. ![Corliss Steam Engine at Centennial Exposition; courtesy of Library of Congress](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Corliss-Steam-Engine.jpg) #### Blowing Off Steam Memorial Hall exhibited artwork. Horticultural Hall contained exotic plants. Machinery Hall showcased the 40-foot-high Corliss Steam Engine. This ceremonial event sparked an international grudge against the First Lady. Julia Grant was slighted by not being allowed to help start the Corliss steam engine that powered the exhibits. Mrs. Grant wrote, “I, the wife of the President of the United States--I, the wife of General Grant--was there and was not invited to assist at this little ceremony…I wonder what could have prompted this discourtesy to the wife of the President of the United States and at the same time, this honor to the wife of a foreign potentate. That honor went to the Empress of Brazil. The Emperor, Dom Pedro II, and his wife were visiting. Empress Christina was asked to place her hand on the valve to start the Corliss engine. Other innovations on display in Machinery Hall included Alexander Graham Bell’s new telephone, the Remington #1 typewriter, Thomas Edison’s automatic telegraph system, and ice cream. General LeRoy Stone’s steam-powered monorail carried visitors between buildings. The Wallace-Farmer Dynamo powered three electric lights, inspiring Edison to begin work on his own model of a light bulb. John A. Roebling & Sons displayed the 5 3/4-inch-diameter steel cable that would later support the Brooklyn Bridge (1883). Heinz Ketchup and Hires Root Beer each made an appearance. A novelty fruit, little known to most U.S. citizens, was sold individually wrapped in foil for 10 cents, introducing non-city folk to the banana. #### Not For Everyone The first Centennial Exposition was a stepping stone toward bringing the North and South together. House Representative, pastor, and newspaper editor Richard Cain supported the $3 million bill to fund the Exposition. Cain said the Exposition would bring about “healing the wounds caused by war.” However, southern states threatened to withdraw from the endeavor if exhibitions were hosted by black-owned industries. Native Americans were not included, giving the impression that America’s first citizens were a dying breed. Women were included, but suffragists were forbidden. Nevertheless, activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton made an unannounced appearance and read their “Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States” aloud. It stated, “We ask of our rulers for this hour no special favors, no special privileges, no special legislation. We ask justice, we ask equality, we ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the United States, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever.” It would take another 44 years before women were granted the right to vote. ![Bartholdi's "Liberty"- Hand and Torch; from PhillyHistory.com](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hand-and-Torch.jpg) #### Give Us a Hand One of the most unusual appearances came from France. The hand and torch of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s gift were the first parts of the Statue of Liberty to be built and shipped to the U.S. The hand’s appearance at the Exposition helped raise funds for the statue’s pedestal. Hand and torch then moved to Madison Square Gardens in New York, where they continued to raise money for the next six years. The hand and torch joined the rest of Lady Liberty in 1886. Reading about the slights, exclusions, and political controversies surrounding the first Centennial celebration of our country makes me realize that life may not have been as lovely as portrayed in *The Music Man*. If I can stick around for the Tricentennial in a few years, maybe things will go back to the Golden Age of my imagination. #### Works Cited “This Great Gathering of the Nation”: Black Representatives and the 1876 Centennial Celebration \| US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. *@USHouseHistory*, 2026, [history.house.gov/Blog/2026/February/2-27-Great-Gathering/.](https://history.house.gov/Blog/2026/February/2-27-Great-Gathering/) “1876 – America Celebrates 100 Years! \| Wheaton, IL.” *Wheaton.il.us*, 2026, [www.wheaton.il.us/1417/1876-America-celebrates-100-years.](http://www.wheaton.il.us/1417/1876-America-celebrates-100-years) Accessed 1 July 2026. Brett Lithographing Co. *Centennial building. General view. Centennial building, Machinery Hall. Sunset view / Howe*. New York: Brett Litho. Co. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <[www.loc.gov/item/93517424](https://www.loc.gov/item/93517424)/>. *Centennial commemoration at Philadelphia July 4 -1876*. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <[www.loc.gov/item/2001695178/](https://www.loc.gov/item/2001695178/)>. Centennial Photographic Co. (ca. 1876) *Colossal hand and torch "Liberty"*. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ca. 1876. Philada.: Centennial Photographic Co. \[Photograph\] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <https://www.loc.gov/item/97502738/>. City. “PhillyHistory - Detail View.” *Phillyhistory.org*, 2026, [www.phillyhistory.org/PhotoArchive/detail.aspx?](https://www.phillyhistory.org/PhotoArchive/Search.aspx?minx=-8408769.979607&maxx=-8325692.989194&miny=4810537.727413&maxy=4907460.882895&type=area&withoutMedia=false&withoutLoc=false&onlyWithoutLoc=false&series=Centennial%20Exhibition%201876&updateDays=0&sortOrderM=DISTANCE&sortOrderP=DISTANCE&start=0&limit=24&mstart=0&mlimit=12)ImageId=98325. Accessed 1 July 2026. Davis, Theodore R., Artist. *Our centennial--President Grant and Dom Pedro starting the Corliss engine / from a sketch by Theo. R. Davis*. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <[www.loc.gov/item/89706312/](https://www.loc.gov/item/89706312/)>. Fitch, Nancy, and Charles Flanagan. “America at the Centennial \| Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress \| Library of Congress.” *Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA*, [www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/america-at-the-centennial](https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/america-at-the-centennial)/. International Exhibition, main exhibition building, Machinery Hall. \[Philadelphia: Publisher Not Transcribed\] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <[www.loc.gov/item/2018695476/](https://www.loc.gov/item/2018695476/)>. Kennedy, Lesley. “How Americans Celebrated the Centennial in 1876 \| HISTORY.” *HISTORY*, 3 June 2026, [www.history.com/articles/american-centennial-1876-celebrations](https://www.history.com/articles/american-centennial-1876-celebrations). NYC DOT. “NYC DOT - Brooklyn Bridge.” *Www.nyc.gov*, 2025, [www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml). “President Grant and the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia (U.S. National Park Service).” *Www.nps.gov*, 2022, [www.nps.gov/articles/000/president-grant-and-the-1876-centennial-exposition-in-philadelphia.htm](https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/president-grant-and-the-1876-centennial-exposition-in-philadelphia.htm). Puckett, John. “West Philadelphia Collaborative History - the Centennial Exposition of 1876: An Evolving Cultural Landscape.” *Collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu*, 2026, [collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu/stories/centennial-exposition-1876-evolving-cultural-landscape](https://collaborativehistory.gse.upenn.edu/stories/centennial-exposition-1876-evolving-cultural-landscape). “The Fourth of July in 1876.” *Kimberly Keagan, Historical Romance*, 2025, [www.kimberlykeagan.com/the-fourth-of-july-in-1876.html](https://www.kimberlykeagan.com/the-fourth-of-july-in-1876.html). Accessed 1 July 2026. Wikipedia Contributors. “Centennial Exposition.” *Wikipedia*, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Sept. 2019, [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centennial\_Exposition.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centennial_Exposition) yansandler. “How the 1876 Centennial Exposition Shaped the American Dream and Immigration - MyHeritage Blog.” *MyHeritage Blog*, 13 May 2026, [blog.myheritage.com/2026/05/how-the-1876-centennial-exposition-shaped-the-american-dream-and-immigration](https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/05/how-the-1876-centennial-exposition-shaped-the-american-dream-and-immigration/)/. Accessed 1 July 2026. #### More Historical Articles [Major U.S. Snowstorms](https://debrichmond.com/let-it-snow-no-major-u-s-snowstorms/ "Major U.S. Snowstorms") [WW II: Shortage on the Homefront](https://debrichmond.com/shortages-on-the-home-front/ "WW II: Shortage on the Homefront") [Service and Sacrifice on the Homefront](https://debrichmond.com/sacrifice-service-on-the-home-front/ "Service and Sacrifice on the Homefront") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Vitamins and Supplements for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/vitamins-and-supplements-for-older-adults/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![vitamins and supplements](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/natali-hordiiuk-n9m6cjO1tlw-unsplash-1-scaled-1-200x300.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author") When I was young, I avoided taking medicines, including vitamins and supplements. But with each birthday, I notice things don’t work as well as they used to. Now, my daily intake of vitamins could fill a small cabinet. Why is it that eating healthy meals is not enough anymore? One surprising reason is that our wheat products, fruits, and vegetables do not contain as many nutrients as the food Grandma served on her table. Genetically engineered crops, produced to grow bigger and hardier plants, have more calories but not an increased amount of nutrients. We eat more and get less. Carbon dioxide levels in the air, soil composition, and types of fertilizer have also been shown to create lower levels of important vitamins and minerals in our food supply. Check out the links at the end of this article to learn more. Another reason to take more vitamins and supplements is that, with age, our bodies undergo changes that can significantly affect nutrient absorption and metabolism. As a result of these physiological shifts, common deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can create poorer overall health and well-being. Research shows that older adults frequently face challenges in absorbing certain nutrients due to a decline in digestive function, changes in dietary habits, and the use of medications that may interfere with nutrients. Failing to address these deficiencies can be significant, ranging from diminished cognitive function to increased risk of bone fractures. Not getting enough essential vitamins can cause older adults to be more susceptible to infections. Therefore, ensuring an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is vital in fostering a better quality of life among older adults. Here are four vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in your diet. ## Key Vitamins and Their Dietary Source Drink your milk! **Vitamin D** is necessary for good bone health by aiding calcium absorption. According to the [National Institutes of Health](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/ "National Institutes of Health"), adults aged 70 and under need 15 mcg or 600 IU of Vitamin D. Adults over 70 should get 20 mcg or 800 IU. An adequate Vitamin D level reduces the risk of fractures and prevents osteoporosis in older adults. Sunlight is a good source of Vitamin D; however, we tend to stay indoors more as we grow older. Many adults require dietary sources such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified dairy products, and egg yolks to meet their needs. Do you feel tingling or numbness in your hands and feet? According to WebMD, try increasing your **Vitamin B12** to at least 2.4 mcg. Vitamin B12 produces DNA in red blood cells and keeps nerve cells healthy. As absorption decreases, many older people find it challenging to obtain sufficient B12 from food sources alone. Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include meat, fish, dairy products, and fortified cereals. Older adults should consider regular testing for B12 levels and may need supplements to reach healthy levels. **Calcium** is indispensable for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Foods high in calcium include dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, leafy green vegetables like kale and bok choy, tofu, and fortified juices. Calcium can also be found in oranges, fortified English muffins, butternut squash, and canned tomatoes. The [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097) recommends 1000 mg for women 50 and under and men 70 and under. Women over 50 and men over 70 should get about 1200 mg of calcium daily. Calcium requires Vitamin D to help with absorption, so take those together. Lastly, **Omega-3 fatty acids** are well-known for their cardiovascular benefits. They help reduce inflammation and work to lower blood pressure. Older adults should include sources of Omega-3s such as fatty fish (e.g., sardines, trout), flaxseeds, and walnuts. By promoting heart health, Omega-3s can contribute to a better quality of life for seniors. ### When To Take Vitamins and Supplements ![vitamins and supplements](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Madara-on-Unsplash-Fruits-Vitamins-1-scaled-1-300x200.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author") I always thought it best to do vitamins and supplements for breakfast. However, some nutrients conflict with others. Some work together to absorb into the body. Understanding the best times for taking vitamins and supplements can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Some nutrients create additional effects or are best absorbed when taken with food. Water-soluble vitamins like B and C are energy-producing, so make those part of your breakfast routine. Don’t take B and C before bedtime. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, should be taken with foods containing healthy fats. Therefore, incorporating these vitamins into your lunch or dinner may be more advantageous. Magnesium and calcium have a calming effect, so take those later in the day. Not all vitamins play well together. For example, calcium makes it harder for the body to absorb magnesium when taken together. Therefore, spacing them apart by a few hours can optimize their benefits. Vitamin C and iron supplements work together to improve absorption into the body. As always, talk to your doctor before significantly changing your dietary routine. Some vitamins conflict with doctor-prescribed medications. Whether you take supplements (I love the gummies, but they’re usually high in sugar) or nutrient-rich powders in water, getting the right balance could be a game changer for your health. - [Juice Plus: Benefits of Fruit and Veggie Powders](https://us.juiceplus.com/blogs/nutrition/fruit-and-veggie-powder-benefits "Juice Plus: Benefits of Fruit and Veggie Powders") - [BBC: How Modern Food Can Regain Its Nutrients](https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/follow-the-food/why-modern-food-lost-its-nutrients/ "BBC: How Modern Food Can Regain Its Nutrients") - [Scientific American: Dirt Poor: Have Fruits & Vegetables Become Less Nutritious](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/ "Scientific American: Dirt Poor: Have Fruits & Vegetables Become Less Nutritious") - [Chemistry World: Is Modern Food Lower In Nutrients?](https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/is-modern-food-lower-in-nutrients/4018578.article "Chemistry World: Is Modern Food Lower In Nutrients?") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Confusing Song Lyrics](https://debrichmond.com/confusing-song-lyrics-2/) **Published:** July 23, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Who's Lady Mondegreen? The art of mishearing or confusing song lyrics is a common phenomenon known as a mondegreen. Listeners interpret the lyrics of a song incorrectly, creating phrases that deviate from the original text. In 1954, Sylvia Wright introduced the term. She misheard the words "laid him on the green" from a Scottish ballad as "lady Mondegreen." Such instances provide a humorous glimpse into how our brains can unintentionally distort auditory information. According to a [Spotify poll](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/the-most-misquoted-song-lyrics/), many people thought the Eurythmics line "Sweet dreams are made of these" claimed that "Sweet dreams are made of cheese." My mother would undoubtedly have found the second version to be true. This simple misinterpretation highlights the extent to which one's mind can conjure in the absence of clarity. People think of food more than songwriters understand. The Starship song "We Built This City on Rock 'n' Roll" often gets revised to "We Built This City on Sausage Rolls." And, of course, there is the Fifth Dimension song "This Is the Dawning of the Age of Asparagus." Speaking of cheese again, the song "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vidi" (which is itself a mondegreen for "In the Garden of Eden) has been confused with "In a glob of Velveta, honey." Personally, I prefer the cheese versions. #### That's Not What They Said Sometimes, our misunderstood song lyrics turn the song's meaning in the opposite direction. Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" twisted from "They paved paradise to put up a parking lot" to an opposing plea, "If it ain't paradise, then put up a parking lot." I'm still convinced Mungo Jerry wasn't looking forward to summer because of the women but because "You got swimmin'. You got swimmin' on your mind." That's how I sing it during karaoke nights. These revisions raise the question of how listeners project their interpretations and thought processes to what they hear or think they hear. Fun-loving songs may turn violent. ABBA's "Dancing Queen" may go from "See that girl, watch that scene, digging the dancing queen" to "See that girl, watch her scream, kicking the dancing queen." Jimi Hendrix gives us one of the most confusing songs. His "Purple Haze" line, "Excuse me while I kiss the sky," should not be confused with "Excuse me while I kiss this guy." People may be disappointed to learn their sense of direction is wrong when they misunderstand the Credence Clearwater Revival song "Bad Moon On the Rise" and hear instead, "There's a bathroom on the right." Misunderstood and misquoted song lyrics remind us of shared experiences as listeners prone to mutilating our favorite songs. #### Singing It Wrong Growing up in a church-going family, my siblings and I regularly butchered gospel and southern bluegrass song lyrics. An old song that whined, "wasted years, wasted years, oh, how foolish," came out, "Pasted years, pasted years, oh, how gooey." As a young and always hungry child, I thought the song "I'll Never Be Lonely Again" declared, "I'll never be baloney again." That's how we rural Pennsylvania folk pronounced "bologna." And what was that tiny girl Shelbee doing in the middle of the song from Handel's Messiah? "Wee Shelbee changed, oh, oh, oh, oh. Oh! Oh!" My mother used to tell the joke that God's name was Andy because the song says, "Andy walks with me. Andy talks with me. Andy tells me I am his own." #### Why Do We Misunderstand Lyrics? Why do we so frequently confuse song lyrics? Understanding songs requires auditory accuracy and cognitive clarity. We need to hear it correctly. We need to comprehend what we hear. As a small child who had yet to waste years of her life foolishly, I could only relate to my kindergarten art class. When we listen to music, our minds automatically fill in gaps, often leading to the mishearing of lyrics. Context and familiarity drive this mental process. I hear what I know. When I hear a particular phrase, I unconsciously substitute unfamiliar words with those I find more relatable or easier to understand. Cultural background significantly influences how individuals interpret song lyrics. Different cultures have unique linguistic constructs and societal norms that affect comprehension. As a result, a lyric referenced in one cultural context may be missed or misinterpreted in another. For my family and me, most lyrics involve cheese. Repetition fixes mangled phrases into our consciousness. The more we hear a particular misinterpretation, the more we believe it to be true. Auditory distortions, cognitive factors, and cultural differences create a humorous landscape of confusing song lyrics. #### A Master of Confusing Song Lyrics Sometimes, though, confusing song lyrics provide delightful entertainment. [Weird Al Yankovic](https://www.weirdal.com/) and the Christmas music group [ApologetiX](https://apologetix.com/) have developed the mondegreen into a parody art form. I'm no Weird Al, but I learned to revise song lyrics to fit my circumstances in my younger years. Once, my dad mowed the grass, which had grown unusually high. He didn't want clumps of dead grass scattered across the yard, so naturally, he demanded my kid sister and I follow behind the mower and wagon and gather grass with our bare hands. I found the tune "Greensleeve," also known as "What Child Is This?" to fit my need for a complaining song. It went like this: My knees are green from picking grass I feel like a slave, I feel like an ... (I didn't sing it but couldn't miss the obvious rhyme.) Apple trees don't require my knees, But they're gree-een from pi-icking grass. In my teenage years, I was both impressed and repulsed by beer commercial jingles and decided to do something about those beautiful tunes. I created a medley of redeemed beer jingles to make a Sunday school teacher proud. "There is only one beer to have" transformed into "There is only one way to Heaven." "Here Comes the King" easily converted into a Christian message. "When You Say Bud" became "When You Say Love," but someone stole and marketed that one soon after. My parody career nearly ended then. As an educator, I used mangled song lyrics to teach the parts of a business letter, how to add and subtract integers, and as a reminder to solve multistep algebra equations correctly. Unfortunately, I couldn't deliver the song with Bob Seger's angst ("Old Time Rock & Roll)" when I serenaded my seventh-graders: Just take that old pencil in your hand. This ain't no time to be a lazy man. There's only one sure way to make sure it's fine. Rewrite each step of that equation line." #### Your Turn: Revising Song Lyrics Music has a way of connecting people, not only through melodies but also through the misunderstandings of what we hear. These confusing song lyrics can turn an intended message into something entirely different and far more humorous. So now it's your turn. Share your confusing song lyrics, whether accidentally misunderstood or intentionally revised. Brainstorm some of your favorite songs to kick off this activity. Listen closely and jot down the lyrics as you hear them, particularly phrases that may lend themselves to amusing misinterpretations. I'm posting this article on my FaceBook page. Find me there or reply to this newsletter email and share your convoluted creations. Sources: [92.9 The River](https://www.929theriver.com/story/5e8cf98ffa8ed3749a62c70c/lyrics-to-50-famously-misunderstood-songs-explained) [Hollywood Reporter: Misheard Song Lyrics](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/misheard-song-lyrics/starship-we-built-this-city/) [UDiscoverMusic: Misunderstood Lyrics](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/the-most-misquoted-song-lyrics/) More on Music: [Oldies Music Quiz](https://debrichmond.com/oldies-music-quiz/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [A Fun and Effective Workout for Seniors](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Do I really need an effective workout routine for older adults? I told myself I would never get out of shape. That I would stay active until the day I die. That I would walk without getting winded, climb stairs without huffing and puffing, and swim at least 60 laps several times a week. But what I try to tell myself doesn’t match the reality of growing older. [ ![effective workout; created in Canva 2026 ; copyright Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Working-out.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Working-out.jpg) ## Never Too Old to Move Two years ago, my 84-year-old dad invited me to the exercise class he and his new bride attended. He invited me several times. I really didn’t want to join this group of 60- to 100-year-olds for exercise. After all, I could swim a mile in a standard-sized pool. At the gym, I could hang from the chin-up bar, do 140-pound leg presses, and run for 23 minutes on the treadmill. I was already paying for a gym membership. Did I want to spend another $10 a year to join the senior center? But my dad was persistent, and I eventually visited the Four Seasons Senior Center in Mifflintown hoping to find effective workout routines. My stepmother warned, “If you’re going to join us, you need to know your left from your right.” That sounds easy, but I’m a lefty and tend to go the wrong way from everyone else. ### The Four Seasons Center On my first visit, I felt like I had joined the Marines. The regimen was perfectly structured, with a team of counters who measured the number of repetitions or the duration for holding a muscle-toning position, though the numbers sometimes came out with that extra-syllabled southern drawl, like “foe-ur.” The counters sometimes get silly or confused, which is just as funny. My first visit was calm and quiet, aside from the leader with the shockingly spiked blond hair and sun visor. It turned out the headwear was covering a shiny, bald head. But as the weeks went on, I realized workouts were sometimes interrupted by random moments of chaos - a toppled metal water bottle, questions about what, exactly, was on the bottom of someone’s shoes, and the battle to see who could tell the corniest joke. What do you call a sad strawberry? A blueberry. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear. Sometimes the antics remind me of my days in the middle school classroom. It didn’t take many visits to realize there were benefits to attending the senior adults’ exercise class. The Four Seasons workout, usually led by either Bob Deamer or Bev Swartz, follows the same routine three times a week. We do stretches, muscle-toning, and balance-building exercises. We lift weights and use resistance bands, pulling them back as though shooting a bow and arrow. Wall push ups build arm muscles. We lift dumbbells for the military press. I discovered muscles my gym workout had overlooked. I’m trying to strengthen those muscles enough to do each movement with ease. It's still a workout! #### We Do What We Can At any given time, a fair number of attendees are awaiting an upcoming procedure or recovering from hip, knee, or shoulder surgery. Many still take part, but sit out the exercises that older and mending joints can’t handle. Some people can get an effective workout while seated in a chair. We do what we can. For a good upper-body workout, join the chair volleyball teams. They use a large, soft-on-the-palms beach ball. A team loses the round if a player's butt leaves the chair. And sometimes the beach ball slams into the back of another player’s head. Sorry, Marie. But there’s plenty of laughter and competition. And I felt like I had lifted weights when I was finished. Over the past two years, my physical abilities have declined. Both knees are missing something called cartilage. I’m slowing down, and I don’t like it. Swimming laps has dropped to just treading water and doggy-paddling. Running on any surface is unwise. Maybe the senior center workout is exactly what I need. Most of the time, I skip out after the 45-minute exercise routine. Many people stay for lunch. Sometimes, local healthcare workers visit to check blood pressure or discuss safety topics. Seasonal activities such as hayrides, 50s Day, or birdwatching outings are also available. Other local senior centers offer classes as well. The Lion’s Den in McAlisterville provides both strenuous and lighter but effective workouts, usually set to lively music. When my schedule is clear, and I can’t swim, ride a bike, or handle another day at the gym, you’ll find me at the Four Seasons Senior Center, holding onto my chair and trying to remember my left from my right. It may be the best $10 I’ve spent this year. ##### More on Staying Fit as You Grow Older [Fun Workouts For Older](https://debrichmond.com/fun-workouts-for-older-adults/ "Fun Workouts For Older Adults")[ Adults](https://debrichmond.com/fun-workouts-for-older-adults/ "Fun Workouts For Older Adults") [The Benefits of an Effective Workout Routine for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/workout-routine-for-older-adults/ "The Benefits of a Workout Routine for Older Adults") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Advice for Caregivers](https://debrichmond.com/advice-for-caregivers/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Practical Advice for Caregivers Supporting Someone with Dementia June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a good time for practical advice for caregivers. If you would like to learn more about Alzheimer's, discover ways to promote brain health, or support Alzheimer's research, check out the latest information from the [Alzheimer's Association](https://www.alz.org/abam). You could also read [*The Wandering Place*](https://www.amazon.com/Wandering-Place-Deb-Richmond/dp/1963272943/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G7GQ543NWO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IWkDDdru5MWsTUQvxDLirKlqMVHTomuI8opM7BSVEEYy7xqyEw5m6VoB-bNbyV_5YMQ2rI_6uNsKYBxkGFYqM-l6nOLAwIPeH5ty5gq6oARc9BNHh_ZLPWsLBGd2jxxtNZ26UMken6XUVt-6bOG6lD1d8oboEXHh3FT4u0RyyX7SEm_vR8KN6l70UgUSGRUkdd8yuegQPPa0lUh7CP942Hv4pNxg68yUa_3fby93h80.2FDuxdpe28FuL9s5u9uX8HY2WN_kzTBlOGlF_btNYz4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+wandering+place&qid=1781634136&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-1), but some parts of the story show you how NOT to work with people living with dementia. But since I have your attention, allow me to share some incredibly wise advice for caregivers from an old friend from my teen years. (She's not old - our friendship is...) Thelma and her family have been walking this path for quite a while. Note: I've edited and revised Thelma's words for clarity and to satisfy us Grammar Freaks. #### Where Do I Belong? From Facebook 3/21/25: Traveling the road of dementia is complex. So many different paths one travels in a short time or over years. Today was an exciting day because we remembered that this is where we live and that the items in the house were hers. You could hear joy in her voice as she remembered, almost as if there were relief in being home. I can't imagine not knowing where I belong most of the time anymore, or who my loved ones are and where they belong in the family. I can tell you this. Even if she doesn’t remember, when the great-grandkids walk through the door, they bring joy to her face and heart. I could go down the wishing trail of what if she could be herself again, sewing dresses for the little girls and making things for them, but today I will be thankful for her knowing that she is in her home, that, for the moment, she knows it is where she belongs. You have to pick out the blessings from each day, no matter how small or big they may be. Things will never be as they once were, but there are still blessings if we look for them. As you travel life’s road, remember to look for the blessings, no matter how big or how small. Keep going, one foot in front of the other, and remember you are never walking this road alone. There is always someone who has gone before you or is coming behind you. If you need encouragement, reach out to someone around you. Chin up, and keep on walking, one foot in front of the other. #### Redirection From Facebook 5/14/25 Some advice for those living with someone with dementia: Warm weather and nice days are upon us, and you need to be aware that loved ones may wander outside given the chance. It is like a toddler who wanders outside. They have no idea of the dangers, where they are going, or how to find their way back home, because most of the time they don’t consider their home the place where they live. Living with dementia can be very frustrating for everyone involved, and sometimes loved ones try to reason with the person, which is like reasoning with a toddler. They may get mean when frustrated and lash out, and that isn’t because they are being vengeful. It is simply them releasing their frustrations the only way they know how. So, please don't try to reason with, argue with, or frustrate them. Try to get their attention focused on something else, which can be difficult because, most of the time, the people they spend the most time with are the ones they don't listen to at all! Dealing with dementia isn't for the faint of heart. It can involve getting phone calls at the most inconvenient times because a loved one has wandered off or is being unreasonable (because they can’t be reasoned with). It is easy to get frustrated with the primary caregiver who is supposed to have common sense between the two, but then you have to remember their age and the fact that they are there 24/7, or at least are supposed to be there 24/7, with the loved one. Nobody can prepare you for dementia, but if you are walking this road with a loved one, please understand you aren’t alone. Reach out to someone who has been on this road and can offer pointers. You will reach the end of the road someday and look back to see that memories were made even as you walked it. #### Finding Purpose From Facebook on 5/16/25 Moving right along down this road, trying to get creative with things to keep dementia hands busy while sitting. It is the same with them as with toddlers. The busier you keep the hands, the less time they have to roam. For one family member, I made a busy lap throw. Last evening, I ordered another one and will make a second, so we can swap them in and out. I ordered a kid’s sewing kit with plastic needles and a realistic doll. I plan to update the laminated photos with the names and how each is related. It is a simple project: just laminate, hole-punch, and put on a ring so they can be flipped for easy viewing. Sometimes it gets to the point where even little things help. Last evening, we introduced our loved one to the family. Asking a loved one to tend a real doll baby for one of the great-granddaughters put such a smile on her face. I went upstairs, got a baby blanket she made for one of the grandkids to wrap Dottie in, and showed her the tag that says she made it. She beamed and said, “Really!” It gave her purpose. The hope is that it will keep her engaged and focused on that rather than other things, like digging treasures out of drawers or wanting to go home. Sometimes you have to meet them where they are to make life easier. If you are at this stage with a loved one, see what might make it easier and keep them entertained for a while. Some dementia patients like stuffed animals, dolls, fidget toys, or picture books. Whatever it is, do what you need to make their life worthwhile and meaningful for them. #### More Advice for Caregivers: [What to say when people ask, "How can I help you?"](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/) [The Challenge of Caring for Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/) [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/) #### More on Alzheimer's Disease [What Is Alzheimer's?](https://debrichmond.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease/ "What Is Alzheimer's?") [Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/characteristics-of-alzheimers-disease/ "Characteristics of Alzheimer's Disease") [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Alzheimer's Risk Reducers") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving --- ### [Grief Support](https://debrichmond.com/grief-support-2/) **Published:** March 18, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Supporting Those In Grief How do you give grief support to family and friends who have recently lost a loved one? Death and dying are a normal part of life. But the impact on the human mind and body when facing extreme loss is far from normal. Studies show that bereavement not only affects sleep, energy, attention span, and social interactions, but being thrown into this strange new unwelcomed world can create immune system dysfunction, heart irregularities, and muscle weakness. (Bereavement et al.) When someone I care about enters this grief journey, I always feel inadequate because I don’t know what to say or how to help. I recall saying some really dumb things on more than one occasion. I’m not certain what I needed to hear when the losses landed on my doorstep. After talking with those who have recently suffered loss and reading Nancy Guthrie's book *What Grieving People Wish You Knew*, I’ve gathered some helpful suggestions for walking alongside friends and family in their most difficult moments. ![grief support](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Man-at-Cemetary.jpg) #### Grief Support: What You Shouldn't Do 1. Say nothing! When I returned to work after the loss of my loved one, no one spoke a word. I get it. What do you say to someone who is grieving? But I wanted to talk. Say something, even if it’s the wrong thing. While some words are more comforting than others, silence is the most hurtful response of all. 2. Compare losses - I’ve experienced some significant losses. But I still can’t fully comprehend the loss my friends feel, given their unique circumstances. 3. Blame it on the divine. I know God is in control. I believe that firmly. But I believe the heart of God breaks when my heart breaks. It’s sometimes possible to look back and see God at work in even the most painful separation. But avoid trying to explain why God allowed it or planned it during the grieving process. Only God truly understands the “why.” 4. Trying to fix it. You can’t. 5. Giving advice on what to do next. It’s too early for that. It’s really tough for me not to say, “You should read this book” or “You should talk to that person.” But my grieving friend may be overwhelmed with survival. He or she is not ready to take life-lesson courses. 6. I have frequently asked, “How are you?” However, there’s no good answer to that question. Ask this further down the road. 7. Dig for details. Allow the grieving person to share when they are ready and willing. We all want to know the specifics of how a loved one died. Maybe knowing will allow us to sidestep that end. Probably knowing won’t help us at all. When I worked through an early loss in my life, I wanted to share the specifics. Each time I shared, it hurt a little less. But for some people, the sharing is another knife wound. Allow the grieving person to choose when and with whom to share how it happened. 8. Talk about yourself. Focus on them. I caught myself doing this not so long ago—when I lost this person, I did this and that, or I felt immobilized for so many months. Someone in emotional pain probably doesn’t want to review your darkest moments. They have enough to work through. 9. Avoid the pain. We feel bad if we say something that brings more tears, but tears are healing. And pain is part of the natural process of moving from the life that was to the life that is. We can’t step over it. We must walk through it. 10. Change incorrect thinking. Sometimes, grieving people make inaccurate statements about the why or what they could have done to prevent death or who is to blame. If you are an intimate family member or friend, you may be able to address these inaccuracies at a later time. ![grief support](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/What-to-do-instead.jpg) #### Grief Support: What To Do Instead 1. The most important thing to do is to let the grieving person know you care. Simple words like “I’m sorry for your loss,” “I care,” and “I’m sorry you have to go through this” are powerful enough. 2. Share memories of the loved one. Most grieving people want to hear stories of the one they lost. Some time after my son died, a friend gave me a thank-you note my eight-year-old son had written to her husband, his Sunday school teacher. What a wonderful reminder of the tender-hearted little guy I so dearly loved. 3. If you didn’t know the deceased person well, ask about them. “Tell me about your husband. Share your favorite memory.” 4. Listen - Allow the grieving person to talk through their healing process. Don’t advise. Just listen. 5. Weep - We often think it is our job to help the grieving person avoid tears. But tears bring healing. Don’t worry if what you say causes more tears. Don’t be afraid to add your own tears to their healing process. Join in the grieving process. Walk with them through the tears. Sometimes, I cry, not for the person who is gone, but for the pain of the one left behind. 6. Send a note or card. Families often get a stack of cards within the first weeks. One of my widowed friends said, “I couldn’t deal with all the cards right away. I didn’t look at them until weeks later.” Send a card or note weeks, months, or even a year after the death. 7. Remember special days - birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, the date of death - these are all hard to face after losing someone. Send a card, flowers, or offer words of comfort on those difficult anniversaries. 8. Leave a prayer or comforting Scripture on voice mail or email. In Guthrie’s book, she shares how each member of a church group sent prayers or scriptures for the first year after another family’s loss. 9. Preserve funeral flowers as a bookmark or paperweight. 10. Turn an item of clothing into something useful. My daughter gave me pillows made from my mother’s favorite jacket and my son’s T-shirt (my son was a casual kind of guy). One lady I know collected the loved one’s dress shirts and jeans, turning them into a beautiful pillow and a quilt. (I was told she had never made a pillow and quilt before and took considerable time to learn how to make them.) 11. Plant a tree in their memory. 12. Donate to a favorite charity. 13. Rather than asking what they need, figure it out and then take action. Think about your own tasks. A grieving person is barely able to care for basic needs. All the extras of daily life can be overwhelming: 14. Pick up dry cleaning or iron clothes, especially those needed for the funeral. 15. Clean the house or dust and vacuum high-traffic areas. 16. Wash the car. 17. Do yardwork. 18. Tend the garden. 19. Write thank-you notes. 20. Decorate or undecorate for a holiday. 21. Go grocery shopping: “I’m stopping at the store. Is there anything you need me to pick up?” 22. Care for pets. 23. Answer the phone and take messages. 24. Make sure they have a supply of toilet paper or paper plates, napkins, and plasticware (for visitors in the coming days). 25. Provide food - Invite them to your house so they don’t have to prepare their home for visitors. There’s an online calendar called Take Them a Meal to help coordinate meal sharing. If you deliver a meal, offer to stay and visit. Take restaurant food or restaurant gift cards, or go out to eat with them. 26. Offer to drive the kids to sporting events and school activities, or just take the kids for a few hours. 27. Help your friend find a nearby grief support organization, such as Hospice, Grief Share, or The Caring Place by Highmark. Attend sessions with them until they feel comfortable attending without you. ### Sources Used: Bereavement, Institute of Medicine (US) Committee for the Study of Health Consequences of the Stress of, et al. “Toward a Biology of Grieving.” *Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov*, National Academies Press (US), 1984, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK217841/. Guthrie, Nancy. *What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)*. Crossway, 2016. ### More on Grieving: [I Want the World to Remember](https://debrichmond.com/i-want-the-world-to-remember/) [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/) [Julie Doherty, Author - Blogs on Grieving](https://www.juliedoherty.com/blog?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-03-11&utm_campaign=The+Grief+Journey) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Grief Support --- ### [Shortages on the Home Front](https://debrichmond.com/shortages-on-the-home-front/) **Published:** November 24, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Sometimes, I enjoy a little complaining. Luckily, it only lasts until I open a book and travel back to another time. It lifts my grumbling heart to remember what life was like for the generations before me, the sacrifices and shortages they faced. I spend a lot of time reading about American life during World War II, and I am grateful to have missed that story-rich yet heartbreaking era when Americans gave so much. ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Its-War.jpg) #### Everything Changed The greatest sacrifice was made by those who faced the true horrors of war on the battlefield. But folks on the homefront faced struggles, too. Sixteen-year-old [Iva Junk](https://debrichmond.com/journey-of-memories/) (now Iva Book - she is turning 100 this week) learned about the bombing of Pearl Harbor while listening to the radio. She and her family didn’t know what to think or expect. Marguerite Kerstetter, 91, recalls her dad being glued to the battery-powered radio during the war years. [Jane Crone, the Snake Lady](https://debrichmond.com/jane-the-snake-lady/ "Jane Crone, the Snake Lady"), had a more dramatic war announcement. “My dad was getting ready to preach at his church in Refton, Pa. Someone was playing the organ, and a guy in a truck came flying in and ran right up to the pulpit, and said something to Dad. Dad said, ‘We all need to kneel and pray. The Japanese just bombed Pearl Harbor.’ I remember that because people screamed, some cried. Everyone got down on their knees.” When I asked my grandfather, the late Jake Wert, what life was like during the war years, he said in his Pennsylvania Dutch, “We had nuttin’ before da war, and we had nuttin’ after, so we didn’t see much differnt.” Most people remember those days differently. ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sugar-Rations.jpg) #### Food Rations Life changed for many Americans when food and gasoline were rationed. Each person received a ration card, which allowed them to buy a specific amount of items. Being unable to buy unlimited sugar must have been difficult for Pennsylvanians who loved their baked goods. Refton, PA resident Jane Crone explained the importance of ration cards. “On the day the war ended, I got in trouble with my mother. She had given me ration stamps to go to Dundoffs to buy some Lebanon bologna, bread, and a quart of milk. I came out of the store just as all the whistles sounded and people started running out of their houses. "I ran home to see what was happening. We had a big black dog back then, and I threw everything on the chair and ran outside. When I went back in, the dog had torn up the bread and bologna. My mom was upset because those items required ration stamps, and now we wouldn’t have them,” she recalled. The Department of Agriculture urged Americans to plant Victory Gardens to help feed their families and communities during times when local markets were limited. By 1943, over 20 million gardens provided about one-third of the food eaten by Americans. Victory gardens appeared not only on family farms and backyards but also in public parks, zoos, and vacant lots. Many of these gardens were abandoned after the war. Aside from those who always relied on a garden, many people grew weary of the work involved. Land in urban areas was needed for the housing boom that followed the post-war baby boom. Two large Victory Gardens still exist today. After the war, developers wanted to claim the Fenway Area for housing, but gardener Richard Parker led a campaign to save the garden. Today, Fenway Victory Garden covers more than seven acres with vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit trees. The Dowling Victory Garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota, also survived attempts to claim the land for development and now spans over three acres of garden plots. ![a woman holding a jar of jars with a caption of course i can; Boston Public Library](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Of-Course-I-Can.jpg) #### Scrap Metal Drives Food wasn’t the only commodity in short supply. War machines needed large amounts of copper, steel, and iron. Japan controlled the tin market, making tin scarce as well. Automobile factories shifted production to tanks, planes, and other military vehicles. Between 1942 and 1945, many consumers couldn’t buy new cars. Most families looked for used vehicles with low mileage. Because of the shortages of newly manufactured items, household appliance stores became repair shops. Scrap metal drives were popular across the U.S. Tin can drives ignited competitions among towns, counties, and states. Some communities melted down Civil War cannons to aid the war effort. Others collected automobile fenders, kitchen pots and pans, used farm equipment, gardening tools, and wrought-iron fences from cemeteries. The common elements in pennies and nickels changed in the early 1940s. The 1943 pennies were made of steel. A copper-silver, manganese alloy replaced the copper in nickels. Silverware was no longer produced for civilians, and canned foods were rationed due to the tin shortage. People struggled to find items like razor blades, thumbtacks, paper clips, pins, needles, zippers, garden tools, and batteries. Children had to give up or donate their metal toys. Some efforts were made to limit the production of women’s makeup and alarm clocks, but these restrictions did not last the entire war. ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tin-collection.jpg) #### No Burning Rubber Ninety percent of the country’s rubber came from Southeast Asia. The U.S. government enforced reduced speed limits to conserve gasoline and reduce tire wear. A nationwide Victory Speed Limit of 35 mph banned joyriding and cruising, which could result in a driver losing their license. Tank production required one ton of rubber per vehicle; battleships needed seventy-five tons. Rubber was also essential for gas masks, truck tires, and bomber planes. Some companies tried to produce synthetic rubber, but the process was costly and time-consuming. Americans had to sell back any extra tires and could keep only four tires plus one spare for their vehicles. During the 1942 rubber drive, Americans donated their hot water bottles, rubber duckies, floor mats, galoshes, garden hoses, old tires, and raincoats. Some businesses paid a penny per pound. That year, 450,000 tons of low-quality rubber were collected. The lumber industry declined as workers left for higher-paying jobs or joined the military. The U.S. government loved paperwork, leading to shortages even of paper products. The military needed paper for letters, packaging, insulating barracks, and, of course, draft cards. School children signed up as Paper Troopers, collecting mounds of paper. Publishers faced a reduced paper supply, so they created paperback books, which are smaller with thinner pages and less white space. ![shortages](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waste-Paper-1944-FDR-Library-MO-20051335104.jpeg) #### A Use For Everything Bacon fat and lard were collected to help produce explosives like nitroglycerine. Fats could be sold to local butchers for a few pennies per pound or extra ration points. Once considered a weed that people pulled and threw away, milkweed was collected by children walking along the roads. Milkweed floss helped make life preservers that could keep a person afloat for forty hours. Women’s stockings were used to make parachutes (lots of women’s stockings!) and gunpowder bags. As I do a quick inventory of my pantry before the next grocery run, I feel deeply grateful for what I have. For my generation, rations and shortages are rare. (Let’s not talk about the 2020 toilet paper disaster. Some people I know are still stockpiling Charmin Ultra Soft.) Each week, I make my grocery list without worry, confident that whatever I need will be available on store shelves or online. I probably won’t go without, like those who lived before me. #### More Stories From the World War 2 Era [Sacrifice and Service on the Home Front](https://debrichmond.com/sacrifice-service-on-the-home-front/ "Sacrifice and Service on the Home Front") [The Christmas Gift Exchange](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-gift-exchange/ "The Christmas Gift Exchange") [Not Much of a School Boy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a School Boy") #### Works Cited American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. “American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.,” 2025. <https://www.americangoldstarmothers.org/>. American Legion. “The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association.” Legion.org, June 26, 2019. <https://www.legion.org/>. Andrews, Evan. “5 Attacks on US Soil during World War II \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, October 23, 2012. <https://www.history.com/articles/5-attacks-on-u-s-soil-during-world-war-ii>. arlingtonhist. “From Barriers to Ballots Exhibit and 15-Minute History Series.” Arlington Historical Society, December 3, 2024. <https://arlhist.org/aircraft-warning-service/>. Book, Iva. Interview, July 11, 2024. Boston Public Library. “A Woman Holding a Jar of Jars with a Caption of Course I Can.” Unsplash.com. Unsplash, March 8, 2024. <https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-holding-a-jar-of-jars-with-a-caption-of-course-i-can-1qJaR1b5JBE>. Cartwright, Mark. “Rationing in Wartime Britain.” World History Encyclopedia, June 21, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2491/rationing-in-wartime-britain/>. Crawford, Dick. Interview, October 20, 2025. Crone, Jane. Interview, August 27, 2024. Disabled American Veterans . “DAV.” DAV, 2019. <https://www.dav.org/>. Editor, Peter Becker Managing. “Local History: Civilian Aircraft Spotters Did Their Duty in WWII.” Tri-County Independent, April 18, 2016. <https://www.tricountyindependent.com/story/opinion/columns/2016/04/18/local-history-civilian-aircraft-spotters/31439841007/>. Facebook.com. “Smithsonian - All Five Sullivan Brothers Died When Japanese...,” 2016. <https://www.facebook.com/Smithsonian/posts/all-five-sullivan-brothers-died-when-japanese-torpedoes-sank-the-uss-juneau-in-1/1098775052283629/>. Families, America’s Gold Star. “America’s Gold Star Families \| Home.” America’s Gold Star Families, n.d. <https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/>. ———. “America’s Gold Star Families \| Programs & Services.” America’s Gold Star Families, n.d. <https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/what-we-do/programs-and-services>. fenwayvictorygardens.org. “The Richard D. Parker Memorial Victory Gardens,” n.d. <https://fenwayvictorygardens.org/>. For, HOPE. “An Honor No One Wants: What Is a Gold Star Family and How Is It Different from a Blue Star Family?” Hope for the Warriors, September 23, 2017. <https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/an-honor-no-one-wants-what-is-a-gold-star-family-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-blue-star-family/>. Helwig, Brady. “The U.S. Synthetic Rubber Program: An Industrial Policy Triumph during World War II - American Affairs Journal.” American Affairs Journal, February 20, 2025. <https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2025/02/the-u-s-synthetic-rubber-program-an-industrial-policy-triumph-during-world-war-ii/>. History.com Editors. “Draft Age Is Lowered to 18 \| November 11, 1942 \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, November 5, 2009. <https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-11/draft-age-is-lowered-to-18>. Kerstetter, Marguerite. Interview, February 27, 2025. Legacies Alive. “Resources for Gold Star Families - Legacies Alive (Support & Services),” August 19, 2020. <https://legaciesalive.com/gold-star-families/resources/>. Loc.gov. “Service on the Home Front,” 2016. <https://loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b49007/>. Loc.gov. “Victory Gardens,” 2017. <https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017696713/resource/>. Lost, America. “Home - Blue Star Families.” Blue Star Families, 2018. <https://bluestarfam.org/>. Milton, John. “Sonnet 19: When I Consider How My Light Is Spent… \| Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, 2019. <https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44750/sonnet-19-when-i-consider-how-my-light-is-spent>. National Military Family Association. “National Military Family Association.” National Military Family Association, 2019. <https://www.militaryfamily.org/>. Ohio.gov. “Robert L. Queisser,” 2020. <https://dvs.ohio.gov/hall-of-fame/honorees/hof-honorees-2010s/Robert-L-Queisser>. Sarah, Sundin. “Make It Do - Metal Shortages in World War II,” March 30, 2022. <https://www.sarahsundin.com/make-it-do-metal-shortages-in-world-war-ii/>. *Save Waste Paper Poster, 1944*. n.d. *Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum: MO 2005.13.35.104*. Springate, Megan. “Material Drives on the World War II Home Front (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, May 16, 2024. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/material-drives-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htm>. ———. “The American Home Front during World War II: Rationing, Recycling, and Victory Gardens (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, n.d. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/homefront-ration-recycle-garden.htm>. ———. “Victory Gardens on the World War II Home Front (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, November 16, 2023. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/victory-gardens-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htm>. Springate, Megan . “Introduction to Life on the World War II Home Front in the Greater United States (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, November 16, 2023. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/introduction-to-life-on-the-home-front-in-the-greater-united-states.htm>. The. “Photo by the Oregon State University Collections and Archives on Unsplash.” Unsplash.com. Unsplash, September 28, 2024. <https://unsplash.com/photos/PLaJLD9RTqk>. The National WWII Museum. “Research Starters: The Draft and World War II.” The National WWII Museum \| New Orleans, n.d. <https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/draft-and-wwii>. The National WWII Museum \| New Orleans. “WWII Veteran Statistics \| the National WWII Museum \| New Orleans,” 2019. <https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/wwii-veteran-statistics>. USO. “United Service Organizations.” United Service Organizations, 2019. <https://www.uso.org/>. Varner, Philip. Interview, May 13, 2025. visitww2.org. “Civilian Defense & Air Raid Wardens - World War II American Experience,” November 23, 2021. <https://visitww2.org/office-of-civilian-defense-air-raid-wardens/>. Whiting, Karen H, and Jocelyn Green. *Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front*. Battlefields & Blessings, 2012. Wounded Warrior Project. “WWP \| Veterans Charity Organization: Nonprofit Help for Wounded Military.” Woundedwarriorproject.org, 2019. <https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/>. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Hilarious Headlines](https://debrichmond.com/hilarious-headlines/) **Published:** February 16, 2026 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ## This is why crime doesn't pay ![hilarious headlines](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Crime-Wave.jpg) **Arson Suspect is Held in Massachusetts Fire** **Man Steals Clock, Faces Time** **Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge** ## Is that what they meant to say? ![headlines](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Storing-bodies-1.jpg) **Include Your Children When Baking Cookies** **Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim** **Eye Drops off Shelf** **Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge** **Senior Center Holds Old Bag Sale** **Ex-Minister Breaks Silence, Says Nothing** **Kids Make Nutritious Snacks** ## Not the safest way to travel... ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lawnchair-Larry-e1770846578997.jpg) **Safety Experts Say School Bus Passengers Should Be Belted** **Two Soviet Ships Collide, One Dies** **China May Be Using Sea to Hide Submarines** **Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft** **Plane Too Close to Ground, Crash Probe Told** ## It ain't rocket science ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Teagbag-mug.jpg) **Federal Agents Raid Gun Shop, Find Weapons** **New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group** **Man Accused of Killing Lawyer Receives New Attorney** **Statistics Show That Teenage Pregnancy Drops Off Significantly After Age 25** ## It's worse than I thought! **Miners Refuse to Work after Death** **Deer Kill 17,000** **Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead** **Students Cook & Serve Grandparents** **Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half** #### More Articles to Make You Laugh [Sayings from Yogi Berra](https://debrichmond.com/sayings-from-yogi-berra/ "Sayings from Yogi Berra") [Confusing Song Lyrics](https://debrichmond.com/confusing-song-lyrics-2/ "Confusing Song Lyrics") [The Struggle to Lose Weight](https://debrichmond.com/struggle-to-lose-weight/ "The Struggle to Lose Weight") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [I want the world to remember](https://debrichmond.com/i-want-the-world-to-remember/) **Published:** September 29, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [![Remembering Ron](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ron-on-a-merry-go-round-e1663634925495-225x300.jpg "Ron on a merry-go-round - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ron-on-a-merry-go-round-e1663634925495.jpg)This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of my son’s death. It doesn’t seem like a year ago. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. The heartbreak of losing a loved one doesn’t fade away after the first year. Most of you know that. I told my daughter I wanted one of those little white memorial stickers for the rear window of my car. She bought me two - one says “Beloved Son,” one is to honor my mother, who died the year before. They’re beautiful. When my husband asked why I put them on the tiny rear window of the new car, I had to ask myself the same question. Why do I need to remind myself of these two gut-wrenching deaths? Was I looking for sympathy from the rest of the world? Do I need to remind the people who know me that I’ve suffered great loss and say, “Oh, you poor thing?” Is that what I was going for? It took several days before I could answer that question for myself. Is my “rolling tombstone,” as Allison Engel of the New York Times calls such decals, a cry for sympathy? I don’t think so. I’m not a fan of sympathy. It ruins my one-tough-cookie image (though turning 60 proved to be a tough-cookie crusher.) Besides, I can’t think of a single person my age who hasn’t suffered great loss, so there’s nothing special in the suffering. The truth is that I didn’t feel the need for a memorial sticker for my mom. Nancy Varner will be remembered for at least 60 years. She left an impression on her community, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She left photo albums of travels and friendships that span the world. She left houses and flowerbeds and recipes that were immortal. Mom left a legacy of laughter, memories, and a long, well-lived life. My son did not. He was gone too soon, without the legacy of written words to share his reflections on life, works of art he created, houses he had built, photos of world travels, or children of his own. He left before realizing his dream to help troubled teens or win the ultimate shooting tournament. He had several close circles of friends, competition buds, and people who remember him as a guy who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He had the silliest laugh and what can only be accurately called a shitty grin. I want the world to remember the little boy who thought "Lamborghini" was a swear word, who moved at the speed of a snail, who loved to tear things apart but hated putting them back together, who begged to plow a driveway so he could drive the big tractor. If you'd ever met my mother, you would not likely forget her. And I won’t allow you to forget my grinning, brutal bear-hugging son. If you do, I’ll pull my little blue car in front of yours and drive slow enough for you to read the sign: In Loving Memory - Ronald D. Guyer - Beloved Son - Always in my Heart. [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/ "Memories of My Mom") [Grief Support](https://debrichmond.com/grief-support-2/ "Grief Support") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Grief Support --- ### [Housing for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/housing-for-older-adults/) **Published:** December 29, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![housing for older adults](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Housing-for-older-adults-photo-300x200.jpeg "Housing for older adults photo - Deb Richmond Author")As our parents grow older, they may need help with daily living tasks like making meals, running errands and shopping, cleaning and laundry, and getting to appointments. The challenge of taking the right meds every day can be a struggle even for those in mid-life. I used to think housing for older adults meant living independently in their homes or going straight to the convalescent home. But in searching for a placement for my in-laws years ago, I found many options between farmhouse and nursing home. I am not an expert in this field, only someone who has searched through the possibilities. As you consider a placement for a parent who needs intervention, be sure to do ample research and visitation. Each facility uses its own terms and provides unique levels of care. The following descriptions of housing for older adults are general guidelines and will vary from place to place. #### Housing for Older Adults: - CCRC - Continuing Care Retirement Community - This is an all-in-one option. Residents can move to different units depending on their care needs. These include independent living apartments or cottages for adults who want independence without yard care and home upkeep. As residents require more help with personal care such as meals and housecleaning, they can move to assisted living areas where daily care is available. When mobility and healthcare concerns become a challenge, residents transition to a nursing home staffed by skilled medical workers. CCRCs tend to be expensive because they offer many options for the retirement to end-of-life journey. - Retirement communities - There is another option besides the cottage or small house located near a retirement/nursing home. Some communities are designed for people aged 55+. These housing developments often offer transportation, landscaping, and central locations for gatherings, meals, recreation, and fitness activities. Residents may rent or own housing units. This kind of living may require a major move as many of these communities are located in Arizona, California, and Florida. - Senior co-housing - This idea is similar to retirement communities but may be less expensive. Residents share housing and utility costs, and the houses are often centered around parks, pools, playgrounds (well, maybe not playgrounds), and gardens. Not every state has senior co-housing for older adults options. - Faith-based senior communities offer housing at various need levels and are supported by church, ministry, or denominational resources and values. - Subsidized senior housing - Some communities offer independent apartments, partially government-funded, that offer assistance with transportation, meals, and shopping, - Board and care homes offer no nursing or medical care. Staff members help with meals & personal care. They tend to be small, privately owned, usually 20 or fewer residents, with private or shared rooms. These are sometimes called residential care facilities or group homes. - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), mother-in-law apartments, or, as my Pennsylvania Dutch relatives called it - Dawdy Haus may be an option. Caring for older parents, for many, is a matter of having extended family living in or near the family home. For example, some families convert a basement, spare room, or garage to a living unit because the older generation can live independently but with visits from family members. This is a great option if the desire is to keep family close by. However, it requires the availability of unused living space and some remodeling for walk-in/sitting showers, handrails, and one-floor maneuvering. - Assisted Living/Personal Care Homes are independent apartments or rooms where residents may find assistance with meals, cleaning, laundry, and medications. These facilities usually include full-time staff and security and usually provide recreation and social events. - Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care and supervision. They may also offer long-term rehabilitation services. #### Support Services: - Adult Day Care - Caring for aging parents in a multi-generational home can be much like living with toddlers. For example, toddlers can play independently but should not be left alone for long periods of time. As older adults reach a place where safety is a concern, many people turn to the services of adult daycare centers. These facilities benefit not only the older adult but the caregiving family members, too. They allow caregivers to continue with full-time jobs while the older parents enjoy socialization, supervision, and appropriate levels of activity. - Senior community centers - Many communities offer activity days that go beyond the stereotypical Bingo sessions. Some centers provide learning opportunities like classes, lectures, and continuing education courses. Some offer physical activity clubs like a walking club or a gardening group. - Adult foster care options include a small number of residents living independently but in close proximity with the support of staff. This lifestyle provides assistance with daily tasks but not round-the-clock care. At present, these facilities are only available in a few states. - In-home care - A Google search will most likely bring up a variety of organizations and services. In my rural area, I was able to find local help for meals (Meals on Wheels), managing medications, how to obtain medical equipment like wheelchairs, hospital beds, and walkers, and professional advisors on caring for older parents. In recent years, though, a shortage of personnel has made these services harder to find. - Home health services - Professionals who visit the home can help with adult care needs, such as therapy, nursing care, socialization, mental health, household chores, nutritional support, and transportation needs. These services vary from place to place. - Respite care - Being a caregiver can be exhausting. At times, the caregiver may need someone to serve as a substitute or stand-in. Professional respite care provides workers who can step in for several hours or several weeks. Before looking into professional respite care, though, call in the family reserves. Are there family, friends, church members, or neighbors who would be willing to care for an older parent for a period of time? #### End-of-Life Care: - Palliative care - For those facing life-limiting conditions, palliative care professionals work to help reduce pain and make the remaining days as comfortable as possible. - Hospice - When the end of life nears, hospice teams provide medical, emotional, and spiritual care for both the dying person and their family. Hospice workers provide helpful information and advice for family members to support in understanding what is happening and what is about to happen. Both palliative and hospice care can take place in any setting, hospital or home. ##### Resources for finding housing for older adults: [Eldercare Locator](https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx "Eldercare Locator") [Montana DPHHS Home and Living Options](https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/homelivingoptions/index "Montana DPHHS Home and Living Options") [Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Area Agency on Aging](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/local-resources/area-agencies-on-aging-.html "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Area Agency on Aging") [Nasda.org](https://www.nadsa.org/for-caregivers/consumers/ "Nasda.org") [A Place For Mom](https://www.aplaceformom.com/ "A Place For Mom") ##### More articles on caring for older people: [What Should You Call Older People?](https://debrichmond.com/bg-block/what-should-i-call-an-old-person/ "What Should You Call Older People?") [Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/ "Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents") [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/ "The Small Rewards of Caregiving") [How Can I Help You Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You Responses") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving --- ### [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** My good friend, guest blogger Sandy Sieber, wrote about the small rewards of caregiving ten years ago when her mother-in-law was 99 years old. Today, Sandy babysits grandchildren, cleans for a family member's business, evaluates homeschool students, writes homeschool curricula, and looks for small rewards in sharing her home with her 99-year-old mother, Iva. #### This is Sandy's story: We’d been ca[![small rewards of caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ruth-Great-granddaughter-Megan-Tomlinson-300x297.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ruth-Great-granddaughter-Megan-Tomlinson.jpg)ring for my mother-in-law for over a year. At first, her mind stayed sharp. She and I even did crossword puzzles together, with me reading the clues and her answering from the knowledge she had gained from years of completing one every day. Unfortunately, a necessary stay in a nursing home seemed to diminish her capabilities. She no longer initiated conversation and only answered “yes” or “no” to our questions. Sometimes, she didn’t even know who we were. Because of all this, we were sad but thankful to be able to bring her to her favorite place to be, her home. My husband pulled up in front of her house, looked at her, and said, “Do you know where you are?” Her face lit up with a smile. We felt rewarded even from this small sign of the mother we had once known. Caring for her from then on became a more difficult chore. She could no longer help us get her in and out of bed. She couldn't do anything except open her mouth and receive the food we offered her. One day, as I sat in an adjoining room to her bedroom, I heard singing. I drew closer without letting her see me. The words were difficult to make out, but as she repeated them over and over, I heard, “We’ll find perfect peace where joys will never cease, there beneath the sunny sky. We’ll go and find a place that’s known to God alone, a spot to call our own.” I wrote them down and looked up the song when I got home, which turned out to be a 1919 song by J. Keirn Brennal and Ernest R. Ball, used in 1985 in the soundtrack of the movie *Out of Africa*. I had never heard Mom sing before. When I told my sister-in-law about the incident, she said she never heard her mother sing. Mom had told her that once someone made fun of her voice, so she never sang in public again, not even in church. Mom sang the same song quite a few times after that, but also Ira Sankey’s *Ninety and Nine*. We loved to hear her sing and found that the person who criticized her was wrong. Mom’s voice at age 99 was beautiful. Small rewards, a face alighted with delight, and a voice unleashed from a cruel comment are the payment for caregiving. The greater reward will come later when we each meet our Savior face to face and hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You can find more of Sandy's stories and Pennsylvania history articles at her webpage: [Pahistorybooks blog](https://pahistorybooks.blogspot.com/ "PaHistoryBooks blog") #### More About Caregiving You can read more about Sandy's mom, Iva, on this page: [A Journey of Memories](https://debrichmond.com/journey-of-memories/ "A Journey of Memories") [The Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/ "The Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents") [How Can I Help You Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You Responses") [Housing for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/housing-for-older-adults/ "Housing for Older Adults") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving, Grief Support --- ### [The Challenge of Caring For Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/) **Published:** December 20, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** There are numerous challenges associated with caring for aging parents in your own home. When my friend and her husband built their home in Central Pennsylvania, high on the hill, they designed living spaces to accommodate their aging parents. Both had grown up with a grandparent living in the home and wanted to provide the same compassionate care for their parents. They built extra bedrooms and wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs. One, then two, then three parents died without needing help in their later years. But when my friend's mother turned 98, a visit to a nursing home was required. My friend shared that when they brought her mother to their house after a week in a nursing home, her eyes sparkled, and she sighed with pleasure. Although my friend was more prepared to be a caregiver than most adults, she still faced many challenges. I spoke with several adult caregivers about the challenges of caring for aging parents. ###### **Isolation** Whether the parents move into your home or you move into theirs, adults living with aging parents can be a lonely endeavor. -Many caregivers retire from a socially active career to stay home and care for older parents. Transitioning from constant socialization within a workplace community to one-on-one conversations can lead to isolation and loneliness. -The behavior of older parents may be vastly different than what family, friends, and neighbors once knew. Visitors may be few if aging parents with Alzheimer's or dementia become mean toward others or no longer recognize their long-time friends. You may need to help visitors understand the change and encourage them to stop by regardless of how welcome they feel. Older adults experience both good and bad days. Help visitors understand that today's visit may not have been a good day, but tomorrow's could be better. -Utilize Zoom, Hangout, or Google Meet to talk and see people face to face. Older adults and caregivers need face-to-face contact to feel recognized and remembered. Because caregivers cannot easily leave home or their parents unattended, person-to-person visits can still occur using the video call technology available on most computers and phones. ###### Sharing Your Space When older parents can navigate the home independently, the caregiver must determine how to use space and resources in the home, when to share, and when to restrict use. Establish areas of the house for the aging parent. Do they need a visitor's area or a TV room? Can you provide tables or workspace for projects like painting or jigsaw puzzles? Does the parent need designated shelves in cabinets or refrigerator space? One friend told me her mother took over the kitchen. Conversations may be needed to establish boundaries and plan shared and separate living areas. ###### Safety Keep medicines in pill cases labeled with the corresponding weekday. Eliminate clutter and remove throw rugs that can cause older people to fall. Many adult caregivers babysit grandchildren. Teach small children to pick up toys and keep objects out of the path of an older adult. Keep a life alert button within reach. Installs handrails on porches, stairs, bathtubs, and showers. Purchase a shower chair. ###### **In-Home Workers - Hired Staff** When hiring workers to come and go in your home, whether for nursing care, respite, daycare, or hospice services, remember that you are inviting people you don't know into your home. If home healthcare workers are a regular part of your arrangement, take precautions to protect your home. -Install cameras in every room that will be accessible to workers. Show the workers where the cameras are located to avoid legal and privacy issues. -Put locks on doors to rooms that are not required for worker use. -Take an inventory of the contents of your home. A walk-through video takes a small amount of time and provides a visual inventory. -Research agencies to be sure they are bonded and licensed. Ask the agency what steps they take in doing background checks on their workers. -Keep a daily journal in a central location. Ask each worker to record relevant medical information, such as the medications administered and the parent's eating and sleeping habits. This will reduce confusion about drugs and help you know the parents' needs. ###### Let go Let go of the perfectly clean house. You have more important things to do. ###### **Recompensation** Before taking on the role of caregiver in your home, discuss the responsibilities needed with a lawyer and family members. Many adults volunteer for the caregiving role without asking for compensation. However, other family members need to understand the extent of this new role and may be willing to compensate the sibling for giving full-time care. I talked to a former caregiver who was given her parents' house in exchange for four years of caregiving. Fair compensation does not mean other family members have no responsibility to help with caregiving. It simply addresses the costs of time, stressful living situations, and daily expenses of caring for the parent. ###### Understand how caregiving will impact you Because caring for an aging parent is similar to caring for a small child, spouses sometimes feel neglected. Often, one spouse must attend places alone that were once done as a couple. For example, if only one partner can attend church, they may feel more like a single person than part of a couple. Sometimes, a partner feels that their spouse cares more about the parent than they do about their husband or wife. Have conversations with partners to help them understand these feelings and find ways to meet needs that get lost in the busyness of caregiving. After living with an aging parent for an extended period, an adult caregiver may find it challenging to leave the house. After the season of caregiving has passed, it can be a challenge, even for formerly social individuals, to return to social settings. This may require forcing yourself to re-enter the world. One caregiver shared her struggles to overcome childhood anger issues when her parent moved into the home. Many of the struggles, such as giving critical advice that was part of her childhood, resumed when her parent moved in. Adult caregivers may need to seek counsel on overcoming the frustrations of living with an imperfect parent. #### Other Articles on Caregiving [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/ "The Small Rewards of Caregiving") [How Can I Help You Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You Responses") [Housing for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/housing-for-older-adults/ "Housing for Older Adults") [How Can I Help You? Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You? Responses") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving --- ### ["How Can I Help You?" Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/) **Published:** December 20, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** People frequently say, "What can I do for you?" or "How can I help you?" People rarely know how to answer that question. If you are an adult caregiver, keep a list of needs that friends, family, and neighbors can help with. Here are a few suggestions: -One hour of your time. Ask for an hour when you can sit out in your yard or run to the store. Ask for two hours to go to the salon. Ask for three hours to visit a friend outside the home. -Visit the parent. Hold the hand of the older person. Watch their favorite television show or movie. Sing songs with them. Help them do a jigsaw puzzle. Read a short story, magazine article, or joke book with them. Look through photo albums. Sit on the front or back porch and talk to the neighbor's cows across the fence. Identify bird calls. Play cards. Color pictures. -Buy supplies - Running to the store can be a challenge when giving full-time care to a parent. Make a simple grocery list. Text photos of items that may be harder to remember, like specific brand products. -Someone to talk to. Ask people to give you some listening time so you can process events in your life. As an adult caregiver, you cannot do everything without the help of many workers, family, and friends. I've noticed that many people find great joy in doing something meaningful for others. Help people to find joy and delight in being your hands and feet. Take them up on the offer when they ask, "How can I help you?" #### More About Caregiving [Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/ "Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents") [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/ "The Small Rewards of Caregiving") [How Can I Help You Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You Responses") [Housing for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/housing-for-older-adults/ "Housing for Older Adults") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving --- ### [What should I call an older person?](https://debrichmond.com/what-should-i-call-an-older-person/) **Published:** February 24, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** I'm never sure what to call an older person. Language can be complicated. Words that seemed appropriate when I was young are now considered politically incorrect. Word meanings change, and, like it or not, we sometimes need to purge our vocabulary to reflect those changes. Denotation is the dictionary definition of a world. If you look up **elderly** in a dictionary, you may find these descriptions *-old or aging* (<https://languages.oup.com/dictionaries/> Oxford Languages) *-rather old; being past middle age* ([www.merriam-webster.com](https://www.merriam-webster.com) Merriam-Webster) *-used as a polite way of saying someone is old or becoming old* ([www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary](http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary) Longman’s Online Dictionary) *-of or relating to persons in later life* ([dictionary.com](http://dictionary.com)) This is not so bad. I can handle being referred to as *a person in later life* now that I have three score under my belt. But hold on. Dictionary definitions, or denotative meanings, do not always convey accuracy. The word **elderly** carries a nasty little connotation that is offensive and creates a mental image of a small, thin woman tottering along the street holding a crooked cane about to be bowled over by the winter wind. Connotation reflects the feelings a word creates, and that changes with time. (Why is it our word meanings are changing faster every day? When did *fat*, *wicked*, and *dope* become good things?) So **elderly** is now **elderly**. The same is true for the word **aged**. No one wants to be considered **aged**. It even grinds against the ears to hear it spoken aloud. In fact, these words are now considered a form of ageism. Much like sexism and racism, ageism refers to age-related stereotyping or discrimination. As much as I rebel against the tendency of our culture to hijack perfectly good words, **aged** and **elderly** fail to show honor and respect due the generations of people who have survived disco and the 60s, for pity's sake. Another term that was useful for a time but is fading into the pages of history is the word **senior**. Many organizations and businesses still use the term **senior adults** and senior living. These terms don’t seem quite as harsh, but when changed to senior citizen or describing senior moments, the implication is that of a mind ascramble with glitches. Not a pretty picture. The current appropriate term for my cronies/fogeys/ grannies/ peers and me is **older adults** or **older persons**. The phrases are accurate and untainted - for the moment. This may change tomorrow. I wish I could say I will always remember to use the correct terms in my writing and speech, but I know me; I have too many older person moments. Additional articles on this topic: Vitality Living - [Vitality Living: Terminology of Senior Living](https://www.vitalityseniorliving.com/resources_for_senior/senior-vs-older-adult-terminology-of-senior-living/ "Vitality Living: Terminology of Senior Living") [Dictionary.com](http://Dictionary.com) [Dictionary.com: Aging Terms](https://www.dictionary.com/e/ageism-terms "Dictionary.com: Aging Terms") Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy: [October/December 2011 - Volume 34 - Issue 4 - p 153-154](https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/toc/2011/10000) https://[Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy: Use of the Term "Elderly"](http://journals.lww.com/jgpt/fulltext/2011/10000/use_of_the_term__elderly_.1.aspx "Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy: Use of the Term "Elderly"") #### More on Caring for Older People [The Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents](https://debrichmond.com/caring-for-aging-parents/ "The Challenges of Caring for Aging Parents") [The Small Rewards of Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/small-rewards/ "The Small Rewards of Caregiving") [How Can I Help You Responses](https://debrichmond.com/how-can-i-help-you/ "How Can I Help You Responses") [Housing for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/housing-for-older-adults/ "Housing for Older Adults") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving, Growing Older --- ### [Are Writers Obsolete? The Challenges of AI](https://debrichmond.com/challenges-of-ai/) **Published:** May 8, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [![challenges of AI](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Authors-using-AI-300x252.jpg "Author's using AI - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Authors-using-AI.jpg)As an aspiring writer—or rather, a writer who still needs a non-writing source of income—I feel a bit threatened by this new technology, called AI (artificial intelligence). It started when I began receiving spam emails claiming to allow an AI program to write all my newsletters. How does a writer face the challenges of AI? Next, I noticed my editing app, which I frequently use to check for grammar errors and refine fogging writing, now offers an AI option that will do the writing for me. All I need to do is type my topic and tone, and the app writes the paragraph all by itself. So if my computer can do the work of writing my newsletters, will I have more free time to play my favorite computer games or work in my garden? The possibility is enticing, but is it wise to hand over this opportunity to connect with readers to a machine, albeit a smart one? Can this device write my next best-selling novel? (Oh yeah, I haven’t finished the first best-seller yet, have I?) ##### What Can AI Do? I decided to test this tool by asking the app to write a story about watermelons. It did exactly as I asked, but the story put me to sleep. Here’s a snippet: AI Author - There's nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. It was the perfect treat to cool us down and refresh us after a long day of work on the farm. We would eat it plain, in salads, or even use it as a base for delicious smoothies. Next, I asked the app to write a book report on “Where the Red Fern Grows.” Not only did the app write an A+ essay, but I think one of my students already tried to submit this exact report! Teachers also face the challenges of AI in the classroom. AI Author - Where the Red Fern Grows is a touching and heart-warming novel that tells the story of a young boy named Billy who dreams of owning two hunting dogs. Just to show how efficiently I am being replaced by something that gets its energy from the wall, here is a sample of AI newsletter writing. I asked the computer to write an article about the importance of exercise for older people (That would be me, not you, dear reader…). Here are two versions: AI Author - As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to take care of our bodies. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through regular exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for overall health and well-being. I then tweaked the requirements to create this inspirational version: AI Author - Taking care of our bodies is vital as we age. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. Therefore, if you're an older adult, consider incorporating exercise into your routine. Your body and mind will be grateful for it! I left out quite a few sentences, but they didn’t say all that much. ##### Is This Good Writing? So how does AI writing stack up in the writing world? I put one of the AI-generated articles through the evaluations of the very editing app that created it. Here’s what the app had to say about its writing: -Suggest correcting 8 mistakes - Consider rephrasing. Your sentence is unclear and hard to follow. -Choose a better word; this one is overused. -Correct spelling. -It appears you have improperly punctuated this sentence. -Engagement - A bit bland! -Plagiarism - 24% copied from other published sources. I’m still needed in this industry after all! Don’t worry - I’m not going to move aside just yet and allow the machine to create my newsletters or novels. Though I might allow it to write a letter to the parent who keeps asking what her non-working, anti-participating student can do to pass sixth grade. I could have saved myself several hours this week. This tool wrote a five-paragraph letter to the parent without saying much of anything. AI Author - From my observations, I have noticed that your child has been struggling with some of the fundamental concepts, particularly when it comes to problem-solving and critical thinking. ##### Some things Even AI Won't touch! Out of curiosity, I wondered what the AI writer would do with the topic of hemorrhoids. Holy mackerel! This thing is smarter than I thought. Take a look: AI Author - I’m sorry, but I cannot generate text related to hemorrhoids as it may be considered inappropriate or uncomfortable for some users. Let’s make a game of this one. Choose a topic you’d like to see written by artificial intelligence. Send me your topic, or try the app on your own. (I found 18 apps by googling “Free AI Writing Apps.”) If I get enough feedback, I’ll share the best ones in a future newsletter. Rats! I spent the whole evening playing with AI and didn’t get any work done on the book. Maybe I am obsolete. So, one of the challenges of AI is figuring out how to walk away before wasting too much time on the little tool. That may not be easy. #### Books Written Without AI: [A Debut Novel - The Wandering Place](https://debrichmond.com/a-debut-novel-the-wandering-place/ "A Debut Novel - The Wandering Place") [Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-tree-poems/ "Christmas Tree Poems") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author Updates --- ### [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/) **Published:** July 10, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![risk reducers](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Risk-Reducers-300x216.jpg "Risk Reducers - Deb Richmond Author") Anyone who has seen the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease will be motivated to keep an eye on risk factors. Having risk factors does not mean you will get Alzheimer’s Disease, but having those factors can increase the chances of dealing with dementia in later life. There are many Alzheimer's risk reducers that can be controlled. Let’s face it: You're not going to change all the risk factors in your life at once. So, you may want to tackle one section or even one paragraph in this article at a time. Making little but lasting changes tends to make us healthier anyway. ### **Risk Factors you can’t control** Aging and genetics are among the most significant risk factors. Other factors that cannot be controlled are being a woman, air pollution, and brain trauma. There's not much we can do about those. Other [risk factors](https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-can-i-reduce-risk-dementia/risk-factors-dementia "risk factors"), though, can be reduced through lifestyle changes. These include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, depression, excessive alcohol use, chronic inflammation, lack of exercise, poor diet, social isolation, hearing loss (which creates social isolation), and lack of cognitive engagement. ### **Alzheimer's Risk Reducers #1 - Diet** While we can’t control our age (or sometimes even act our age!) or the makeup of our DNA genetic strands, many factors in being at risk for Alzheimer’s are related to lifestyle. Everyone knows we need to eat healthier, but the latest research puts some “meat on the bones”—so to speak—of the argument for better food choices. I’ve included links to reliable sources if you read further on these topics. #### Reduce the Sugar Nearly all research shows a reduction in sugar intake lowers the risks of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. You have to watch out for sugar. The natural kind appears in pasta, bread, potatoes, and many fruits. Artificial sweeteners are still in the “Is it good or bad?” clinical research category. Before using artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, do some research to determine the benefits and drawbacks of using those sugar substitutes. #### Healthy Diets High-fat diets (especially those with [high trans-fat and saturated fats](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/trans-fat/art-20046114 "high trans-fat and saturated fats")) contribute to insulin resistance. They inhibit the process's normal functioning, causing a synaptic breakdown in the brain and inflammation throughout the body. Eliminating or [cutting back on these foods](https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-saturated-fat "cutting back on these foods") can reduce joint pain and inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease depression. Don’t shoot the messenger, but these are foods you should probably give only to your meanest neighbors - butter, baked goods, red meat, whole milk, heavy creams, most fried foods, and ice cream. I weep even as I write this. #### Vitamins & Supplements You may be thinking, are there pills that can work as Alzheimer's risk reducers? A few [dietary supplements](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-dietary-supplements-for-cognitive-function-dementia-and-alzheimers-disease "dietary supplements") have shown positive results in clinical studies on fighting insulin resistance and reducing the risks of dementia. Omega 3 fatty acids/fish oils are arriving with mixed findings in the fight against diseases. However, most cultures with a longer life span, such as Asian and Mediterranean regions, eat lots of fish. It’s hard to argue with their [numbers](https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/mediterranean-diet "numbers"). Studies of increased doses of Vitamin E have provided positive results for laboratory rodents. Scientists are still looking for positive results for humans—rats! Curcumin and turmeric lower inflammation, a risk factor for healthy brain function. B Vitamins are also shown to reduce the incidence of dementia. Ginkgo biloba was once thought to slow cognitive decline. However, extensive group studies of several thousand people found no impact. Instead, spend your money on fish oils. It’s a lot to take in. Don’t throw out all your dairy, butter, or the side of beef in your deep freeze just yet. But consider changing one thing at a time—work to weed out the unhealthy sugar substitutes in your diet. Take smaller portions of the foods that work against good health. ### **Alzheimer's Risk Reducers #2 - Lifestyle choices** There are more ways to reduce the risks of mental decline as we get older. #### Reduce Stress According to the experts, we need to manage stress. Who are they kidding? To effectively manage stress and reduce its presence in life, we need to lock ourselves in a closet with a lifetime supply of chocolate. Stress happens. Stress will not go away even after we retire, move away from difficult people, or win the battles for better health. The best we can do is manage our responses to stress. Everyone has a different way of coping with the stresses of life - hiding, distracting, focusing, avoiding, or comforting. #### Sleep Ten years ago, scientists discovered a [fantastic brain fluid system](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/new-brain-cleaning-system-discovered "fantastic brain fluid system") that clears clutter away. This system is called the glymphatic system and works most efficiently while we sleep. Part of the debris that gets removed includes the beta-amyloid proteins that build up to create barriers in our mental abilities, the building blocks of Alzheimer’s Disease. Regular, restful sleep, unless done while driving or having a meaningful conversation with your spouse, can reduce stress and clear your brain of obstacles to good memory functioning. #### Exercise Everyone knows that a healthy heart and arteries keep blood flowing to and from the brain. It only makes sense. Lowering cholesterol and blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medications will keep the heart and brain functioning better as we age. Researchers and doctors recommend 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise five days a week. If that’s too much, try to exercise in fifteen-minute sessions twice daily. Moderate exercise means you can talk while working out but not sing along to your favorite workout songs. (The people at my gym are thankful for this.) Researchers are working to determine the [best kinds of exercise for reducing mental decline](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia/physical-activity#:~:text=Combining%20the%20results%20of%2011,reduced%20by%2045%20per%20cent "best kinds of exercise for reducing mental decline"). At present, walking seems to be the best exercise for most older people, and it often comes with incredible scenery. #### Cognitive Engagement Congratulations —if you’ve read this far, you’re using your brain to build a complex system of neural connectors. The more information connections you make, the more interactions you have with words, facts, or memories, the more likely you will be able to keep them later in life. Our brains create pathways via different routes, so if one roadway is blocked, we have access through another route. Learning the same information in multiple ways can prevent losing that information years down the road. #### Internet Use Some of the Alzheimer's risk reducers may be surprising. Believe it or not—and I hate to say this in the presence of teenagers—spending time on the [Internet reduces risk factors for dementia](https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18394 "Internet reduces risk factors for dementia") by about half! Internet use includes social interaction, and it helps the brain focus attention in many places at once. This may cause us to be scattered and time-wasters, but it does create stronger neural connections in the brain. #### ![risk reducers](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Play-an-instrument-e1754610514529-300x193.jpg "Play an instrument - Deb Richmond Author") #### Play an Instrument Research shows that [musicians are less likely to suffer from dementia](https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/alz.049684 "musicians are less likely to suffer from dementia") and Alzheimer's as they age. Learning to play or have played an instrument in younger years has helped build cognitive skills that carry through as the brain ages. So pick up those drumsticks (not the poultry kind), or better yet, play the piano. #### You Just Keep Thinkin! If you'd rather not become a web surfer or take violin lessons, many brainy activities work as [dementia risk reducers](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/reduce-your-risk-of-dementia "dementia risk reducers"). Pick up a crossword puzzle book or sudoku, assemble a jigsaw puzzle, or play a strategy-based computer or card game. Some websites like [Lumosity](https://www.lumosity.com/en/ "Lumosity") offer daily brain-strengthening activities and track your progress. Socialize with friends. Take a different route when driving. Identify 25 kinds of native birds. Learn a new hobby. Read a book! Write a book. Read a lengthy article. Highlight information in an article about [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/prevention "Alzheimer's Risk Reducers"), send it out to eight friends, and then have conversations about the article. All of these brain activities are part of developing your cognitive reserve, the ability of the brain to work effectively and solve problems. [Cognitive reserve](https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cognitive-reserve#:~:text=You%20can%20think%20of%20cognitive,problems%20and%20cope%20with%20challenges. "Cognitive reserve") is what allows your brain to fight off the effects of life's stresses and the attacks of mental deterioration. So, go back and reread this article. Take the time to look up the articles in the attached links. Hey, I'm trying to keep your mind sharp and active. #### Other Articles from this Author [Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/characteristics-of-alzheimers-disease/ "Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease") [Auguste and Alois: The Alzheimer's Story](https://debrichmond.com/auguste-and-alois-the-alzheimers-story/ "Auguste and Alois: The Alzheimer's Story") [What Is Alzheimer's?](https://debrichmond.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease/ "What Is Alzheimer's?") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Alzheimer's Disease, Author's Picks --- ### [Jane, the Snake Lady, part 2](https://debrichmond.com/jane-the-snake-lady/) **Published:** September 17, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Becoming the Snake Lady Like most young mothers, Jane didn’t like snakes. As a child, she was terrified of them. “I was scared out of my mind of snakes. Everything was a copperhead, and I was gonna die. That's the way I felt.” One day in August 1968, Jane’s children found a 9-inch-long snake in the basement of the Mechanicsburg, PA home and ran yelling to their mother. Jane thought she would find a large snake in her house and wondered how to handle it. Instead, she discovered a small black snake, a racer, curled up in a frightened position. Jane sent the kids to get a shovel because she didn’t want to touch the snake. Jane placed the shovel under the snake’s body and put him into a potato chip can. [ ![Elmer](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Elmer.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Elmer.jpg) #### The Serpentarium When Elmer arrived home, Jane handed the little creature to her husband and said, “Here is your anniversary gift.” Jane expected him to open the box and release the snake into the wild. Instead, the little visitor became a permanent resident and was given the name Speedy. The small black snake was just the first to live with the Crones. Within a few months, five other snakes were given to the family. At one point, there were sixty snakes in the house, including copperheads, reticulated pythons, and boa constrictors with names like Slicker, Bandit, and Flame. The walls of the living room and dining room were lined with homemade cages to hold the reptiles, and the family’s menagerie was called Eagle’s Nest Serpentarium. The family kept a journal that scientifically recorded information on each snake, including what they ate and when. People often visited to watch baby snakes being born. Jane would teach her visitors everything she knew about snakes. [ ![the snake lady](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Michele-with-Snake.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Michele-with-Snake.jpg) #### Snakes Are Not Nasty At one point, Jane wrote a handwritten children’s book called “Oh, For Heaven’s Snakes” that shared much of what she had learned from reading, research, and living with a house full of snakes. Jane says, “Snakes are not nasty unless they are in danger.” Many people think snakes are slimy because of their smooth and shiny skin. [Snake skin](https://www.sdnhm.org/science/herpetology/resources/faqs-on-reptiles-and-amphibians/#:~:text=Snakes%20are%20not%20slimy.,is%20not%20true%20of%20snakes "San Diego Natural History Museum"), while producing light oils to help the snake crawl, is made of the same dry material, keratin, as human fingernails. Jane’s five children and foster children had no trouble living in a house full of snakes. “My children were all involved with it.” When the younger babies were born, Jane would sit in a recliner, rock, hold, and feed her child with a snake around her neck. People would say, “You’re nuts having a snake that close to your baby.” But the children loved the snakes. They bragged to their friends about the family pets. Many children visited the house, and Jane taught them to understand and love the creatures. Jane told a Patriot News Reporter (August 19, 1979), "Snakes are like children and every human being. They thrive on affection. When you treat them with kindness, you couldn't ask for a better pet." Jane tried to teach people that snakes are not dangerous as long as they do not sense any threat. “It’s the same as if you were sitting here talking to me, and you don’t feel uncomfortable at all. But if I were to put you in a situation where there were people who made you uncomfortable, your behavior would be a lot different, right? Everybody's that way. Even snakes.” > *“You can't help some of that stuff.* > > *I didn't do it on purpose.”* > > -Jane Crone #### Snakes Alive! Life with snakes wasn’t always peaceful. “A lot of accidents happened.” Usually, the Crone house snakes ate mice, goldfish, steak, and worms. One day, the family got a box with about fifty chameleons—snake food. The chameleons escaped and were all over the house. The kids and their mother worked together to catch the creatures and put them back in the box. “It was crazy at our house.” Once, Jane was driving with a couple of black snakes in her car when some of them escaped their cage. Jane realized she could cause a highway accident if drivers looked over and saw a snake crawling across the car window. She pulled over and gathered the escapees back into their containers. Jane once had a small Indian python named Chandi. He was so tiny that she would put him on her hand like a bracelet, and sometimes forget she was “wearing” him when she went out in public. When Jane stopped to talk to a woman at the store, the woman looked down and saw Chandi on Jane’s wrist. “Oh, oh, they moved!” Jane calmly replied, “Oh, that’s my snake.” Jane thought she had caused the woman to have a heart attack. By the end of the conversation, the woman was holding the snake. "My advice now is to tell people that if you step on a branch in the woods and it swings up and hits you in the leg, you’re likely to have a heart attack if you think it’s a snake. And that can kill you faster than a snake bite." #### Bitten! The snakes never bit Jane or the children, but they did bite Elmer. Most people called him Sonny, but his motorcycle friends called him Brother Snakes. One day, Elmer was getting ready for a Hershey TV show. Cameramen were taking pictures of the copperheads outside the Crone’s house. One of the snakes went to the bathroom before curling up in the corner of the cage to sleep. Elmer wanted a clean cage for the photo shoot, so he was gently cleaning the cage when he bumped it and startled the sleeping snake. Like most creatures jarred from sleep, the creature lashed out and bit Elmer. Jane’s husband was rushed to the emergency room, where a nurse asked, “What kind of snake bit you?” Jane said, “A copperhead.” “How do you know it was a copperhead?” Jane replied, “It was in my living room.” The nurse was somewhat shaken and ran down the hall to fetch the doctor. When he looked at the ice-packed wound, the doctor told the nurse, “You’d better get the book.” He told the Crones he had never treated a poisonous snake bite before. Jane was thinking, *You’re in Pennsylvania—snake country. And you don’t know how to treat a snake bite. You know, that's funny.* The doctor pulled a book from his shelves to find the proper way to handle this emergency. Jane says the only real danger to her husband was when the nurse entered the room with a tray holding the antivenom serum used to treat his wound. When her husband saw the needle, Elmer’s blood pressure went through the roof. #### No Longer the Snake Lady When Jane and her husband divorced years later, Elmer took the snakes to live with him and his new girlfriend. However, the girlfriend’s house was full of birds, and the birds and snakes didn’t get along. Jane never learned what happened to the snakes. Even Jane’s birthday boas, Happy and Surprise, were gone. In her grief and anger, Jane burned her handwritten snake lore book, something she still regrets today. #### More Stories about the Snake Lady: [Stories from Jane, the Snake Lady](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-jane-the-snake-lady-part-1/ "Stories from Jane, the Snake Lady") [Jane Crone: The Snake Teacher](https://debrichmond.com/jane-crone-the-snake-teacher/ "Jane Crone: The Snake Teacher") #### More Amazing People Stories [Schlegel's Grocery and Hardware](https://debrichmond.com/schlegels-grocery-hardware-store/ "Schlegel's Grocery and Hardware") [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/ "Memories of My Mom") [House of the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House of the Highway") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Jane Crone: The Snake Teacher](https://debrichmond.com/jane-crone-the-snake-teacher/) **Published:** September 26, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Not everyone is qualified to be called The Snake Teacher. After the tiny [black snake Speedy](https://debrichmond.com/jane-the-snake-lady/) joined the Crone household in Mechanicsburg, PA, in 1969, Elmer and Jane, along with their five children, started taking in more snakes, often brought to them by friends and neighbors. By the early 1970s, their home housed between 20 and 40 snakes. Jane learned to understand her creatures and says it became her mission to teach people that snakes have a special purpose in our world. [ ![the snake teacher](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925H-Jane-with-a-boa.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925H-Jane-with-a-boa.jpg) #### The Snake Teacher Jane, the snake teacher, took her snake lessons on the road. She enjoyed talking to children and teaching them to respect snakes. She brought her snakes into the classroom and let students hold them. Jane never frightened children or told them to go home and get a snake. She loved teaching elementary school kids because they were eager to learn as much as they could about these creatures. “To me, snakes weren’t a terrible thing. They were important.” Jane would say, “For the next hour and a half, I want you to be a snake. If you were outside and someone came with a gun or threatened you, and you were that snake, what would you do?” Students would respond with “I’d run” or “I’d bite.” Every student had their own idea. Then Jane would explain: Everything that’s put on Earth is here for a reason, and snakes are put here for a reason. [ ![925F Jane at Dupont](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925F-Jane-at-Dupont-scaled.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925F-Jane-at-Dupont-scaled.jpg) #### Learning About Snakes The snake teacher explained to her audiences that snakes coil up and prepare to strike when they are scared, but if left alone, they usually go away. She taught students to touch a snake with the back of the hand. “The front of your hand sweats, and that makes the snake think you’re slimy,” Jane says. "A snake’s skin feels like a baby’s bottom, and the skin on a boa constrictor is as smooth as silk." Some adults asked Jane, “What good are snakes anyway?” Jane explains that snakes are not only here for a reason, but they are also helpful to people in many ways. Snakes help control rodent populations, particularly rats and mice. These rodents are known to carry zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans. A single timber rattlesnake can eliminate between 2,000 and 5,000 Lyme disease-carrying ticks each year. It achieves this by consuming the rodents that carry these ticks. Snakes play a crucial role in the food chain. They both eat smaller creatures and serve as prey for birds and larger animals, like foxes. Some venomous snakes produce a type of protein that can be used to prevent the spread of cancer and inhibit tumor growth. Copperhead venom contributes to ingredients in a powerful, non-addictive pain reliever. Some enzymes in venom are used in medicines that treat heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. They also aid in blood clotting and help slow bleeding after surgeries. [ ![925G Jane in the Classroom2](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925G-Jane-in-the-Classroom2.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925G-Jane-in-the-Classroom2.jpg) #### I Don't Mess With Snakes Most teachers and administrators loved Jane’s lessons because the kids were so enraptured, and Jane and her husband never charged a fee for doing presentations. Not everyone was excited by the school visits. Once, Jane gave a school assembly in Edison, New Jersey. The principal told her that his student population was a challenging group. He said, “After about half an hour, the assembly usually gets canceled and we send them back to their classrooms because they make too much noise, act up, and throw things.” Jane draped her largest python around her neck and stepped out from behind the curtain, holding a walking mic. Twenty minutes into the assembly, the chatter began to grow. Jane went silent and waited. Finally, she said in a soft voice, “If you settle down and get quiet, I’ll tell you something your parents don’t know anything about.” You could hear a pin drop as Jane explained how snakes reproduce. Jane used her understanding of children to motivate students to learn. At another school, Mrs. Crone was teaching in a classroom. The teacher required each student to hold or touch Jane’s snakes. But when Jane presented the reptile to the teacher and said, “Now, it’s your turn,” the teacher refused. She said, “I don’t mess with snakes.” Jane asked the teacher to step into the hallway. She said, “I’m a little shocked. You made the kids touch the snake, and you won’t do it. You owe it to your children to go back into that room and touch the snake.” She talked openly with the teacher about racial prejudice and how people sometimes judge and call names based solely on skin color. She reminded the teacher that people treat snakes the same way. Finally, the teacher agreed to return to the classroom and touch the snake. The kids cheered. She admitted that she was terrified but said, “It feels fine.” Jane and the teacher remained friends for some time after that. [ ![925C Jane with Boy Scouts](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925C-Jane-with-Boy-Scouts-scaled.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/925C-Jane-with-Boy-Scouts-scaled.jpg) #### Snakes Everywhere! Jane says, “It’s sad to go through a lifetime scared of something because you don’t understand it.” The Crones spent many years working to help people better understand snakes. They shared their snake family at over 40 school assemblies within a single year. Jane presented at places like the 1973 Lower Swatara Carnival, Cub Scout meetings, and the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show in Scranton. She delivered nine talks on snakes at the Delaware DuPont Design Safety Convention that focused on camping. Jane appeared on Romper Room and brought her reptilian friends along to open the new pet department at Montgomery Wards in Carlisle and to raise funds for school PTA groups. In the early 70s, Jane told a newspaper reporter that her boa constrictor, Happy, was handled by 90,000 people during various shows. Over time, the snake teacher's expertise allowed her to become a snake doctor for Docktor’s Pet Stores, circuses, and the Hershey Zoo. At the Dupont Show, a boy was so scared that he wouldn’t go into the room with the snakes. During breaks, Jane talked with the boy and explained how snakes react to people. After three days, the boy finally entered the room and held the snakes. Before overcoming his fear of snakes, the young scout was afraid to go on camping trips with his troop. Jane helped the boy get past a crippling fear. Several years ago, at a community pig roast, a huge man called out, “It’s the snake lady!” He hugged Jane and said that as a child, he attended every show he could. Jane loves hearing from people who remember her as the Snake Lady. Jane hasn’t had snakes in her home since 1986, but she still teaches anyone willing to listen. Last July, Jane, with help from her home health care friend Leann, gave a presentation using her photos and books to a room full of older adults at a senior center. My friend Patty and I visited Jane one day when Patty told me how Jane had helped her when she faced a large black snake in her yard. Jane said, “Get a shovel and slide the snake onto it. Put the snake in the woods. It won’t come back again.” I’ve learned to tolerate, if not become friends with, the little black snake that crawls around my flower beds. I’d rather have the snake than the mice. I’m not sure I’ll ever become a friend to snakes like my friend Jane, but the next time I see one of these creatures, I'll face it with a new perspective. More stories about Jane: [Stories from Jane, the Snake Lady](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-jane-the-snake-lady-part-1/ "Stories from Jane, the Snake Lady") [Jane, the Snake Lady, part 2](https://debrichmond.com/jane-the-snake-lady/ "Jane, the Snake Lady, part 2") #### Snake Sources: [Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory: Why You Should Care About Snakes](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wel/why-you-should-care-about-snakes/#:~:text=Reason%20No.,also%20eat%20snakes%2C%20sometimes%20exclusively "Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory: Why You Should Care About Snakes") [Natural Resources Program, 78th Civil Engineering Group: Snakes play a vital role in ecosystem, humans' health](https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3426025/snakes-play-vital-role-in-ecosystems-humans-health/#:~:text=The%20timber%20rattlesnake%20reduces%20tick,%2C%20amphibians%2C%20and%20other%20reptiles "Natural Resources Program, 78th Civil Engineering Group: Snakes play a vital role in ecosystem, humans' health") [Zoo Atlanta: Why Should You Care About Venom?](https://zooatlanta.org/why-should-you-care-about-venom/#:~:text=There%20is%20so%20much%20potential,for%20over%2030%20years%20now? "Zoo Atlanta: Why Should You Care About Venom?") [News: Medial Life Sciences: The Medical Uses of Venom](https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Medical-Uses-of-Venom.aspx#:~:text=Snake%20venoms%20have%20been%20used,of%20many%20compounds%20in%20venom "News: Medial Life Sciences: The Medical Uses of Venom") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Service and Sacrifice on the Home Front](https://debrichmond.com/sacrifice-service-on-the-home-front/) **Published:** November 10, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** People in the generations that came before me endured financial disaster and poverty, threats to national security, and lost family members during World War 2, yet they responded with great service and sacrifice to their country. [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/I-Want-You.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/I-Want-You.jpg) #### The Call to Fight The Selective Training and Service Act, enacted on September 16, 1940, required all men aged 21 to 45 to register for the draft. Men were chosen for service by lottery. Two years later, the age was lowered to 18. By the end of the war, 34 million men had registered, with roughly one-third of them joining the military. I don’t know how my dad knows this story. He would have been five months old when Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor. Maybe the draft notice came much later. My grandfather, Amos, sat at the kitchen table crying. “How can I go fight?” He was holding a draft letter that told him to sell his farm equipment and prepare to join the military. He couldn’t sell the equipment. It was borrowed. He had nothing to leave behind for his wife and young sons. Amos had just returned home from the hospital after losing a third of his stomach to cancer. The family doctor helped my grandfather get a 4F card, excusing him from military duty. Dick Crawford, 99, remembers hearing about the bombing of Pearl Harbor when he was sixteen. Friends hooked up a small radio to the car battery to listen to the reports. When he was old enough, Dick was sent by train to the state capital, an hour away, to be tested for military service. He waited through the rest of the war, wondering when he would be called, though it never happened. Dick served his country by caring for the family farm and providing food. Most older adults I spoke with mentioned family members who were among the Americans who served in World War II. Marguerite Kerstetter from Richfield, PA, was eight years old when her brother Harvey was called to Germany in 1944. He was eighteen. Harvey took three pieces of shrapnel in his leg and returned to the U.S., where he recovered at Walter Reed Hospital. He told his little sister, “You never knew you could dig a foxhole so fast.” [ ![sacrifice and service](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Service-Flags.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Service-Flags.jpg) #### Stars in the Window Families of soldiers faced tremendous service and sacrifice. When young men were called to serve in World War II, families displayed a flag with a blue star for each member serving during combat. The Blue Star Service Flag was created and patented by a World War I Army Captain named Robert L. Queisser. The captain’s two sons served on the front lines in France in 1917. The captain’s words are recorded in the Congressional record: The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother—their children." Jane Crone, 89, remembers seeing the blue star in the window of the house next door. The family’s son was serving in Germany. “One day, a big car pulled into the driveway, and two men in uniform got out and went to the door.” Later that day, the blue star flag was replaced by a gold star flag. If a family member was killed in the war, a gold star was sewn over the blue one. These families became known as gold-star families, often referred to as “an honor no one wants.” In 1942, after losing a friend at Pearl Harbor, five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, enlisted together and requested to be assigned to the same ship. When the U.S.S. Juneau was lost in the South Pacific, all five brothers perished. Their Gold Star parents, Tom and Alleta Sullivan, toured the country speaking to military plant workers, asking for increased production, and hopefully, a swifter end to the war. As a result of this family’s loss, the U.S. Military adopted the Sole Survivor Policy, which limited the number of draftees from a single family. Although we hear little about it, the last Sunday of September has been designated as Gold Star Family Day since 1936. Several organizations continue to honor Gold Star Families. You can find more about them here: [America's Gold Star Families](https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/) [American Gold Star Mothers](https://www.americangoldstarmothers.org/) [Legacies Alive](https://legaciesalive.com/gold-star-families/resources/) [ ![service and sacrifice](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sullivan-Brothers.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sullivan-Brothers.jpg) The Sullivan brothers on board the cruiser [USS *Juneau*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Juneau_(CL-52)) at her commissioning: Joe, Frank, Al, Matt, and George (14 February 1942) [ ![WW2 planes spotter's guide](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Spotter-Planes.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Spotter-Planes.jpg) #### They Also Serve... "They also serve" who stand and observe. Men who weren't called up for active duty, women, and teenagers participated in the war effort in their own ways. A volunteer air raid warden helped most communities by sounding the alarm, patrolling the streets to ensure homes remained dark, and training people on how to respond to potential air attacks. School children, when they heard the air raid siren, would duck under their wooden school desks. Marguerite Kerstetter, 91, recalls hearing the fire trucks and sirens blaring as they drove through the streets. When the whistles sounded, people had to turn off their lights and sit in darkness. Some families used blackout bulbs manufactured by companies such as Westinghouse, General Electric, or Wabash Appliance Co. in Brooklyn. These bulbs were painted black, except for a small part of the yellow tip, which let a little light into the house. Aside from Pearl Harbor, several air attacks occurred along the West Coast. Fire balloons, called “Fugos,” traveled farther inland, dropping up to 50 pounds of explosives. Americans on the East Coast, however, did not face airborne threats. Jane Crone, 89, remembers volunteering for lookout duty on the water tower in Steelton, PA, as part of the Aircraft Warning Services. Beginning in May 1941, local American Legion posts organized over 750,000 volunteers from Maine to Florida and 400 miles inland. These civilian volunteers served as lookouts for enemy aircraft. Usually, two or three people watched the skies, using binoculars if available. Any passing planes were recorded, and suspicious aircraft were reported to regional Army Filter Centers with an Army Flash call, which described the plane, its direction, and a code name for the location where the sighting occurred. Some communities conducted Recognition Training at local high schools. Observers learned to identify different types of friendly and enemy aircraft, and some had photos of the underside of planes at their lookout posts. Spotters maintained their posts in all weather and seasons. #### Thank you! For more stories on this time period, read [Shortages on the Homefront](https://debrichmond.com/shortages-on-the-home-front/ "Shortages on the Homefront"). American citizens were not paid for their home front services. Most Americans volunteered and served willingly to help support a sense of national security. I am grateful to the heroes, both overseas and at home, who protected our country during those difficult years. When you see a member of the armed forces today, remember to say, “Thank you for your service.” Ways to encourage and support those who serve or have served: [Wounded Warriors](https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=22717&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS25025BAABREMA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8674262121&gbraid=0AAAAADg1WjprgJgF0lh8VnIKS_MenkDgA&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdaZmrWnNINtBAh6zzacg23WnQOYYjlw_9eDWbm0_A31CjYWV4dfm2hoCSP8QAvD_BwE) [Blue Star Families](https://bluestarfam.org/) [National Military Family Association](https://www.militaryfamily.org/) [Wounded Warriors Project](https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) [USO](https://www.uso.org/) [The American Legion](https://www.legion.org/) [Disabled American Veterans](https://www.dav.org/) #### Works Cited American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. “American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.,” 2025. <https://www.americangoldstarmothers.org/>. American Legion. “The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association.” Legion.org, June 26, 2019. <https://www.legion.org/>. Andrews, Evan. “5 Attacks on US Soil during World War II \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, October 23, 2012. <https://www.history.com/articles/5-attacks-on-u-s-soil-during-world-war-ii>. arlingtonhist. “From Barriers to Ballots Exhibit and 15-Minute History Series.” Arlington Historical Society, December 3, 2024. <https://arlhist.org/aircraft-warning-service/>. Book, Iva. Interview, July 11, 2024. Boston Public Library. “A Woman Holding a Jar of Jars with a Caption of Course I Can.” Unsplash.com. Unsplash, March 8, 2024. <https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-holding-a-jar-of-jars-with-a-caption-of-course-i-can-1qJaR1b5JBE>. Cartwright, Mark. “Rationing in Wartime Britain.” World History Encyclopedia, June 21, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2491/rationing-in-wartime-britain/>. Crawford, Dick. Interview, October 20, 2025. Crone, Jane. Interview, August 27, 2024. Disabled American Veterans . “DAV.” DAV, 2019. <https://www.dav.org/>. Editor, Peter Becker Managing. “Local History: Civilian Aircraft Spotters Did Their Duty in WWII.” Tri-County Independent, April 18, 2016. <https://www.tricountyindependent.com/story/opinion/columns/2016/04/18/local-history-civilian-aircraft-spotters/31439841007/>. Facebook.com. “Smithsonian - All Five Sullivan Brothers Died When Japanese...,” 2016. <https://www.facebook.com/Smithsonian/posts/all-five-sullivan-brothers-died-when-japanese-torpedoes-sank-the-uss-juneau-in-1/1098775052283629/>. Families, America’s Gold Star. “America’s Gold Star Families \| Home.” America’s Gold Star Families, n.d. <https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/>. ———. “America’s Gold Star Families \| Programs & Services.” America’s Gold Star Families, n.d. <https://americasgoldstarfamilies.org/what-we-do/programs-and-services>. fenwayvictorygardens.org. “The Richard D. Parker Memorial Victory Gardens,” n.d. <https://fenwayvictorygardens.org/>. For, HOPE. “An Honor No One Wants: What Is a Gold Star Family and How Is It Different from a Blue Star Family?” Hope for the Warriors, September 23, 2017. <https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/an-honor-no-one-wants-what-is-a-gold-star-family-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-blue-star-family/>. Helwig, Brady. “The U.S. Synthetic Rubber Program: An Industrial Policy Triumph during World War II - American Affairs Journal.” American Affairs Journal, February 20, 2025. <https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2025/02/the-u-s-synthetic-rubber-program-an-industrial-policy-triumph-during-world-war-ii/>. History.com Editors. “Draft Age Is Lowered to 18 \| November 11, 1942 \| HISTORY.” HISTORY, November 5, 2009. <https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-11/draft-age-is-lowered-to-18>. Kerstetter, Marguerite. Interview, February 27, 2025. Legacies Alive. “Resources for Gold Star Families - Legacies Alive (Support & Services),” August 19, 2020. <https://legaciesalive.com/gold-star-families/resources/>. Loc.gov. “Service on the Home Front,” 2016. <https://loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b49007/>. Loc.gov. “Victory Gardens,” 2017. <https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017696713/resource/>. Lost, America. “Home - Blue Star Families.” Blue Star Families, 2018. <https://bluestarfam.org/>. Milton, John. “Sonnet 19: When I Consider How My Light Is Spent… \| Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, 2019. <https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44750/sonnet-19-when-i-consider-how-my-light-is-spent>. National Military Family Association. “National Military Family Association.” National Military Family Association, 2019. <https://www.militaryfamily.org/>. Ohio.gov. “Robert L. Queisser,” 2020. <https://dvs.ohio.gov/hall-of-fame/honorees/hof-honorees-2010s/Robert-L-Queisser>. Sarah, Sundin. “Make It Do - Metal Shortages in World War II,” March 30, 2022. <https://www.sarahsundin.com/make-it-do-metal-shortages-in-world-war-ii/>. *Save Waste Paper Poster, 1944*. n.d. *Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum: MO 2005.13.35.104*. Springate, Megan. “Material Drives on the World War II Home Front (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, May 16, 2024. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/material-drives-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htm>. ———. “The American Home Front during World War II: Rationing, Recycling, and Victory Gardens (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, n.d. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/homefront-ration-recycle-garden.htm>. ———. “Victory Gardens on the World War II Home Front (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, November 16, 2023. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/victory-gardens-on-the-world-war-ii-home-front.htm>. Springate, Megan . “Introduction to Life on the World War II Home Front in the Greater United States (U.S. National Park Service).” www.nps.gov, November 16, 2023. <https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/introduction-to-life-on-the-home-front-in-the-greater-united-states.htm>. The. “Photo by the Oregon State University Collections and Archives on Unsplash.” Unsplash.com. Unsplash, September 28, 2024. <https://unsplash.com/photos/PLaJLD9RTqk>. The National WWII Museum. “Research Starters: The Draft and World War II.” The National WWII Museum \| New Orleans, n.d. <https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/draft-and-wwii>. The National WWII Museum \| New Orleans. “WWII Veteran Statistics \| the National WWII Museum \| New Orleans,” 2019. <https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/wwii-veteran-statistics>. USO. “United Service Organizations.” United Service Organizations, 2019. <https://www.uso.org/>. Varner, Philip. Interview, May 13, 2025. visitww2.org. “Civilian Defense & Air Raid Wardens - World War II American Experience,” November 23, 2021. <https://visitww2.org/office-of-civilian-defense-air-raid-wardens/>. Whiting, Karen H, and Jocelyn Green. *Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front*. Battlefields & Blessings, 2012. Wounded Warrior Project. “WWP \| Veterans Charity Organization: Nonprofit Help for Wounded Military.” Woundedwarriorproject.org, 2019. <https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/>. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Fun Workouts for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/fun-workouts-for-older-adults/) **Published:** September 1, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Time to Get Moving! Even though we know the [benefits of a regular exercise routine](https://debrichmond.com/workout-routine-for-older-adults/), sometimes it’s challenging to stick to one. We make excuses and find other activities to fill our time. You've heard the expression: Work smarter, not harder. Exercising may be easier if you focus on what you do best. Here are 26 ways to build smart and fun workouts into your life. **Before starting any exercise regimen, consult your doctor. While exercising, listen to your body. Stop if you experience chest pain, headache, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.** During my years as a middle school teacher, we incorporated [Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences](https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161) to help students learn according to their personality types and natural interests. I’ve organized these workout activities based on Gardner’s eight unique intelligences. Choose the fun workouts that match your personality and skip the rest. [ ![fun workouts](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Group-exercise-e1756518561656.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Group-exercise-e1756518561656.jpg) #### Extrovert/Interpersonal If you love spending time with people, find ways to pull your family and friends into your workouts**:** **1. Join a Group or Class:** Take part in group activities like Zumba, spin, yoga, dance, or karate classes. The social aspect and energy of a class can be very motivating. Joining local running clubs, hiking groups, or other fitness communities helps you meet new people and stay motivated. Many communities (like mine) have senior adults’ workout sessions that allow participants to exercise safely from a chair. **2. Play Sports:** Participate in recreational sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, pickleball, badminton, chair volleyball, or golf. The competitive aspect can make them even more enjoyable. Team sports don’t need to be organized. Find family, friends, or neighbors to join a game. **3. Find a Workout Buddy**: Exercise with a friend for motivation, support, and added fun. Working out with a friend can make the time pass quickly and bring a social element to your routine. My weekly morning walk with my friend is our time to catch up, make plans, and unload the burdens of the moment. **4. Sign up for Fun Runs or Races:** Join themed events like color runs, mud runs, obstacle courses, or the Senior Olympics. The festive atmosphere can add excitement and celebration to your efforts, and many events combine fun workouts with an opportunity to give back to your community. **5. Family Activities**: Engage the entire family in physical activities like biking, hiking, rowing, kayaking, or playing sports together. At the next family gathering, organize an old-fashioned baseball game. This allows you to create memories for younger generations while keeping older family members active and healthy. [ ![Man lifting weights](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Man-lifting-weights-e1756521156889.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Man-lifting-weights-e1756521156889.jpg) #### Introvert/Intrapersonal If people drain your energy levels, look for ways to make exercise rewarding on your own. **6. Set Fun Challenges** **and Goals**: Create challenges or set achievable goals to stay motivated. For example, challenge yourself to complete a certain number of steps each day or reach a specific number on the weight machines. My husband rides his bike every other day. His goals include riding farther and faster each summer. He also has a total number of miles he hopes to ride for the year. Fun workouts should be flexible and adaptable. Gradually increase the number of reps in each workout. For most weight exercises, starting with eight reps and working up to fifteen is effective. Then, add more sets. After completing three sets of fifteen, increase the weights and begin again. **7. Track Your Progress:** Get a dedicated journal or poster to record your workouts. Write down each session so you can compare your progress over time. **8. Work Out at Home**: Use online workout videos or fitness apps for exercising at home. You can choose from many routines to match your preferences, including dance, yoga, stretching, Zumba, and walking exercises. A few basic pieces of equipment can help create a complete workout. Start with a comfortable floor mat, then add light weights, resistance bands, a rubber ball, or a stepper/platform. [ ![fun workouts](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Man-running.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Man-running.jpg) #### Kinesthetic/Movement This one should be easy! Moving body parts is what it’s all about. **9. Mix It Up**: Vary different types of exercises and activities to avoid boredom. Switch between activities like running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and strength training. (And everything else mentioned in this article.) If you’re a planner, reserve specific weekdays for different activities: Sunday for a bike ride, Monday & Thursday for the gym, Tuesday for hiking, golf, or swimming, Friday for an exercise class, and Saturday for gardening and housework. **10. Incorporate Playful Elements:** Include fun activities like jumping rope, hula hooping, or using a mini trampoline in your workout routine. Dancing is a great form of exercise, so is chasing the grandkids in a game of tag or pulling them in a wagon. [ ![fun workouts](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Workout-devices-e1756768387233.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Workout-devices-e1756768387233.jpg) #### Mathematical/Logical Yes, exercise can be fun even for a math whiz. **11. Use Fitness Gadgets:** Utilize [fitness apps](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-workout-apps?test_uuid=03HYOxRLHSGDXtTLiJKLr6U&test_variant=B) that monitor your progress. Track and compare workouts based on time spent, distance traveled, heart rate, calories burned, and more. Some apps also let you compare your progress with family and friends. **12. Play Games:** If you have the right equipment, such as a Virtual Reality headset, you can turn your exercise routine into a game. Virtual Reality fitness programs offer musical workouts, lightsaber battles, scenic tours, and mountain climbing simulations. You can also try fitness video games like Just Dance, Fitness Boxing, or Switch Sports if you own a Nintendo or PlayStation console. **13. Track Progress Visually:** Use charts, graphs, or journals to monitor your progress and celebrate improvements visually. Aim to beat your record in terms of times, weights, and repetitions. Seeing your progress can be very motivating. [ ![Exercising with a book](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Exercising-with-a-book-e1756768416733.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Exercising-with-a-book-e1756768416733.jpg) #### Language/Verbal To some of us word nerds, exercise is something to get done so we can move on to book time—unless we can do both! **14. Podcasts** - My friend enjoys walking early in the morning, long before anyone else is ready to face the world. To make the time pass more quickly, she holds company with a human voice and multitasks by combining her morning walks with listening to teaching podcasts. **15. Read a book** while walking on the treadmill or riding a stationary bike. I’ve been able to finish another twelve books each year by doing this two or three times a week. I find that a reading tablet, like a Kindle, works better than turning the pages of a printed book while exercising. [ ![Dancing](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Dancing-e1756768444610.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Dancing-e1756768444610.jpg) #### Visual/Spatial Believe it or not, understanding spatial relationships is a form of intelligence. If you’re good at judging distances and figuring out how puzzles fit together, you might benefit from a workout that focuses not only on what you see, but also on how you fit into what you see. **16. Be aware of your workout space**: Exercises like rock climbing or martial arts rely on a keen sense of spatial awareness. Racket games such as tennis, pickleball, and badminton involve spatial awareness. Dancing, orienteering, and walking scavenger hunts focus on your surroundings. **17. Explore new locations:** Change your walking, biking, or hiking route to discover new areas. **18. Watch and move:** Learning new dance moves by watching a video is easier for visually oriented people. [ ![Headphones](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Headphones-e1756672954945.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Headphones-e1756672954945.jpg) #### Musical/Rhythmic I can never sit still when I hear a good rhythm, so blending music with my exercise sessions makes for high-energy and fun workouts. **19. Listen to Music**: Create an upbeat playlist. I have several workout playlists to switch between, catering to different moods and seasons. When I hear an energetic song while listening to music, I add it to one of my exercise lists. Exercising to music helps me pick up my pace and walk, run, or pedal to a rockin’ rhythm. **20. Dance**: Dancing is an excellent way to increase your heart rate while having fun. You can join a dance class or dance at home to your favorite music. Classes like salsa, hip-hop, or ballroom dancing can be a great way to stay active and learn new skills. Even dancing while singing karaoke can burn a significant number of calories. [ ![Nature hiking](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nature-hiking-e1756673074355.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nature-hiking-e1756673074355.jpg) #### Naturalistic Fresh air and sunlight can boost your mood and energy levels, reducing stress and increasing motivation. **21. Explore the Great Outdoors**: Go for nature hikes, bike rides, or long walks in beautiful outdoor settings to appreciate the beauty of nature. **22. Garden** - Whether you’re shoveling, mulching, pulling weeds, or planting flowers or vegetables, gardening burns calories and builds muscle tone. **23. Horseback riding** - Riding engages the core, leg, and back muscles to maintain balance and proper posture while in the saddle. Riders also build strength and coordination through guiding the horse and responding to its movements. Additionally, riding elevates the heart rate and improves flexibility, making it a comprehensive full-body workout. **24. Shovel snow** - [Cold weather workouts](https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/02/is-exercising-in-cold-weather-a-better-workout#:~:text=A%20winter%20workout%20can%20give,Temperature%20regulation.) are great for burning calories. Even shivering burns calories! If your heart is healthy, send the neighbor kids home, and pick up a shovel. **25. Cross-country skiing** - Enjoy the cold air energy and glide slowly along those rural backroads with a pair of skis. **26. Exercise in the water**: Water aerobics, Swimming laps, treading water, even walking in shallow water along the shoreline, can force your muscles to work harder than just walking on dry ground. Playing in the water on a warm summer day is always a fun workout. #### More Healthy Habits for Older People [The Benefits of a Workout Routine for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/workout-routine-for-older-adults/ "The Benefits of a Workout Routine for Older Adults") [Vitamins and Supplements for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/vitamins-and-supplements-for-older-adults/ "Vitamins and Supplements for Older Adults") [Improve Mental Skills with Jigsaw Puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/jigsaw-puzzles/ "Improve Mental Skills with Jigsaw Puzzles") [Fight Mental Decline with These Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Fight Mental Decline with These Alzheimer's Risk Reducers") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Sleeping With Spiders](https://debrichmond.com/sleeping-with-spiders/) **Published:** October 27, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** I can watch a small blacksnake or garter snake in my yard and maintain my composure. The same is not true of spiders. #### Sleeping with Spiders in My Dreams I’ve never been a fan. To my husband’s frustration, if I somehow get rolled onto my back at night, there will undoubtedly be a large, black, hairy spider dangling over my face in my dreams. I’ve often woken him from sleep with a pathetic punch in the arm and a cry to “Kill it!” ## Sleeping with Spiders on the Wall [ ![tarantula in Haiti](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IM001277-copy.jpeg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IM001277-copy.jpeg) Rich and I encountered a lovely old tarantula many years ago in our cabin in Haiti during a mission trip. The missionary kids told us that tarantulas especially liked our cabin. The beast was hanging on the wall just above my pillow. Tarantulas are big, furry, and difficult to catch. It takes a lot of prodding to get one to move, and it’s nearly impossible to direct them where you want, like out the door. But when they do move, they are fast! Therefore, my husband may have broken a toe or two trying to get the spider into a place where I could sleep without nightmares. [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Antique-bedroom.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Antique-bedroom.jpg) #### Spiders Overhead Recently, I attended a conference without my husband. I stayed in a charming old house with a lovely vintage room. Twelve-foot ceilings, a grand marble fireplace that was useless in July, dark wood, antique furnishings, and beautiful floral fabrics everywhere. The room was a little stuffy, but the electric floor fan cooled it enough for sleep, even though it wasn’t as chilly as the temperature I’m used to for sleeping at night. I often joke that our home doesn’t have central air conditioning, but it is fully refrigerated. My husband prefers a house that is cold and dark. (It might be a good time to do some research on vampires…) As I lay on my bed, preparing to turn out the light after finishing a few chapters in my historical novel, I looked up at the high ceilings and noticed something terrifying. A daddy long-legs spider hung directly above my pillow. How could I possibly sleep with a spider dangling overhead? As I scanned the room, I saw that the horrid creature wasn’t alone. Spiders clung to each of the four corners, and several were living in the light fixture above the bed. I got out of bed and assessed the situation. There was no brave, if somewhat annoyed, husband to awaken. Should I try to kill the spiders on the ceiling with my flat-bottomed shoes and risk leaving a nasty stain on those elegant walls? How could I reach the ceiling? Even standing on the tall, cushioned chair wouldn’t put me within range. I had no choice but to turn off the light and attempt to sleep. #### Roommates I lay awake for a very long time, occasionally turning the light back on to see if the spiders were launching a coordinated attack. They hadn’t moved. I slept on and off the first night—three more nights to go. In the morning, I saw the spiders descend from the ceiling to the lower part of the wall and watch me try to act like a normal, non-paranoid person from there. After breakfast in a room free of spiders, I spoke with the guest relations manager. She assured me the problem would be taken care of. That evening, I realized fetching a ten-foot ladder to chase spiders was not a top priority for the maintenance crew. The spiders and I would have to co-exist for the time being. [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cellar-Spider.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Cellar-Spider.jpg) #### The Good Spider? I later learned that the intruders—actually, I was the intruder—the spiders that lived there permanently—were not daddy longlegs. This term is reserved for a non-spider creature that lives outdoors, often under stones or logs. Their one-section body distinguishes them from true spiders. Daddy longlegs have no fangs or venom, belong to the Opiliones order, and are usually called harvestmen. They do not build webs. One conference attendee said this was the good kind of spider. I wasn’t sure what that meant when it was hanging from the ceiling above my pillow. It’s more likely that the little creatures on my ceiling were cellar spiders, which prefer dark, damp places, mostly unused areas. Since I saw a few thin strands of spider web, I assume my high-ceiling inhabitants had lost their way back to the basement. As much as I hate to take the life of any creature, I did thin the population when the spiders joined me at floor level in the mornings, though the bottom of my sandal was too splotchy to look at or wear on the carpeted floor. By the third evening, I felt safe from the threat of spiders and noticed the room seemed empty except for me. [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spider-in-the-Shower-Sally-Cronin.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spider-in-the-Shower-Sally-Cronin.jpg) #### Spiders in the Shower However, before going to bed, I spotted a huge spider in the corner of the bathroom floor. The electric fan had dehumidified the bedroom, so the spiders seemed to seek out warmer, wetter areas. I was debating whether to kill it or let it live. I couldn’t imagine dropping my clothes and jumping into the shower with such a threat nearby. The next day, after my morning walk, I entered the bathroom and saw the little creature clinging to the upper side of the toilet bowl. He had signed his own death warrant. After killing two more spiders on the tub floor, I felt safe enough to take a shower. As I turned to rinse the last of the shampoo from my hair, I noticed a larger spider clinging to the ceiling above the back of the stall. #### I Lived to Tell the Story... Back home in my refrigerated bedroom, I surveyed the ceiling corners and knew that I could finally sleep in peace. I also realized there were very few spiders inside our house, except for the darker areas of the basement. I pledged to go a whole week without complaining about wearing my flannel shirts in July. Our refrigeration cooling system may be the best defence against my long-legged nemesis. [ ![#image_title](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Got-the-Spider-Author-Erma-Ullrey.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Got-the-Spider-Author-Erma-Ullrey.jpg) #### Resources [WebMed: Household Pests](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/household-pests-daddy-long-legs) [UC Riverside: Spider Research](https://spiders.ucr.edu/daddy-long-legs) [BugOut: Cellar Spiders](https://www.bugoutservice.com/pest-info/spiders/cellar-spiders/#:~:text=Cellar%20spiders%20are%20not%20dangerous,of%20piercing%20human%20skin%20effectively) Got the Spider & Spider in the Shower pics came from the Facebook pages of authors [Erma Ullery](https://www.facebook.com/erma.ullrey) and [Sally Cronin](https://www.facebook.com/sally.cronin). #### More Stories to Make You Laugh... [Finding Courage on a Downhill Run](https://debrichmond.com/finding-the-courage/) [The Struggle to Lose Weight](https://debrichmond.com/struggle-to-lose-weight/) [Crossing the Stream](https://debrichmond.com/crossing-the-stream/) [Maybe I'm a Slow Learner](https://debrichmond.com/slow-learner/) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-tree-poems/) **Published:** November 18, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [ ![Christmas tree poems](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Christmas-Tree-Poems-front-2025-1024x1024.jpg "Christmas Tree Poems front 2025 - Deb Richmond Author - Deb Richmond Author") ](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond/dp/B0DP5SZJKF/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ngFkwNCsAwBP2zJwm5jolhrovan8QPR16_AcJX6DIBELpji8XZC2k3sFeXhmqXwD6jz5vN__cW4ElyG3DwtYov8J3otEqJPNaMX9EGCq_viHyKm6rNANiEBgjbhSjH8jNBEWu1ovf8vv09L2AAKIDoHb5mBs8bBHrGV4xWbRQSd46ySxW0LJ3NOzPIrU3R9oR98grfwqjOjMbcFq5e2QITMWYjCGCcf-jOxjoKymwyk.W7YX8Ih394dq-ekA5jlB5E35ODu5ZT1khTpytUZFrdE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Christmas+tree+poems&qid=1763493400&sr=8-1) ##### Christmas Tree Poems The story of how a little gratitude created a lasting friendship Available on Amazon [ Paperback ](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond/dp/B0DP5SZJKF/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ngFkwNCsAwBP2zJwm5jolhrovan8QPR16_AcJX6DIBELpji8XZC2k3sFeXhmqXwD6jz5vN__cW4ElyG3DwtYov8J3otEqJPNaMX9EGCq_viHyKm6rNANiEBgjbhSjH8jNBEWu1ovf8vv09L2AAKIDoHb5mBs8bBHrGV4xWbRQSd46ySxW0LJ3NOzPIrU3R9oR98grfwqjOjMbcFq5e2QITMWYjCGCcf-jOxjoKymwyk.W7YX8Ih394dq-ekA5jlB5E35ODu5ZT1khTpytUZFrdE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Christmas+tree+poems&qid=1763493400&sr=8-1) [ Kindle Version ](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond-ebook/dp/B0DX6Q21PN/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ngFkwNCsAwBP2zJwm5jolhrovan8QPR16_AcJX6DIBELpji8XZC2k3sFeXhmqXwD6jz5vN__cW4ElyG3DwtYov8J3otEqJPNaMX9EGCq_viHyKm6rNANiEBgjbhSjH8jNBEWu1ovf8vv09L2AAKIDoHb5mBs8bBHrGV4xWbRQSd46ySxW0LJ3NOzPIrU3R9oR98grfwqjOjMbcFq5e2QITMWYjCGCcf-jOxjoKymwyk.W7YX8Ih394dq-ekA5jlB5E35ODu5ZT1khTpytUZFrdE&qid=1763493400&sr=8-1) #### More stories Read the stories of the Christmas tree friendship: [1. 2022 The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/ "1. 2022 The Christmas Tree Poems") [2. 2024 The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/2024-christmas-tree-poem/ "2. 2024 The Christmas Tree Poems") [3. How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/ "3. How I Lost My Little Friend") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author Updates, Holiday Stories --- ### [Christmas Quiz: Stories, Movies, & Songs](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-quiz-stories-movies-songs/) **Published:** December 8, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Enjoy a Christmas quiz on movies, Christmas stories, and songs. You can find a more challenging version (same questions, no multiple choice) here: [Easy Christmas Quiz](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TWKk-_hCdjAQ778YVi8Px46fAAd1_IoSL1BS-w7efQ0/edit?usp=sharing "Easy Christmas Quiz") or a printable copy of the quiz below here: [Hard Christmas Quiz](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-49RaSy0-7oBEUpi0AJiudZSR5ePQ_ebHdxc2OEIR7w/edit?usp=sharing "Hard Christmas Quiz") The Answer Key can be found here: [Christmas Quiz Answer Key](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WU3bLeC9SEqE4Evt6tJS-5ekfZ0atn281fUi0CUslsQ/edit?usp=sharing "Christmas Quiz Answer Key") ## Christmas Quiz: Movies, Stories & Songs ## **A. What should you button up?** 1. Your lips 2. Your ugly Christmas sweater 3. Your overcoat **B. WHAT ARE MOGWI?** 1. Mischievous, furry little creatures 2. Residents of the North Pole 3. Polish pastries served on Christmas Eve **C. NAME THIS FLOWER:** [![Christmas quiz](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Poinsettia-300x169.jpg "Poinsettia - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Poinsettia.jpg) 1. Christmas cactus 2. Poinsettia 3. Amaryllis **D. IN THE SONG “WINTER WONDERLAND,” WHAT WILL BE BUILT IN THE MEADOW?** 1. A cabin for two 2. A Yuletide fire 3. A snowman **E. WHAT JEWISH HOLIDAY IS ALSO CALLED THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?** 1. Diwali 2. Hanukkah 3. Rosh Hashanah **F. WHAT KING SAW A POOR MAN GATHERING WINTER’S FUEL?** 1. King David 2. Balthazar 3. King Wenceslas **G. WHO SAID, “GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE?”** 1. Tiny Tim Crachett 2. Buddy the Elf 3. Ebenezer Scrooge **H. WHAT GIFTS DID THE WISE MEN BRING?** 1. Coal 2. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh 3. A song **I. WHAT BALLET HAS THE SONG “THE DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY?”** 1. *Babes in Toyland* 2. *The Nutcracker Suite* 3. *Swan Lake* **J. WHO WAS LEFT HOME ALONE?** 1. Kevin McAlister 2. Hermey the Misfit Elf 3. Jack Skellington **K. WHAT WINTER HOLIDAY INCLUDES THE KINARA CANDLE?** [![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/kinara-candle-300x169.jpg "kinara candle - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/kinara-candle.jpg) 1. Los Posadas 2. Three Kings Day 3. Kwanzaa **L. TO WHOM DID SANTA SAY, “WON’T YOU GUIDE MY SLEIGH TONIGHT?”** 1. Buddy the Elf 2. Rudolph 3. GPS **M. WHAT SONG IS ALSO KNOWN AS “THE UKRAINIAN BELL SONG”?** 1. The Carol of the Bells 2. O, Christmas Tree 3. Dance of the Reed Flute **N. WHAT DOES THE NAME “IMMANUEL” MEAN?** 1. God with us 2. King of Kings 3. Savior **O. WHAT SHOULD YOU DECK THE HALLS WITH?** 1. Bows and holly 2. Boughs of holly 3. Bows of jolly **P. WHAT MOVIE SET IN NORWAY TELLS THE STORY OF A LAZY, SELF-CENTERED POSTMAN?** 1. Klaus 2. A Christmas Quest 3. The Polar Bear King **Q. WHAT GIFT WAS GIVEN ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS?** 1. Maids a’ milking 2. Pipers piping 3. Drummers drumming **R. WHAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE STARRED ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER?** 1. Jingle All the Way 2. Prancer 3. The Christmas Chronicles **S. WHO WROTE THE CANTATA THAT INCLUDES THE “HALLELUJAH CHORUS”?** 1. Irving Berlin 2. George Frideric Handel 3. Ludwig van Beethoven **T. WHAT FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS MOVIE STARS EDDIE MURPHY?** 1. As the Christmas Tree Turns (Hallmark) 2. Blizzard 3. Candy Cane Lane **U. WHAT CHRISTMAS STORY HAS KRIS KRINGLE ON TRIAL TO PROVE HIS SANITY?** 1. Miracle on 34th Street 2. A Christmas Story 3. White Christmas **V. WHAT CHRISTMAS CAROL IS ALSO CALLED “ADESTE FIDELES?”** 1. Silent Night 2. Jingle Bells 3. O, Come All Ye Faithful **W. WHO WROTE THE CHILDREN’S BOOKS “THE POLAR EXPRESS,” “JUMANJI,” AND “ZATHURA”?** 1. Dr. Seuss 2. Chris Van Allsburg 3. Clement Moore **X. WHEN WAS CHRISTMAS FIRST CELEBRATED ON DECEMBER 25?** 1. 336 A.D. 2. 4 A.D. 3. 1870 A.D. **Y. WHAT IS A “HERALD ANGEL”?** 1. A trumpet-playing angel 2. An angel named Herald 3. A messenger **Z. WHAT PRODUCTION COMPANY HAS RELEASED (TO DATE) 503 CHRISTMAS MOVIES AND RELEASES APPROXIMATELY 40 NEW MOVIES EACH YEAR?** 1. Disney 2. Lifetime 3. Hallmark **AA. WHO WAS A JOLLY, HAPPY SOUL?** 1. Old St. Nicholas 2. Old King Cole 3. Frosty, the Snowman **BB. WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE TO A LETTER WRITTEN IN SEPTEMBER 1897 TO NEW YORK’S *THE SUN* NEWSPAPER?** 1. You’d better watch out. You’d better not cry. 2. You’ll shoot your eye out! 3. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. **CC. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE OLD GERMAN MAN WHO REWARDS GOOD CHILDREN AND PUNISHES BAD ONES?** 1. St. Nicholas 2. Belsnickel 3. Klaus **DD. WHAT DID RALPHIE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?** 1. His two front teeth 2. An official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock, and this thing that tells time 3. To stay home alone ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories, Just for Fun --- ### [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/) **Published:** April 18, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** I have a sweet collection of memories of my mom, Nancy Varner. I didn’t always remember that I had one of the best mothers Heaven could provide. But I was a teenager once. The song “Your Momma Don’t Dance and Your Daddy Don’t Rock and Roll” was probably written about our family. Now that I’m older, I realize how incredibly blessed I was. Mom passed away five years ago after a brief battle with a type of cancer typically seen only in children. But if you ever heard her giggle while lifting her shoulders to hide her face, you’ll remember that there was always a little girl inside her. Mom is gone now, except for her occasional visits to my dreamland, but there are memories of my mom that time will never erase. ### [![memories of my mom](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gram-and-Gage-225x300.jpg)](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gram-and-Gage.jpg) ### Memories of My Mom Serving My parents served in nearly every ministry at our church. Mom taught Sunday school, organized Vacation Bible School, and served as an advisor for children’s and youth groups. She participated in the hospitality committee, preparing meals for events, funerals, and potluck dinners. She led congregational singing at church and often had nightmares about standing in front of the congregation wearing only her petticoat. From an early age, the older people in the church asked me to sing solos. When I heard a song I wanted to try, Mom would play the LP record several times while writing the lyrics in shorthand, a skill she mastered in her high school business classes. (In all honesty, I hated singing in front of the church. When it was my turn to sing, I prayed for a severe snowstorm to cancel church services, regardless of the season—spring, summer, fall, or winter. God only answered that prayer once.) ### [![spoon singing](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gram-and-Aaron-Spoon-Singing-300x261.png)](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gram-and-Aaron-Spoon-Singing.png) ### Memories of My Mom Singing I learned hundreds of songs from hearing Mom hum and sing while working in the tiny black-and-white-tiled kitchen—“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now,” “How Much Is That Doggie In the Window,” “K-K-K-Katie, Beautiful Katie,” and “My Grandfather’s Clock…” Every time we got into the car, we had a family songfest. Mom, Ken, Lori, and I sang at the top of our lungs in four-part harmony. We sang “No, You Can’t Get To Heaven” and “The Cutest Boy I Ever Saw Was Sipping Ci-Der Through a Straw.” We sang Happy Goodman songs, Christmas carols, show tunes, and a very twangy version of “I Woke Up This Morning Feelin’ Fine.” We revised many songs to annoy our parents. To this day, my father is not a fan of choral music. Singing wasn’t the only thing that took place in the kitchen. I remember Mom baking brownies and sampling them while they were still warm. She always allowed us kids to lick the icing bowl clean. And no one could bake cookies as soft and delicious as Nancy Varner’s chocolate chip cookies. One snowy January day, while Mom was looking out the kitchen window, she saw an out-of-control vehicle run off the road and head straight for the house. My brother, Ken, and I were playing with our Christmas toys in the living room. Mom ran from the kitchen and up the stairs faster than an Olympic sprinter. Baby Lori was asleep in her crib. Ken and I had to face the disaster on our own. ### So That’s Where I Got My Perfectionism There were many things about my mom that I didn’t know until later in life or after she was gone. She had a creative streak but little opportunity to express it except when entertaining her senior adult friends at their gatherings. She was a perfectionist. I should have figured that one out by looking at her Better Homes and Gardens house. When Mom and Dad built our home in Oakland Mills, the contractor laid bricks for the dining room fireplace. Mom took one look at the rows of bricks and said, “They’re not straight.” Dad and the bricklayer disagreed, but the measurements proved that my mother was right. Dad said he would often straighten a figurine on the shelf or a book on a table. My mom always followed behind him and positioned them a little better. ### ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Crutches-300x215.png) ### Memories of My Mom Running My mom never held a salaried job. She used to babysit ten kids at a time, in addition to her own three. Most of us were relegated to the basement to decide what to create with cardboard boxes. Mom would peacefully work upstairs, vacuuming, baking, and rocking the littlest ones to sleep. Occasionally, she had to threaten the noisy kids in the basement with the flyswatter. Mom’s voice could change instantly from the “Wait until your father gets home!” rebuke to a higher-pitched, gentle phone voice that sweetly inquired, “Hel-lo?” Mom wasn’t fond of uninvited critters. The old house that wanted to keep moving (see: [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House on the Highway")) was sometimes invaded by spiders, mice, and snakes. Once, after a long winter of mouse intrusions, my mom stood in the living room looking out the window. My dad rolled a small, dark-colored plum between her feet. It’s incredible how much a rolling plum resembles a running mouse. Mom climbed to the top of the upright piano while Dad laughed hilariously. It was the only time I remember seeing my mother run and leap at the same time. ### [![memories of my mom](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lydia-at-Disney-205x300.png)](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lydia-at-Disney.png) ### ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mom-with-Adria-1-300x225.png) ### One Amazing Grandma! Mom developed a special relationship with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They stayed and played at her house. By the time the grandkids came along, she had the housework down to an art form and found time to play along with the kids. She took some of them to Disney World and SeaWorld. She attended their high school concerts, Christmas programs, and musicals. Her Christmas gatherings were legendary. I’ll share more about those at another time. She had a special relationship with her youngest grandson. Aaron and Gram Varner created a game involving a two-inch squishy cow toy called Pickles. I don’t know how or why they started, but each time Aaron visited, Pickles found a new hiding spot: among the flowers, in the freezer, in light fixtures, behind the artwork on the fireplace mantel, and even in the bathroom. The six-foot boy enjoyed hiding Pickles well out of reach of his four-foot-ten-inch grandmother. Sometimes, Mom would hide Pickles before Aaron came to visit. I think Pickles currently lives in Boston. However, I half expected to walk up to my mother’s open casket and see Pickles resting by her shoulder. ### Memories of My Mom the Fighter The final memories of my mom come with moments of heartbreak. When she was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumor that offered little hope of survival for someone her age, my mother said to the doctor, “Well, I’m ready to fight.” And fight she did. She fought through daily radiation treatments and weekly chemotherapy. She battled incredible pain in her spine when the cancer spread. When asked to speak at a church gathering, she shared that she was not afraid because “the God of the mountains was still God in the valley.” No matter what cancer did to her, she found strength in her faith. One of her fondest last memories was singing from a hospital bed with Duane Nicholson, a member of [The Couriers](http://thecouriers.com/ "The Couriers"), a favorite Gospel music group. Duane’s daughter and my sister were co-workers. ### Going Home Mom was in a Harrisburg hospital for rehab, but the cancer quickly took over, and she couldn’t regain her ability to walk. After her final scan, the doctor told my dad and me that any further treatment would be palliative, meaning there was nothing more they could do. I called my sister to give her the news. Lori suggested we take Mom home that day. It was a Friday afternoon, and Mom wanted to go home. I was concerned because we had nothing prepared for homebound care. Many of us were off work due to the nationwide 19 shutdowns, but Mom needed round-the-clock care from two workers to assist her when needed. Dad had just bought a wheelchair-accessible van, so he took her home. He used the van only once or twice. Almost immediately, help arrived—a hospital bed, hospice workers, a device to move someone who couldn’t walk, food from neighbors and friends, and volunteers willing to take eight-hour shifts. (Thank you, Heather, Katie, Rich, Doris, Judy, Janie, Marie, Fran, Darcy.) There was no shortage of helpers because my mother made friends with everyone she met. Somewhere between Saturday and Monday, the days after Mom returned home from rehab, hospitals closed to visitors due to the threat of COVID-19. Having Mom at home for her final days, rather than in a hospital surrounded by strangers, was a wonderful blessing. On April 17, 2020, my mom, Nancy Varner, passed away, leaving us with only our memories. But the memories of my mom are beautiful because that was the kind of person she was. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Grief Support, Stories from long ago --- ### [Natural Remedies - Good For What Ails You](https://debrichmond.com/natural-remedies/) **Published:** March 4, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Have you noticed how difficult it can be to see a doctor these days? If you get past the automated phone system, you might be able to schedule an appointment six months from now. As the medical field changes and I grow older, I tend to google search for solutions to the minor ailments that greet me each morning. If my symptoms don’t fit under the category “When to see a doctor,” I seek simple, natural remedies for what ails me. In my younger days, I avoided taking any kind of medicines or vitamins. That was before the years of arthritis, bursitis, stiff joints, and mysterious creaking sounds. Whenever possible, I look for solutions like a change in my diet or muscle-building exercises. ###### Reliable Sources When researching symptoms, stick to reliable sources. Stay away from promises like Grandpa Jake’s 21 Uses for Cod Liver Oil or websites that are selling a product to go with their advice. I usually seek answers from: -[Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/ "Mayo Clinic") -[National Institute of Health](https://www.nih.gov/ "National Institute of Health") -[Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ "Cleveland Clinic") -[WebMed](https://www.webmd.com/ "WebMed") -[Harvard Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/ "Harvard Health") -[Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/ "Healthline") #### Natural Remedies Here are some examples of research-based natural remedies for an aging body. ###### What is that buzzing noise? One evening, as I was sitting crisscross applesauce on my blue floral sofa in the sunroom, I felt a vibration in the cushions of the sofa. I looked under the couch, ran to the basement to check for strange sounds, and searched my room for noisy devices. Nothing. I sat down and worked a while longer when the vibrations came again. Turns out, the buzzing sensation was coming from my feet. Vibrating feet! How does that happen? An internet search gave several possible causes, some of them less appealing than others. The medical term, if my self-diagnosis was correct, is [pallesthesia](https://heelthatpain.com/vibrating-foot-pallesthesia/ "pallesthesia"), a buzzing sensation from faulty nerves. After eliminating other potential causes and conditions, I found an easy cure - vitamin deficiency. I haven’t had foot buzz since adding Vitamin B complex to my daily routine. ###### Arthritis, bursitis, and joint pain Inflammation, whether short-term acute or chronic, is the body’s way of protecting after an injury or from infection and disease. But inflammation can also be a cry for help. Chronic inflammation is connected to serious diseases like diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, and COPD. Arthritis pain frequently hinders my ability to move as fast as I think I need to move. My doctor advised me to try an old Amish secret: soak golden raisins (juniper berries) in a jar of gin for 24 hours. Take one teaspoon or about nine berries once or twice a day. I had to forego my alcohol-free lifestyle, but a daily dose of the remedy allows me to walk without pain for most of the day. Here are other [natural remedies for inflammation](https://gluten.org/2023/05/02/managing-inflammation-through-natural-remedies/ "natural remedies for inflammation") and arthritis: ![good for what ails you](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/good-foods-e1754610999626-300x201.jpg "good foods - Deb Richmond Author") -Citrus fruits, apples, cherries, berries, cranberries, avocados -Olive oil -Peanuts, almonds -Dark chocolate -Leafy greens, broccoli -Garlic -Ginger -Red cabbage -Coffee and tea -Fish oils -Milk and other dairy products, eggs -Sweet potatoes -Curcumin and tumeric -Glucosamine Chondroitin (which comes in wonderfully fruity gummy flavors) Most of these inflammation-fighting foods contain antioxidants, especially [polyphenols](https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/krnc/monthly-blog/what-are-polyphenols-another-great-reason-to-eat-fruits-and-veggies/ "polyphenols"), that work to protect the body from diseases. Nearly every website or ailment I researched suggested eating lots of fruit, nuts, and fish or fish oils. Check out these [22 Best and Worst Food For Inflammation](https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g42554501/food-for-inflammation/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_pre_d_bm_prog_org_us_g42554501&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArfauBhApEiwAeoB7qIG8QaIrNncrkK5poSuxO0y4HkOV_1jYUe0R02lJQyZj2vIYHGbcZBoC7VAQAvD_BwE "22 Best and Worst Food For Inflammation") ###### What about onions? There are many natural remedies that include onions: onion water, onions in the socks, onion pouches, raw onions scattered around the house. Some folks swear by their onion remedies. Science doesn’t always back up this unusual cure-all. Since I haven’t tried onion socks, raw onions, or onion water, I can only share what the scientists say. Research does not support the healing properties of onion by osmosis (physical touch) or drinking onion water, at least not yet. However, onions are loaded with nutrients and the compound quercetin that carries tremendous health benefits. Some people (like me) cannot tolerate onions. For those who can, here are some of the scientifically proven [benefits of eating onions](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/onion-benefits#easy-to-eat "benefits of eating onions"): -Kills bacteria -Good for digestion -Lowers the risks of heart attack and stroke -Reduces the risk of some cancers -Regulates blood sugar -Builds stronger bones -Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s ###### Stress & Anxiety Years ago, I decided to tighten my belt and my calorie intake by cutting out chocolate. By the third day, I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t find any reason for the tears. I just needed to cry. It turns out dark chocolate has a lot of healthy ingredients like magnesium, polyphenols, and tryptophan that work as mood enhancers. It’s best to opt for the 70% cacao and low-sugar varieties like [ChocZero](https://www.choczero.com/ "ChocZero"). No matter what dieting regimen I follow, there must always be chocolate. Plenty of other [foods work to reduce anxiety](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322652#foods-that-help-reduce-anxiety "foods work to reduce anxiety") too - egg yokes, the omega-3s found in fatty fish, green tea and camomile, almonds, Brazil nuts, and vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, cheese, and milk. ###### More to come Somewhere down the road, I’ll look at the benefits of vitamins and the results of vitamin deficiencies for older people (or those of us who don’t want to admit we’re getting older despite what the body has to say about the matter.) Always talk to your doctor about physical problems before making changes to your diet. New ailments may be a sign that something more serious needs to be addressed. But sometimes, it’s a simple matter of the body calling for missing nutrients. Remember these natural remedies, fruits, nuts, dark chocolate. You can’t go wrong with dark chocolate. Have you found a natural cure for what ails you? Share your secrets. Send an email or post a comment on this page. > Had you lived two hundred years ago, you might have been at the mercy of a frightening bunch of quacks. For a case of jaundice, European doctors prescribed drinking a mixture of lice and ale each morning. Beetle juice was used to cure baldness. The cure for a toothache meant wearing the beak of a magpie around the neck. Other concoctions included medicines made of pig brains, snake oil, urine, moldy bread, and dead mouse paste. (If you’re feeling bad about your well-being, read Terry Deary’s series of Horrible History books. You’ll feel much better.) #### Additional Resources: [Dietary Supplements for Older Adults](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-supplements/dietary-supplements-older-adults "Dietary Supplements for Older Adults") [Gin-Soaked Raisins for Arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gin-soaked-raisins-for-arthritis "Gin-Soaked Raisins for Arthritis") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Looking for a Lost Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/lost-raggedy-ann/) **Published:** October 24, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** | \| \| ![Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Raggedy-Ann-2_1-e1754623740256-199x300.jpg "Raggedy Ann 2_1 - Deb Richmond Author") In the fall of 1969, eight-year-old Dawn Howard stared at the display of dolls in a Montoursville department store. She and her siblings were not encouraged to ask for things as children. But the black button eyes, red triangle nose, and thin black smile wouldn't let go. Dawn asked for the Raggedy Ann doll on display. "Maybe Santa will bring it for you," her mother told her. Eight-year-olds can be impatient sometimes. Dawn didn't want to wait for Santa. Yet, the doll remained on the store shelf. That Christmas, Dawn received the best gift of her childhood. It had red and white fabric stripes across the legs and black fabric shoes. Her hair was made of twisted flame-red yarn, and her dress was white with tiny blue, pink, and lavender flowers and partially covered by a white apron. To avoid sibling ownership issues, Dawn wrote her name and the year above the cotton pantaloons and across Raggedy Ann's back. Over time, the doll acquired the usual signs of love and wear, a stained face, a worn hairline, frayed shoelaces, and the scars of an untrained surgeon attempting to repair a semi-detached arm. Raggedy Ann was Dawn's favorite. Unlike the other dolls in Dawn's collection, the doll felt like a real baby with soft skin, unlike the hard plastic. As happens with most children, the fascination with Raggedy Ann wore off, and the doll was added to the collection of unused toys. As Dawn was going into eighth grade, several years later, the family moved to South Williamsport, PA. Dawn's mother oversaw the packing and, having a large family and many belongings opted for only what was necessary. Besides, the doll wasn't getting much attention. Dawn's mother figured her teenager was beyond playing with toys and gave the doll to one of Dawn's younger friends. The lost Raggedy Ann was forgotten for quite a while. But not for good. Dawn began the search for her 1969 toy. Mrs. Howard felt bad when she realized how much the doll meant to her daughter. She found a Family Circus cartoon she cut out and shared with her daughter. It showed a little girl retrieving a dearly loved and nearly lost Raggedy Ann doll from the curbside trash. Dawn talked to the friend who had received the doll. Raggedy Ann probably traveled to Florida when the girl's family moved there, but Raggedy Ann no longer lived with her second family. The functionality of the World Wide Web was yet to be available, and the search ended for a season. ![Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Family-Circus-2-e1754623857436-300x142.jpg "Family Circus 2 - Deb Richmond Author") As we grow older, we tend to return to the former days, linger for a while in happier memories, and wonder if we can pass our simple joys onto the next generations. One day, Dawn searched eBay for a photo of an old Show and Tell record player to show her son how she had learned years ago. This was a new venue for Dawn, and the idea struck her of searching for a special gift for her granddaughter's first birthday. She remembered her precious doll and began searching for a new Raggedy Ann. After skimming through about seven pages of Raggedy Ann merchandise, including dish sets, books, and hand-made replicas, one doll caught Dawn's eye. It had the same familiar flowery print dress, the same black smile. After checking all five photos of the item, she found a picture showing black felt marker on the doll's skin-colored midsection that declared "Dawn 69." Grandmother Dawn recognized the stain on the doll's face, the raw edge on the hairline, the stitching on the top of one shoe, and the arm sewn back onto Raggedy Ann's shoulder, a task young Dawn had done herself. It was almost too much to believe, the original toy available on e-Bay. Dawn found her old fourth-grade spelling notebook, one borrowed by her father to record his tax and coin collection earnings. She compared the spelling book version of her name and the year 1971 to the Raggedy Anna signature. The letters D, A, N, and the number 9 were a perfect match. Dawn says, "I just knew in my heart it was mine." Dawn asked her husband what price he thought was reasonable for buying the doll on e-Bay. He suggested ten dollars. Dawn thought a million dollars was a fair price, she says with laughter. In the end, Dawn paid $3.50 plus a few more dollars in shipping and handling for her best childhood Christmas gift. Dawn says, "I feel the Lord had his hand in it if only to whisper in my ear that he knows me and loves me. Dawn tells people that the lost Raggedy Ann hasn't stopped smiling since she got home. ![Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Raggedy-Ann-face-2-e1754623924737-300x260.jpg "Raggedy Ann face 2 - Deb Richmond Author") *As told to Deb Richmond by Dawn Howard Guerrisky* \| \|:--\| \| \|:-:\| | |:-:| ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Stories from long ago --- ### [Old TV shows from the 60s and 70s](https://debrichmond.com/shows-from-the-60s-and-70s/) **Published:** November 2, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Old-Television-set-300x255.jpeg "Old TV Shows - Deb Richmond Author")Watching TV Shows - not in my house Thanks to modern technology, I can now watch all the old TV shows from the 60s and 70s I missed as a child. When I was in kindergarten, all my friends at school were watching TV. There was no television in our house through kindergarten, first, or second grade. When my parents realized they were expecting baby number three, they asked my brother and me, “Would you rather have a TV or a new baby brother or sister?” My older brother and I had been dreaming about our first television set for a long time. Well, as long as a four and five-year-old can dream. We asked for a TV. We got a sister. That turned out far better than I would have expected at the time. I wouldn’t trade the sister for all the channels on cable. The TV came two years later when my parents wanted to watch the first moon landing. I don't remember the moon landing, but I remember the old TV shows from the 60s and 70s. #### TV Wars My dear old saintly grandmother and I fought a silent war over the television set. She prayed it would break down because no good could come from that box. I prayed we’d get a foot of snow on Sunday evenings so I could go to the Ponderosa Ranch instead of Sunday evening church services. Grandma won the prayer battles far more often than I did. I may have been addicted to television as a child. Once, I ran away from home but had to return by 4:00 to watch my favorite show. Or maybe it was for my mother’s chicken and waffles. There was really nowhere to run to in our small town anyway. As I revisit the memories of those shows from the 60s and 70s, I can’t help but laugh at myself. Here’s a quiz on some of my old-time favorites so you can laugh at me, too. I guess I’ve grown up a little. But the memories of those old shows still tickle my funny bone. #### Let's see if we watched the same shows If you get through the quiz, send me an email of some of your favorite old shows. You may remember some I’ve forgotten. Quiz clue - Most of these old TV shows are from the 60s and 70s. **Click here for the [Oldies TV Quiz](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSdd1UMeY-lZ-Wy9jP3KEonoYUT0F_GjNYN6heiXcXXAAnYw/viewform?usp=sf_link "Oldies TV Quiz")** To read more about the 60s and 70s, check out [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House on the Highway") or [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [2024 Christmas Tree Poem](https://debrichmond.com/2024-christmas-tree-poem/) **Published:** December 13, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![Newport-Christmas-tree](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Real-Christmas-Tree-2-257x300.jpg "Real Christmas Tree 2 - Deb Richmond Author") # 2024 # Christmas Tree Poem Time moves on, Like the rushing traffic Flying by at breakneck speeds, Needing to be somewhere five minutes ago. Not so for me. I’m slowing down, wanting rest, The end of a season. We’ve both grown smaller over the years. Gravity pulls me down. Low in the driver’s seat Barely seeing over the steering wheel. I lift my face And see your glow. And smile At your warmth and welcome, A tiny piece of radiance in a dark world. I smile, knowing this is the last winter for early morning treks. Goodbye, little friend. May you bless the path of new travelers, hurried, weary, burdened. Bring a smile To those who see No light at the end of the road. Read the story of the Christmas Tree Poems. It started here in 2016: [The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/ "The Christmas Tree Poems") The story of the Christmas Tree poems ended in 2024: [How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/ "How I Lost My Little Friend") The Christmas Tree poem story traveled beyond my reach: [The Burg: The Greater Harrisburg Community Magazine](https://theburgnews.com/around-the-burg/tree-of-hope-joy-unexpected-sparkle-of-christmas-lights-brightens-lonely-travels "The Burg: The Greater Harrisburg Community Magazine") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories --- ### [The Sound of Christmas Music...Singing...Noise](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-music/) **Published:** December 26, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### I'm making a joyful noise - Why is no one glad? Christmas may be over at your house, but it’s still playing in the background at mine. The Christmas music comes out on November 1 and may not go back into hibernation until the end of January. There are simply too many holiday songs to fit into a single month. My Christmas playlists alternate between workout music (Should someone my age be listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra on the treadmill?) Another playlist seems to be composed of only O Holy Night, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and the Little Drummer Boy playing every third song. Pentatonix gets its own playlist and can only be fully appreciated when I have an empty room to loudly add my own harmony. #### The Christmas music binge started a long time ago. In 1968, my dad pulled the 65 Ford Galaxy into the gas station to “fill ‘er up.” As a reward for buying a full tank of gas, he was given a red-covered Firestone Presents Your Favorite Christmas Music vinyl record that featured Leontyne Price and the Vienna Boys Choir. We didn’t even have a record player at home. But one soon appeared, a console wider than today’s treadmill with speaker panels in the front and storage compartments on both sides of the turntable. Several years ago, I purchased several more Firestone Christmas albums, but none of them held the same beauty for me as that 1968 volume 7 version. ![Firestone Presents Your Christmas Favorites](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Firestone-Christmas-album.webp "Firestone Christmas album - Deb Richmond Author")Firestone Presents Your Christmas FavoritesThat wonderful gift initiated a not-so-famous singing career for my brother Ken and me. We would take turns standing on the little brown vinyl hassock in the living, and belt out “Good Christian Men Rejoice” or "Ding Dong Merrily on High.” Later, we pretended to be Vestal or Howard of the Happy Goodmans or one of the regulars from Hee Haw. We continued to fill the living room through our teen years, singing along with Johnny Cash and the Statler Brothers. At Christmas time, we could always hear Mom singing along to the radio, especially when Brenda Lee came on with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Dad wasn’t much of a singer. He claimed to sing solo - so low no one could hear him. Dad really did have a knack for that one note. I eventually made the switch to rock 'n roll, capturing Billboard hits playing from the radio to my cassette tape recorder. One day, my little sister ventured into the room while I was recording a favorite song. She thought it would be funny to sing along. I didn’t want my recording ruined. I muzzled her mouth with my palm and knocked out a loose tooth. That brought even more noise. #### Blasting it out from the back seat It must have driven Dad nearly bananas when the four of us, three kids and my mother, started the almost constant car sing-a-longs. We didn’t go anywhere without singing at the top of our lungs. We harmonized the daylights out of those old songs. Worse yet, we often invented our own lyrics. I hate to tell you what we did to the song “I’m looking over a four-leaf clover.” I’m not sure when we stopped singing together. Probably about the time my brother got his driver’s license. It just wasn’t the same without the alternating bass/tenor part of the harmony. But every Christmas, we still get together. We eat a big meal (or two if we can manage it), play some rowdy board games, and tell stories about the good old days. But usually, we enjoy some of our favorite Christmas music. It may not sound like a joyful noise. Newer family members sometimes use the words “cringe” and “Well, that was interesting.” But it’s a beautiful sound to me. More Christmas Stories: [Christmas Past and Future](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-past-and-present/ "Christmas Past and Future") [The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/ "The Christmas Tree Poems") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories --- ### [Challenges Crossing the Stream](https://debrichmond.com/crossing-the-stream/) **Published:** October 19, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Facing the challenges of crossing the stream was a grim reminder that my physical abilities were fading. Outtakes: Sometimes, when writing a book, there are scenes we want to keep in, but they have nothing to do with the actual plot. Publishers call these scenes our darlings and say, "You have to cut your darlings from the manuscript." These are called outtakes. Here's an outtake about crossing the stream from the novel *The Wandering Place.* How do I know my youth is all spent? My get-up-and-go has got up and went! But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin And think of the places my getup has been! by an unknown poet ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hiking-boots-300x200.webp "hiking boots - Deb Richmond Author") Every Saturday morning, Rick and I visited his parents in the Alzheimer’s unit of the nursing home, watching them fade with each passing week. Rick’s dad was stuck at a job he’d retired from thirty years earlier. Why can’t dementia allow you to get stranded on vacation or a cruise instead of the most frustrating part of your job? In recent years, I regretted that Rick and I lacked the time and fun money to take another cruise in the Caribbean or hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. What if my husband becomes too old for snorkeling, island adventures, or exploring canyons? One Saturday afternoon in October, we set out on a hike through the woods behind our favorite campground. My sister Wendy and I had visited this place frequently in our childhood and teen years, so it was familiar ground. But we hiked further into the woods than ever before, and the trail blazes came to an end. We were left searching for the path, standing in an open but straggly field of weeds. Our trail leader forged ahead. “I think, after crossing this stream, we’ll come back out on the trail,” Rick announced. My kid sister Wendy and I had grown up playing in creeks, or “cricks,” if you’re from rural Pennsylvania. This should be easy. Except I was wearing my new $90 hiking boots and thick insulated socks. But how treacherous could it be to plod the length of a flagpole across water-polished pebbles through a slowly rolling stream? Carrying heavy boots and a backpack that perfectly matched my khaki utility pants and moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free trekking shirt? Early in the season, before teenagers in water shoes had scraped away the slippery green scum from the jagged stones. I walk five miles a day – it’s about that far from my classroom to the faculty lounge – I’m in great shape. This shouldn’t be difficult. Rick was across before I’d gotten my second boot off. Kenny, my nephew, being nearly a teenager, showed no concern for expensive footwear and stomped over the rocks, stopping to splash his mother, and arrived safely ashore with soggy feet. Wendy stepped into the stream and slid sideways, waving her arms across the water like a jumbo jet trying to reach America. After my first step down from the knee-high bank, I searched for flat stones on the little river bed. I didn’t find any silky smooth pebbles there. How could feet with such hardened calluses be tender? I tried to wade across slowly but couldn’t linger for even a moment on the painful stones. Balancing on one foot in knee-deep water was also a problem. I’d once imagined myself a graceful athlete like Nadia Comaneci on the balance beam. Reality nipped another dream into oblivion. Wendy and I yelped and moaned our way halfway across before crying out for rescue. Rick, being practically minded, was moving boulders the size of snare drums to build a bridge for us. Did he really think I could leap the three-foot gap from stone to stone? He’d only bridged a portion of the gap when the boots began to slip from my fingers. Wendy was tottering uncomfortably from one foot to the other. We turned instead to the kid. “Kenny, help!” Giggling at our pathetic athletischism, Kenny’s steady traction and Rick’s wobbling rocks allowed us to reach the other side, sore-footed, wet in the wrong places, but exhilarated at having survived. Rick was wrong about the trail. We crossed that same winding stream three more times before locating another trail marker. On the last crossing, I wore the boots, hoping they had at least $20 worth of waterproofing. Our trek crossing the streams was a grim reminder that my physical abilities were fading. I lacked balance, flexibility, and the rugged endurance I had read about in books about pioneers, mountain climbers, and arctic explorers. I could barely cross a little creek. Now, I had to concede that my retirement-aged husband wasn’t the one most likely to grab a deck chair and watch the action from the bow of the ship. I was. (Author's note - I'd like to tell you this story is fictional, but "Rick," "Kenny," and "Wendy" would say otherwise. More from *The Wandering Place: [Age & Beauty: Thoughts on Growing Older](https://debrichmond.com/age-and-beauty/)* ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Age and Beauty - Thoughts on Growing Old](https://debrichmond.com/age-and-beauty/) **Published:** September 20, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** While I continue to learn the art of storytelling and revise "The Wandering Place," I thought I would share a small excerpt with you. Here's one story about age and beauty from the book. If you get to the end, I've added a side note that probably won't make it into the book. But it amazes me every time I think about it. William opened his eyes and looked at me. I couldn’t smile. Sorrow pulled on his face. He’d grown old, and old isn’t pretty, even to those who must wear it. I looked at my brown spotted hands, pulling the muscles tight to make the creases turn into smooth skin again. The thought of growing old and unsightly always put an ache in my stomach. I knew my comeuppance was coming. I sent off a quick question to God. Will I pay for the words I said so long ago? The older people of my church greet me each Sunday with smiles of joy. Many still see me as the little girl who couldn’t sit still through Sunday School. I’m a reminder that God can transmogrify a rambunctious and sometimes nasty kid into an adult without accumulating jail time. When I was a child playing tag in the church parking lot after services, I watched an older woman walk from the church steps to her car. She was ancient and decrepit, a ghastly looking soul. From where I stood, she was ugly. Her skin shriveled into layers, drooping rags covering her bones. I called to the other kids, pointed to the old woman, then called her a witch. When I got home, my usual after-church punishment increased my concept of compassion. What was I thinking? Did I think she wouldn’t feel those horrid words? She didn’t choose to get old and wrinkled. Inside, she was probably a beautiful gem, a saint looking forward to a better land. I looked back and wondered if she had gone home and cried. Did she mourn the loss of the days when she was young and beautiful and able to run across that parking lot? Did she forgive my words? Would she ever forget them? Why do the young think they will escape such a future? Why did I? I remember wanting my friends to see her as I saw her, a sight to behold, hideous beyond imagining. I wanted them to say, “Ohh,” and “Ahh” at my discovery. Her sad, withered face sneaks through the gate of my memory from time to time. Will I see her in Heaven, or will I be conspicuously absent from her glorious path? Looking at William, I saw an image of things to come. Loved ones surround me in the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Lingering on the outer edge of the crowd, beside a little Haitian child who holds a picture of herself on a sponsorship letter, stands my witch. She’ll wait for the ones closest to me to have their greetings and hugs, not too hard, son, for you know how easily I used to break. After scanning the crowd of familiar faces, I’ll catch her eye and see a twinkle. I’ll recognize her and walk in her direction as my family and friends part for what they anticipate will be a remarkable reunion. This is a grace moment. She will hold out her hands to me, and I’ll run like a lost child into the arms of a grandmother. Falling into warm, unwrinkled, unblemished arms, I’ll pull back and look into that beautiful face. This time, I’ll see the eyes that glow with joy, just as they glittered in God’s delight all the years of her life, even when wrapped in ragged skin. It won’t be guilt unleashed or regret or shame that shadows me there. It will be the love of God that opens my eyes to this beautiful soul. She’ll hug me close and whisper in my ear, “I knew you would be here, dear child. I prayed for you.” Side note - Yes, that rotten little girl was me. I was a rascal. What surprises me about this story, though, is that I wrote it more than ten years ago. Did you notice that my son was already waiting for me in Heaven? He died two years ago this month. Why did I write his death into the story so long ago? I sure do miss you, Ron. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Auguste and Alois - The Alzheimer's Story](https://debrichmond.com/auguste-and-alois-the-alzheimers-story/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![remember](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/August-Deter-239x300.jpg "August Deter - Deb Richmond Author")Auguste Deter 2023 April 30 In Wikipedia [httpsenwikipediaorgwikiAuguste Deter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Deter)In recent years, research has demonstrated a connection between insulin resistance and the deterioration of neuronal function in the brain. This brain/insulin connection has created the clinical research term “Type 3 Diabetes,” the newest name for Alzheimer’s Disease. I wondered how we got the name Alzheimer’s for this malady. Who would want their name attached to something that sends goosebumps up your body at the mention of it? Here is the original Alzheimer's story. #### Auguste Deter's Story In the 1890s, Germany’s Auguste Deter, then 50 years old, began to lose her memory, her sense of time, and her sense of self. Because of her paranoid delusions, trance-like states, and screaming episodes, she was confined to Frankfurt’s Irrenschloss, known as “Castle of the Insane,” in 1901. Mrs. Deter was not only bewildered most of the time, but she was keenly aware of her predicament. “I have lost myself,” summed up her situation. Yet, some of Deter's responses were perfectly logical. When asked, “Where is your bed?” Auguste replied, “Where it should be.” ##### Who Named This Ailment? Unlike Lou Gehrig’s disease, named for its most famous fatality, or Lyme Disease, named for the Connecticut towns where it gained recognition, most of our eponymous diseases create Wikipedia entries for the doctors and researchers who’ve studied them but leave the sufferers in obscurity. A.D., or Alzheimer’s Disease, is named for the doctor. ##### Alois Alzheimer While working at the Frankfurt Institution for the Mentally Ill and Epileptics, Dr. Alois Alzheimer documented Auguste Deter’s mental deterioration as she consciously struggled to understand what was taking place in her mind. Following her death in 1906, Dr. Alzheimer continued to study her medical records and also examined her brain. In Auguste Deter’s brain, Alzheimer found two physical abnormalities that today characterize the condition. He discovered senile plaques, which are clumps of beta-amyloid protein in cells that block normal transmission between neurons, those many-fingered hands that reach across the mind to connect our snippets of knowledge. Barriers form around the brain’s cells, which block the transference of messages. He also found lesions that formed inside the brain cells, killing neurons from within. These are called neurofibrillary tangles. This discovery and subsequent research demonstrate that the disease damages neurons on two fronts, both from within and without. ##### Learning and Memory Further research reveals that the disease impacts numerous types of neurotransmitters. Glutamate transmitters affect learning and memory. Recent additions to the family are often lost to an Alzheimer's patient who no longer can learn new names or catalog new information. Healthcare workers and assisted living workers must introduce themselves every day, like living through “50 First Dates” without the happy ending. When Dr. Alzheimer asked, “What is your name?” she replied, “Auguste.” When asked for her family name, she replied, “Auguste.” When asked her husband’s name, the lady replied, “Auguste.” ##### Who's In Control? Noradrenaline transmitters distort responsiveness, fear, and aggression. Stress, brought on by fear and paranoia, can cause a sufferer to become combative with family members or healthcare workers, making it difficult to care for their needs or even be around them. Auguste Deter came to believe friends and strangers alike were attempting to kill her. Sometimes, it’s easy to get frustrated or angry with ill-behaved seniors who have dementia, but their brains are controlling their actions, not the other way around. ##### Alzheimer Moods Serotonin transmitters impact mood, body temperature, the cardiovascular system, appetite, social behavior, and sleep patterns. People with Alzheimer’s may struggle to stay warm despite wearing many layers of clothing. They may lose the ability to enjoy favorite foods. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) dysfunction can cause increased apathy and anxiety. Moods may change quickly from states of hopelessness to states of extreme frustration and are often compounded by an inability to communicate as the brain and body no longer work together. ##### Here and Now When asked where she was at that moment, August Deter replied, “Here and everywhere, here and now, you must not think badly of me.” So maybe A.D. stands for Auguste Deter after all. To learn more about Alzheimer's Disease (or Auguste Deter's Disease), read [What Is Alzheimer's Disease?](https://debrichmond.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease/ "What Is Alzheimer's Disease?") [Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's](https://debrichmond.com/characteristics-of-alzheimers-disease/ "Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's") [Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer's](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer's") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving --- ### [What is Alzheimer's Disease?](https://debrichmond.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ### ![Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SrA-010-1-300x170.jpg "SrA 010 (1) - Deb Richmond Author") ### What is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder that wreaks havoc with stored memories, hinders new learning, and tampers with cognitive skills. While getting older is a natural event, Alzheimer’s Disease is not. The communication network in the brain is composed of a maddeningly complex system of nerve cells called neurons. Picture a map with cities scattered throughout the state connected by millions of highways and back roads. These information highways are called axons and dendrites, and they carry information signals, chemicals, and electrical charges. Between the reaching fingers of dendrites are gaps called synapses. When Alzheimer’s Disease develops, the synapses become cluttered with a protein plaque called Beta-amyloid. Picture your brain as a system of roadways. Major highways crisscross all over the place, and little country lanes intersect them all, leading in millions of directions. And just like many roads in the summertime, there are gaps where information deliverers cannot leap the “bridge out” signs to connect with the next section of the road. Information can’t get through. If you’re lucky, there is a short detour around the “road closed” sign. A brain with many connections and alternate pathways may be able to compensate for the obstructed gap. If you’re not lucky, you realize the detour is not worth the extra time, so you turn around and go home. Neurotransmitters in the brain drop the information being processed. Sometimes, this information is a memory, a previously learned skill, or a decision. Whatever is being carried across the brain’s highways, the message never gets through. Another road rage villain is a tau protein that forms inside neuron cells. In healthy brains, tau attaches to microtubules to direct nutrients to the proper location. In unhealthy brains, tau attaches to other tau proteins and creates a cobweb of threads called neurofibrillary tangles, blocking the transfer of information. Picture the kid on a dirt bike charging straight into the yellow construction tape and spinning circles until no one can move or escape. The construction and the clean-up processes come to a halt. The brain cannot clear away the debris, and the road is closed forever. Other factors may contribute to the Alzheimered mind: vascular issues where veins cannot supply enough nutrients and blood to a functioning brain, a glucose supply problem that lacks enough gas to power brain activities, inflammation that keeps cells from clearing away the clutter, brain shrinkage in the hippocampus that holds memory and the ability to learn. Somehow, all this works together (or doesn’t work together!) to allow memory and critical thinking to determine if Auntie Nora is my second cousin on my mother’s side or my father’s side. In the tangles and barricades of Alzheimer’s, there’s just no road that takes me there anymore, and Nora is lost in a maze. Since more than six million Americans suffer from the disease and longer life spans increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers and scientists are working to attack the problem in three areas. Many medicines work to relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease - reduce inflammation, increase memory, or improve the vascular system. Some work is being done to prevent the formation of amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles. Other clinical trials and research focus on undoing the roadway clutter to clear away plaque and tangles. An early medication called aducanumab (Aduhelm) was approved in 2021 but cost over $50,000 a year. This drug probably has the longest history of Alzheimer-related use, but clinical trials show mixed results. An IV-injected medicine called lecanemab, currently priced at $26,000 a year, was approved in January 2023. While this drug comes with the possible side effects of swelling and bleeding in the brain, trials showed a reduction of amyloid plague and a memory improvement. A new drug called donanedab is expected to go into clinical trials this year. While drug and insurance companies hash out the “Who pays for this?” question, promising drugs are slowly making their way to those who need them. A new protocol for collaboration between government entities, researchers, funders, and pharmacies is speeding the process of clinical trials and FDA approval. New and better medicines may be available to Alzheimer’s Disease patients in the near future. I hope so because I haven’t found a way to reduce the number of candles on my cake, no matter how creative I become in counting birthdays. Worse yet—I can't prove I didn't put the stack of mail in the refrigerator! Blast those “bridge out” signs! [Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/characteristics-of-alzheimers-disease/ "Recognizing the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease") [Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Risks and Risk Reducers of Alzheimer's Disease") To learn more, check out these websites: AAMC - [Recent research in Alzheimer's research provides hope for patients](https://www.aamc.org/news/recent-breakthroughs-alzheimer-s-research-provide-hope-patients "Recent research in Alzheimer's research provides hope for patients") Alzheimer’s Association - [Medications for Cognition & Dementia Related Behaviors](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory#Types%20of%20drugs "Medications for Cognition & Dementia Related Behaviors") Duke University - [What You Need to Know About Aducanumab](https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/what-you-need-know-about-aducanumab "What You Need to Know About Aducanumab") The Lancet - Scheltens, P., De Strooper, B., Kivipelto, M., Holstege, H., Chételat, G., Teunissen, C. E., Cummings, J., & van der Flier, W. M. (2021). Alzheimer's disease. *The Lancet*, *397*(10284), 1577-1590. <https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32205-4> [Mayo Clinic - Alzheimer's Disease](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447 "Mayo Clinic - Alzheimer's Disease") National Institute on Aging - Alzheimer's disease fact sheet U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Yale Medicine - [Yale Medicine - Lecanemab, the New Alzheimer's Treatment](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/lecanemab-leqembi-new-alzheimers-drug#:~:text=Lecanemab%20works%20by%20removing%20a,van%20Dyck "Yale Medicine - Lecanemab, the New Alzheimer's Treatment") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving --- ### [Is it time for another birthday already?](https://debrichmond.com/is-it-time-for-another-birthday-already/) **Published:** April 27, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Despite having seen so many, I still look forward to them. Yes, they tend to be uneventful, uncommemorated, and go mostly unnoticed. Still, it’s an excuse to eat cake -if I can find the sugar-free kind- or open a flowery greeting card, or beg donations to a favorite charity. This year, it’s Special Olympics, by the way. Some cringe at the arrival of another birthday. When I was in my twenties, I saw a lady weep when she hit thirty. All those years ago, I made an important decision - I pre-scheduled my post-mid-life crisis for my 85th birthday. Procrastination generally works in my favor, so I will delay the drama for a few more years. Some people feel the pangs of another year when their children turn forty, when the knees give out, or when a new ache becomes a chronic pain. Celebrating an advanced birthday can be a bit embarrassing and depressing, but I’ve found a way around this thing. It’s known in the scientific world as age-group dissociation; you know the thinking: I’m not nearly as old as other people my age. I call it creative accounting. In my forties, I celebrated the 30th anniversary of my 18th birthday. At fifty, I celebrated my 25th birthday twice. This year, I’m enjoying a dyslexic sweet sixteen. Birthdays aren’t all bad. As long as I can climb stairs without losing my breath, run like a rabbit on a treadmill, or remember my childhood phone number, I’m going to savor these days even if I can’t move as fast as my 82-year-old father. No one can keep up with that man. There are benefits to being another year older. Grandchildren top the list. Having an excuse to wear elastic waist pants and comfortable shoes is worth more candles on the cake. Getting one step closer to retirement is exciting, too. At some point, I’m going to stop being embarrassed by my advancing years and start bragging about them, probably right after the eighty-five-year crisis. But maybe a lot sooner. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Christmas Past...and Future](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-past-and-present/) **Published:** December 25, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Christmas Past Christmas past holds so many glorious memories. Yet Christmas will never be the same without her. The Toll House cookies are gone. Her rich chocolate cake will never sit on the old buffet table again. The warbling soprano is missing from our sing-alongs. Even my mother’s spacious basement with the ever-decorated Christmas tree is gone now - emptied, scrubbed, and sold to a family from another place. Parents are the cement that holds a family together. Too many families are in pieces because the parents are in pieces, or gone from this earth, off to seek their fortunes, lost in ether space. Without the parents, families grow apart. In Christmas past, the days of my childhood, family was a crowd. The Wert family get-togethers at Pap and Grandma’s house were the highlight of the year. Everyone came, every aunt and uncle and cousin. No exceptions. Grandma’s white farmhouse wasn’t big, but there were enough rooms to allow half a dozen private conversations to take place at once, and sofas for the men to stretch out and nap while the womenfolk cleaned up the turkey dinner. Then there was the Christmas gift exchange when I prayed my name wasn’t drawn by the cousin who only bought dime-store bubble bath in animal-shaped bottles. But when Pap and Grandma sold the farm, Christmas moved to community buildings, the church fellowship hall, and within a few years, dissolved altogether. #### Christmas Present A new tradition began, one that, in recent years, I had forgotten had its own beginning. Some in the family would claim we’ve always done it that way. My parents, siblings, and all our clans met in the basement of the ranch house Dad built for Mom. We celebrated Jesus’ birth, and fed our hearty appetites and crazy sense of humor. Attendance was no longer necessary or always possible. Some were on call for their jobs. Some lived too far away. Others had to split their time between our family and their in-laws. Not everyone who attended the family gathering was a blood relative, but they were still considered family. We held slightly altered traditions that filled the room with laughter and calories, music and reverence. A time of feasting, then trying to harmonize “O Holy Night, followed by “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.” One never knew what ridiculous song the little ones might request. Wait a minute…I think I called for that one. We tried to imitate the operatic voices of “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” as sung on the Firestone Christmas album. Always, someone in the family read the Christmas story because we knew Grandma prayed her children would know the true meaning of Christmas. We followed the sacred moments with an abundance of presents. The bundle of gifts was carefully chosen, each child and grandchild receiving a gift worth not one dollar more or less than the others. My mother was masterful at buying all the grandchildren the same gift in colors to match personalities - bean bag chairs, stuffed animals, watches. It became a competition among the siblings to find purposeful gifts for Mom and Dad. All year long, we listened for Dad to say, “Boy, I could really use one of those.” Evenings ran into the morning hours of board games that always left us amazed at the knowledge level of one or more family members. Who knew Gram Varner could sing the lyrics to Mick Jagger’s “Come on Baby, Light My Fire!” #### Christmas Future But those sweet memories are only memories. Now, the little grandchildren from those first Christmases have grandchildren of their own. The mothers and grandmothers who called us to gather are gone. Without the parents, families grow apart. …Unless we find ways to create new traditions. In Christmas present, we arranged a sleepover at a beautiful little bed and breakfast. The rich chocolate cake made a return to the table, and a different flavor of cookie might become the new favorite. My sister’s strawberry and pretzel dessert is already a tradition that is essential to the event. I’ve taken over the challenge of finding a new board game to keep us going through the night and partway into the morning. We sing, though some of the voices are missing. Now it’s my turn to pray that the little ones grow up to know what is truth and goodness. I’m the grandma now. Christmas future - I miss the Christmases of long ago, but there are new memories to be made. Memories and moments with the young adults who are finding their way and becoming a source of inspiration and hope. Memories for the little ones whose eyes dance as they hold a present bought from the dollar store and fight sleep because they’re wearing new, matching Christmas jammies. A collection of memories from the older ones who tell of Christmases long ago. I can't go back to Christmas past. Life goes on, and so do the traditions we build into each special season, traditions that may allow the next generations to look back one day and say, “Christmas get-togethers were the highlight of the year.” For more Christmas stories: [Christmas Music](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-music/ "Christmas Music") [Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/ "Christmas Tree Poems") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories, Stories from long ago --- ### [The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/) **Published:** December 1, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** | \| by Deb Richmond, Author/Wanna-be poet \| \|:--\| | |:-:| | \| \| Some people send thank-you notes. Others give hugs. I tell stories or sometimes write poems, especially Christmas tree poems. I don’t claim to be much of a poet, but sometimes, having grown up on *Green Eggs and Ham*, I can’t help myself. ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Christmas-Tree-Snow-Jewish-Nation-300x169.webp "Christmas-Tree-Snow-Jewish Nation - Deb Richmond Author")The Christmas Tree Poems inspirationA little Christmas tree stands along the road on my way to work. I don’t know when it started, but the delight in seeing that tree every dark winter morning has always filled me with thankfulness - gratitude for the people who string a long power cord from a dwelling hidden behind the hill to the edge of the road, gratitude to my Heavenly Father for one more day. Somewhere along the way, I began writing the thank-you Christmas tree poems and leaving them under the tree for the owners to find. Sometimes, in icy January, I wonder if I’ll fall and break a bone trying to climb that little hill to where the tree stands or slide down in my backside to my car parked along the road. Nevertheless, I need to leave my gratuity for the joy that tree gives. I’ve just finished writing this year’s poem. I have one more to write, and then my journey on the dark highway of 322 will be done. Here is the 2023 poem and a few from previous years. #### Christmas Tree Poem (2019) You’re still here? It’s good to see that Christmas lingers with my tree, that colors shine and hope stands tall as winter’s grip begins to thaw. And now and then the blackest shade of morning’s dark will lift and fade, and sunshine peaks beneath the blinds with Spring and warmth not far behind. But even before the promised light your merry hues transcend the night. #### (2020) The road this year was dark and cold, With illness, loss, and growing old Yet ever hope remains and brightness lights the way. The road this year was never ending, With busyness and too much spending, I’m weary from the endless work, The hopeless soul and road rage jerk But color peers over the rise, A welcome to my heartsick eyes For when the night is at its nightest Then love and lights display the brightest. #### Little Things (2021) Darkness holds me in a bear hug The savage threat of loss and fear and dread But beyond the beast A beacon points to a better tomorrow A ray of hope stands along the path Unmasked Unbowed Invincible If I can look beyond the gloom There is joy in little things the dancing eyes of laughter the taste of falling snow the smell of pine the giggle of a mischievous child My friend, the roadside Christmas tree and the beauty of colored lights Another unhindered breath To read the final Christmas Tree Poem: [Christmas Tree Poem 2024](https://debrichmond.com/2024-christmas-tree-poem/ "Christmas Tree Poem 2024") The story behind the Christmas Tree Poems: [How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/ "How I Lost My Little Friend") For more Christmas stories: [Christmas Singing](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-music/ "Christmas Singing") [Christmas Past and Future](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-past-and-present/ "Christmas Past and Future") \| \|:--\| \| \|:-:\| | |:-:| ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories --- ### [A Few of My Favorite Things](https://debrichmond.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/) **Published:** November 25, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [![favorite things](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/favorite-things-300x252.jpg "favorite things - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/favorite-things.jpg)Marie may have loved raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, and bright copper kettles, but I have a different list. As we approach Thanksgiving, it may be a good time to take stock of what we have. I, for one, spend too much time thinking of the things I don’t have (like enough days off work!) I’ve listed some of my favorite things that I usually don’t mention. Please send me an email with some of your favorite things. You’re not allowed to do the usual - family, friends, and faith. Why? If we start naming all our favorite people, we will 1) miss someone important, and 2) run out of computer data/hard drive/RAM/cache space. Do any of those even exist anymore? You can get creative and sneak in a few of the forbidden ones. There may be a surprise in the mail for one random person who responds to this email. Let’s make it email number 12. A few of my favorite things: - Crawling under a pile of covers on a night when it sounds like the house is going to blow away - Starting to read three new books at the same time and waiting to see which one captivates me - Little girls in sparkly shoes - Movies that leave me saying, “I didn’t see that coming!” ![favorite things - blue eyes](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/April-2021-Smiling-Gage-e1753649068327-271x300.jpeg "April 2021 Smiling Gage - Deb Richmond Author") - Big blue eyes - Reading a story I wrote years ago, and enjoying what I wrote because I have no memory of composing those words. - Cheese and bacon bits on my green vegetables - Wrapping in a warm comforter, sitting on my sunroom sofa while reading a book about the perils and struggles of mountain climbers or arctic explorers who barely survive the freezing conditions. - Floral designs on just about anything - Leaving the library with a stack of books - The people at my church who hug me, encourage me, and carry me through the crises of life - Victorian houses - Encouraging comments from people who read what I've written - Grandchildren who wrap both arms around my legs, so I won’t leave their house. - Hearing the church bells chime through the streets of McAlisterville on a Saturday morning. - A snow-covered world before anyone has a chance to muck it up. - The look on a student’s face when they finally “get it!” - My dad’s stories of his younger years - The little Christmas tree that watches over Route 322 near Newport from November through January. - Rust-colored mums and purple dahlias that linger through October - The anticipation of putting together the 3000-piece jigsaw puzzle hiding under my dresser, waiting for my retirement - Perusing the homes for sale webpage and pretending I could afford the house with six bedrooms and a pool - Warm, fuzzy footies - Coasting downhill on my bicycle… (I have to do a lot of uphills before I get the downhills) - Castles - The member of the family who knows everybody in the county and knows where they live, where they work, and if they’re still alive (so I don’t have to ask and embarrass myself) - Waterfalls - Sister time - Thunderstorms - Peace that passes understanding - Butterflies - Opening a brand-new word puzzle book - The thought of retirement! - Picking green beans early in the morning with my favorite gardener - The art of the greeting card (not quite as impressed with most of the sayings, but the art is beautiful!) - Making a list of things I love instead of grading papers Your turn! Tell me a few of your favorite things, and let me know someone is out there! Many blessings to you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving, Deb More reasons to be thankful: | \| \| \|:-:\| | |:-:| [Some Things Are Better Than They Used To Be](https://debrichmond.com/some-things-are-better-than-they-used-to-be/ "Some Things Are Better Than They Used To Be") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories **Tags:** favorite things, giving thanks, Thanksgiving --- ### [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/) **Published:** August 7, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [![milk glass vase](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Bowl_milk_glass-300x245.jpeg "Bowl_milk_glass - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Bowl_milk_glass.jpeg)It was an ordinary, nothing special dish with waves of rolling milk glass edges and glossy whatnot sitting on an antique coffee table, waiting for someone to send it flying to the hardwood floor. My brother and I had pushed Mom to her limits that day. She was beyond yelling and had retreated into a silent sanctuary of her own. She resigned control and left us to face Dad’s anger. Ken had never really been a child. At ten, he was taller than Mom and too beefy to be intimidated by anyone except Dad. My brother, who always caused the trouble at our house, was now doing something permissible. So how was it that I came to be in the living room, tossing a basketball that Mom had ordered put outside? Had Ken been playing so near to the table, nothing would have happened. But I was an uncoordinated nine-year-old the size of a yardstick. After a second toss, the ball slipped from my hands, landed on the table, and rolled toward that unfulfilled candy dish. My efforts to save it only served to tip it over the edge. Small glass fragments went careening across the floor like tiny skaters on ice. I ran upstairs, seeking refuge behind the yellow comforter that hung over Mom’s bed. The room smelled of stinky hair tonic and Old Spice, the smell of my Dad. Ken’s weathered high tops squeaked around the stairway landing, and I thought I was safe when he walked by the bedroom without stopping. “Mom!” He stood in the hallway, where the sound carried beautifully around the angled stairs and to the first floor. “She’s under your bed!” I was frantic! It wasn’t just the broken vase. The vase was old, and knowing our financial situation, probably cheaply bought. It had been empty since the first day I saw it, but it was one of the few decorative items my mother owned. I had already exceeded any chance of forgiveness for the day. I lay there with a nauseous feeling that comes from having said hateful words that cannot be taken back, or taunting the withered, hunched-over lady at church. Again, I’d committed an unpardonable sin. How could there be so many of them? I scampered from room to room, from closet to closet, for most of the afternoon. Each time Ken would watch from the corner of the stairs and inform everyone within the sound of his nearly bass voice about my whereabouts. By late afternoon, I was sitting on my bed, with the door slightly ajar. There was nothing left but to endure my portion. It was then I realized the anticipation of punishment was far worse than the actual event. A pick-up truck roared in the driveway. Dad was home! And Ken had planted himself on the sofa near the doorway. Given the long interval of silence, I knew that Mom and Dad were conferring. Then came the slow, steady stride of greasy work boots. He didn’t come all the way to my room at the back of the hallway. Instead, turning into Ken’s room, I heard the whine of my brother’s four-poster bed and knew Dad was looking out the window to the west. “Deb.” He always called to us in such a calm voice. “Deb, come over here.” He never turned to look as I walked around the edge of the bed. “Come here. I want to show you something.” Holding out strong arms for me to sit on his lap, he lifted me to see over the fan in the window and whispered, “Have you ever seen a rainbow as big and beautiful as that one?” Whether the fan was blocking my view or because I was trembling inside is uncertain, but I don’t remember the rainbow. The subject of the dish didn’t come up while my dad and I sat and talked about what was beyond the window. Nor was my offense ever mentioned again. Maybe my parents refused to award my brother the pleasure of my punishment. Perhaps it was just Dad’s way of saying, “You’re more important to us than a shiny bowl.” It wasn’t until after all the kids had grown and moved away from home that Mom and Dad freely spoke the words, “I love you.” But there was never any doubt in my mind. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Empty Porches In Small Communities](https://debrichmond.com/empty-porches/) **Published:** July 29, 2022 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ### ![empty porch](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/porch-swing-deb-richmond-300x163.webp "- Deb Richmond Author") ### Empty Porches When I turned teenager, my family moved from a house surrounded by farmland to a small community in central Pennsylvania. Oakland Mills sits on both sides of one of the two main roads that run the length of Juniata County. Its population included about 17 households and less than 50 people. We were a village, not being large enough for town status. Neighbors rested on the front porch after a day’s work, waiting for someone to walk by and begin a conversation. When we had too many leftovers, we carried them to a neighbor's home, knowing they would have leftovers for us someday. I’d been inside almost every house in the area, selling school fundraising items or returning an empty baking dish. ### Small Community Gatherings Every summer, my mother and a few other members of the village organized a picnic at the small community building that rested beside a creek, an old red brick one-story with noisy wooden floors, an attached outhouse, and a primitive kitchen area. Each family brought enough casseroles, pies, and vegetable dishes to feed all 17 households. After the meal, a brief business meeting took place, with minutes recorded, officers elected, the occasional discussion regarding the upkeep of the building, and introductions to new community members. Sometimes, songs or games followed the meal, but mostly, we talked. To each other. I’d watch my parents move from one long row of tables to another, taking a new seat every few minutes, chatting with neighbors even though they’d probably talked to them only a few days earlier. This way, I learned to know every small community member. I was acquainted with the names of all the children, the health of grandparents, and the whereabouts of cousins, aunts, and uncles. We didn't even have Facebook accounts. ### The Small Community Today Today, I live in a small community with probably the same number of households as my former village, but we don’t know each other. Few are willing to open when I knock on the door, even when I’m offering food. I’ve seen the inside of only three houses in my village. A few neighbors wave when I ride by on my purple bicycle. Two or three neighborhood kids knock on my door carrying candy bags at Halloween. I live beside strangers. I wave at them when we’re outside pulling weeds or mowing yards, but I don’t even know where they go to work or what they do for a living. I don’t know what they do for recreation or what burdens they carry. The front yards are decorated with beautifully landscaped seasonal flowers and shrubs and have “Welcome” flags along the walkway. The front porches hold homey, antique rockers, but the porches are empty. I’ve never seen conversations taking place there. I've never seen people there except for UPS or FedEx carriers. Friendships are now made via electronic devices. ![empty porches](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/gathering-on-porch-e1754622169382-300x166.jpg "gathering on porch - Deb Richmond Author") I miss sitting on a green porch swing, greeting the farmer as he walks by my porch, trick-or-treaters whose eyes I can recognize under the masks, and seeing the snow plow pull into every driveway that needs to be cleared. I miss waving to the kids hanging out the back of their horse and buggy vehicles, laughing with the neighbor trying to get the dog leash untangled from her legs, and meeting the new neighbors at summer picnics. I miss knowing the people who live around me, being known by my community, being able to share condolences in person, and having someone ask how the cataract surgery went or deliver a gift for my new grandchild. Recently, a new neighbor moved in. When no one answered the door, I left a small gift on her doorstep. Last evening, she walked over to say, Thank you,” and we sat on the porch deck and talked. It was a good beginning. Tell me about your neighbors. How do you connect to the people outside your front door? [I Want the World To Remember](https://debrichmond.com/i-want-the-world-to-remember/ "I Want the World To Remember") [Journey of Memories](https://debrichmond.com/journey-of-memories/ "Journey of Memories") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Set a New Goal](https://debrichmond.com/set-a-new-goal/) **Published:** January 9, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [![Set a new goal](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dream-a-New-Dream-quote-300x300.jpg "Dream a New Dream quote - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dream-a-New-Dream-quote.jpg)Is it time to set a new goal? C. S. Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” I can’t face January without considering my goals for the coming year. Am I the only one who spends the first or last days of a new year thinking about what I have or haven’t done? I know some of you. Your goal list is longer than mine! A warning - A few weeks ago, the young guy behind the pulpit at my church reminded us that our goals shouldn’t be self-focused. We need more goals that focus on others. So my first goal is to turn my goals outward. Looking at the list below, I think I have my work cut out for me. Before moving on to the next set of self-promises, I pulled out a few from previous years. I found a little packet of planning sheets from an old Day-Timer kit. (Why did I stop using those, anyway?) My 2001 goals were rather extensive, a long list including spiritual goals, financial goals, physical, professional, and the old bucket list - lifetime goals. This list was written near the beginning of my teaching career. The 2020 list (before the COVID-will-change-everything days) was considerably shorter. I even gathered a few goals from my high school years. So what did I accomplish over the last decades, and how can I set a new goal for the decades to come? ##### **The financial goals...** ...have mostly been met except the one about how much I should put back toward my retirement: -Sell the old house and buy a new one. (The new house is quickly becoming the old house, but at least the walls are straight.) -Buy on a credit card only what I can repay within the month. -Sponsor a fifth child (2001). (I think we’re at child #17 now, but most of our sponsored kids have outgrown or moved out of the sponsorship programs.) -One goal that still concerns me is to retire with enough money to give when I want to, travel a little, and buy new underwear and socks when needed. By next January, I’ll know if I’ve accomplished that goal. ##### T**he health goals (nearly finished)** -Lose weight. -Exercise 3 times a week. -Build upper body strength. -Have a complete physical exam. -Learn to do boys’ push-ups. There are two goals that did not get checked off: -Learn to do a chin-up. Couldn’t do one in grade school. Still can’t do one today. -Eat chocolate no more than twice a week. Hah! I can’t get by with less than twice a day. Besides, Healthline (<https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate>) says dark chocolate improves blood flow, raises LDL, is a source of antioxidants, is nutritious, reduces heart risks, protects skin, and improves brain function. I’m going to three bites a day. Why take chances? ##### **Professional goals** -Earn my master’s degree. (Done) -Incorporate more bodily-kinesthetic activities into my classroom. (Mostly done) -Learn to accept a noisy classroom. (After 26 years of teaching, I’ve not yet mastered this. I still have five months to conquer that one, though.) -Retire (I’m almost there! I’m almost there!) ##### **Lifetime goals that I’ve achieved** -Learn how to swim properly using rhythm breathing. (I used to be terrified of having my head underwater.) -Serve in a church ministry position. -Declutter my sunroom coffee table. -Run three miles without stopping. -Read 30-50 books a year. -Build a website and write articles for it. ##### **Goals that I failed to achieve** -Gather stories from my grandparents. -Take my mom to see the house where she grew up. The old farmhouse was beautifully remodeled a number of years ago. We had a date scheduled for the visit, but her failing health interrupted those plans. I guess she now has a better vantage point than me on the old house anyway. ##### **Lifetime goals that may be on my list for a long time** -Learn to speak and understand a foreign language. -Learn to play guitar. -Own a house big enough for the whole family to gather for holiday dinners. -Take an art appreciation class. -Visit all 50 states while I’m able to see the sights, hear the sounds, and taste the food. -Dive into a pool. (I’m still terrified of having my head underwater.) -Declutter my desk. -Rewrite our 1950s school anthem. Hail to our hallowed halls, indeed! -Get a job as an architect. -Dabble in archaeology. ##### **Lifetime goals that a gremlin added to my list** ...because I have no idea why I put them there. -Swim across the river and climb the mountain on the other side. -Own a pet tarantula. -Be a school administrator. ##### **Goals that I have yet to reach but have high hopes for** -Write and publish books. -Help write the history of my church. (Gary, I’d like to add stories to go along with your information.) -Attend college graduation for my grandkids. -Complain less. (Keep tally marks so I can verify my progress.) -Invest in Amazon. (Why not? They get most of my money, anyway.) -Hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. (Maybe I’ll start with the PA Grand Canyon…) -Visit Europe with my husband. Hopefully, on a Viking Cruise ship, and set foot inside some of those castles and cathedrals. ##### Now it’s your turn If you haven’t already set some goals, whether in writing or simply telling an important person in your life, it may be time to set a new goal. I’d love to hear your goals in the comment section…if I can figure out how to add a comment section! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/) **Published:** January 23, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** *House on the Highway was published in the 2017 summer issue of Common Ground Magazine.* When I was four years old, I lived with my mom, dad, and brother in an old rented farmhouse. #### A Big Dream ![house on the highway](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/House-on-the-Highway-2-300x184.png "- Deb Richmond Author") I have small fragments of memory from my first home, but few of them are happy memories. The upstairs bedrooms were cold and dark, with tiny windows that filled the place with shadowy dreams. I shared a room with my brother because we were so close in age. We didn't have many furnishings in the drafty old house. Outside, farmyard chickens chased me and pecked my skinny legs. The backyard was a steep hill, great for flying down the bank in the Red Ryder wagon, but not good for much else. My dad was a resourceful and hard-working man. He and Mom wanted a house of their own. This was a big dream for two people with less than $100 in their pockets. Even in 1966, $100 didn’t buy much of a house. #### Hard Work Pays Off Dad worked the fields and orchards surrounding the old farmhouse and tended the animals in the barn. By doing this, he earned an extra $1 an hour beyond his small-engine repair day job. He and Mom lived rent-free, earned farm-fresh food, and gained the favor of our landlord. Plans for the new Route 322 resulted in a collection of doomed houses along its pathway. My dad found a house that was slated for demolition. Dad mentioned his plan to go to the bank for a loan to Sam, the landlord, a board member of a competing bank. “Don’t you go there,” Sam said, “You go to my bank and tell the bank president I want him to put $5000 in an account for you.” And so, without the signing of a single sheet of paper, my parents had the funds to buy the house on the highway’s path. #### Uprooting a House Dad purchased the two-story imitation brick house for $500. That was the inexpensive part. He bought a small plot of land in a field, located one mile away, not far from the Juniata River, for $ 2,500. Dad installed a septic system and a well. He poured footers for the foundation that would be built up to meet the little house once it arrived. He acquired permits from the electric company for $265 to move roadside wires and from the telephone company for $150. Workers brought in poles to raise power lines, allowing a 30-foot-high by 26-foot-wide house to pass underneath. Dad paid the $50 permit that allowed local authorities to stop traffic while a house on wheels traveled down the road. Dad and his friends worked late into the night that September to prepare the house for its moving day. They removed the furnace and water pump from the basement. They tore down the cellar wall to allow a flatbed trailer to maneuver into the underground space. The men constructed a framework to fit beneath each corner of the house, with four parallel I-beams to hold the weight of the structure on the trailer. Shims and wood planks helped level the house to prevent the plaster walls from cracking during the move. They enclosed the brick chimney that went through the house's interior in a wooden frame to keep it intact. #### Moving Day ![house on the highway](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/House-on-the-highway-2-1-300x280.png "House on the highway 2 - Deb Richmond Author") As the Monday moving day came closer, my mom debated whether to go watch her house arrive at its new location. Many risks were involved in moving a two-story house. Besides, she’d made daily visits to the structure, taking supper to Dad, who spent long days at the engine shop and long evenings where the highway would be built. I’m sure she’d already planned the arrangement of a Formica-topped dinette set, the brown scratchy living room suite, the crib, and nursery items for the surprise my brother and I hadn’t anticipated. Watching her dreams and the financial gamble moving along old Route 22 behind a tractor-trailer would surely put her stomach in knots. On the Friday before the house-moving day, an inspector notified Dad that the wooden front and back porches needed to be removed before the move. Dad, his friends Ray, Bill, and our pastor worked through the night until Saturday noon to remove the porches. Even without Pastor Eugene's presence, working on Sunday would not have been acceptable. #### House Tipping On Monday, Mom and I stood in the field, far from the large hole where cellar walls grew from the ground. The house took a 30-minute ride on the old highway. We watched a lumbering form move around the corner beyond the stand of trees, fall into the dip in the road, and come to a slow stop by the empty field. As the tractor-trailer turned and pulled into the field, the house leaned precariously to the left. My mother, in a moment of panic, thought it would fall off the flatbed trailer. She didn’t know the long I-beams stretching from under both sides of the house acted as sled runners to keep the trailer from tipping too far. The truck pulled down the ramp onto the foundation, where my dad and his friends secured the house. Jacks raised its heavy structure a foot at a time as layers of cement blocks were laid for the seven-foot cellar walls. Inside the house, the plaster walls had survived the journey intact except for a crack near the front door. #### Another Move ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/House-on-the-highway-3-300x252.jpeg "House on the highway 3 - Deb Richmond Author") Late in January, we relocated to the movable house. Dad built stairs to the front, side, and back doors until he could rebuild the porches. The living room, bedroom suites, and a few wine-colored laminate end tables were loaded into a friend’s milk truck, emptied of the round metal canisters of his trade. That May, my sister joined the family. With four upstairs bedrooms, I no longer needed to share a room with a sibling. In time, the basement grew into a playground for hordes of children. Eventually, we sat on the front porch to wave at passing cars and chat with visitors. The backyard was sometimes used as a football field and a baseball diamond. The attic held treasures and secret Christmas gifts. My mom surrounded the house with rose bushes and flower beds. In December 1967, the house moved again, this time by only three inches. My brother and I were playing with our new Christmas toys on the living room's hardwood floor. Mom was working in the kitchen and watching traffic go by on Old Route 22. I saw her fly past our play area, up the stairs, and then down again with the baby in her arms. I had no idea what could make her run so fast until I felt a thump. A young man passing a vehicle on the icy roads lost control of his car, drove through the front yard, and kissed the side of our house at high speed. The driver survived but sprinkled our living room floor and sofa with spots of blood before he was taken to the hospital. #### The Neighborhood A few years later, another house moved in next door, hauled by a tractor-trailer and professional house movers. In time, other folks built houses near ours to complete the row that still guards Route 322. Trees and flower beds now cover the bare fields. For a while, I dreamed of the old farmhouse and its dark shadows and pesky chickens. Now, even in my adult and senior years, when I dream of home, closets, and busy spaces, my dreams take place in the rooms of a house that has moved down the old highway on the back of a tractor-trailer truck. To read more about the 60s and 70s, check out: [TV Shows from the 60s and 70s](https://debrichmond.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=631&action=edit "TV Shows from the 60s and 70s") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Stories from long ago --- ### [Oldies Music - Take the Quiz!](https://debrichmond.com/oldies-music-quiz/) **Published:** February 6, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Time for a pop quiz on oldies music. I can't help it. I'm a teacher. Everything comes in the form of a quiz. There are three ways to take this quiz. 1\) Answer the questions and then research the answers for yourself. That's the hard way. 2\) Reply to this email with your answers. I'll respond with the correct answers. 3\) Follow the link to the Google Forms version of the quiz. There, you will find the answers, more information about each question, and your final score. [Google Forms - Oldies Music Quiz](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy5TpeeRRLi76Z7DVZVAZKFPyyJJLBA98Xnz9nt4HtxTF36g/viewform?usp=sf_link "Google Forms - Oldies Music Quiz") No names or emails will be collected on the Google Form page. If you'd like bragging rights, please add your name, nickname, or user name to the last question. Good luck! ##### Oldies Music - Which came first? ###### 1) What was the first song to top the Billboard Hot 100 list? ###### (3 points) A - "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets B - "Shake, Rattle, and Rolls" by Big Joe Turner C - "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson D - "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley ###### 2) Which Andrews Sisters song came first? (2 points) A - "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" B - "Beer Barrel Polka" (also called "Roll Out the Barrel") - a song my parents made me listen to if I didn't start singing something else in the car. C - "I Can Dream, Can't I?" ###### 3) Okay, maybe not that old. Let's move forward a few years. What was the first song the Beatles took to the top of the charts? ###### (2 points) A - "She Loves You" B - "Love Me Do" C - "Help" D - "I Want To Hold Your Hand" ###### 4) Who first recorded the song "Unchained Melody?" (3 points) A - Les Baxter, Al Hibbler, and Roy Hamilton each recorded the song the same year. B - The Righteous Brothers C - Todd Duncan sang the vocals for a movie called "Unchained." D - Jimmy Young and Liberace recorded versions of the song within two weeks of each other. ###### 5) Speaking of soundtracks... Which movie soundtrack was the top seller of all time with $45 million in sales? (2 points) A - Titanic (1997) This is an oldie if you're a teenager. B - Dirty Dancing (1987) C - Grease (1978) D - The Bodyguard (1992) ###### 6) What was the first Folk Record (now called Country and Western) song to make Billboard's list on January 8, 1944? ###### (2 points) A - "Pistol Packin' Mama" recorded by Al Dexter B - "Smoke On the Water" by Bob Wills C - "I'll Hold You In My Heart" by Eddy Arnold ###### 7) Country music was originally called Folk songs. But folk music had its own moment in musical history. Which of these American singers first recorded folk music? (2 points) A - Pete Seger with "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" B - Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" C - Huddie Ledbetter (Leadbelly) with "Goodnight Irene" D - Bob Dylan's "Blowin' In the Wind" ###### 8) Which close encounter came first? (2 points) A - The Carpenters' first hit "Close To You" B - "Near You" by George Jones and Tammy Wynette C - "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King D - The movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" ###### 9) Which "On the Road Again" song came first? (3 points) A - Lovin' Spoonfuls - [YouTube: Lovin' Spoonful - "On the Road Again"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyZcEInI4l4 "YouTube: Lovin' Spoonful - "On the Road Again"") B - Willie Nelson - [YouTube: Willie Nelson - "On the Road Again"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx8Qt0e4hnM "YouTube: Willie Nelson - "On the Road Again"") C - Canned Heat - [YouTube: Canned Heat - "On the Road Again"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRKNw477onU "YouTube: Canned Heat - "On the Road Again"") D - Bob Dylan - [YouTube: Bob Dylan - "On the Road Again"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ0z9Z3IWWA "YouTube: Bob Dylan - "On the Road Again"") E - Aerosmith - [YouTube: Aerosmith - "On the Road Again"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY-4AAUxs48 "YouTube: Aerosmith - "On the Road Again"") ###### 10) Which #1 Billboard sad soul came first? (1 point) A - "Cathy's Clown" by the Everly Brothers B - "Tom Dooley" by The Kingston Trio C - "Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri Las ###### 11) Speaking of feeling blue... Which came first? (2 points) A - "Blue Suede Shoes" B - "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain" C - "Mr. Blue Sky" D - "Blue Moon" ###### 12) I could listen to my favorite crooner do these songs all night. (Well, maybe not the one you played for two hours straight...) Which came first? (3 points) A - "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones B - Anne Murray's "When I Fall" C - "Long Black Veil" first recorded by Lefty Frizzell D - "As Tears Go By" recorded by Marianne Faithfull E - "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues ###### 13) Going way back! What was the first recorded song in history? (3 points) A - Elgar Edgar's "Cello Concerto" played by Beatrice Harrison B - Arthur Sullivan's "The Lost Chord" C - "Au Clair de la Lune" ###### Congratulations on completing the Oldies music quiz. Here's your grade: 0 - 10 points - Something below a D - Let's assume you spent your youth studying chemistry. 11-15 points - D - So you finally found the radio after the chemistry set caught fire. 16 - 20 points - C - Maybe you could only listen to the radio when your parents left you home alone. 21 - 25 points - B - You were the kid who drove through town with the windows open and the radio blaring. 26 - 30 points - A+ - Have you ever considered trying out for "Name That Tune?" You're a master at oldies music! Love taking quizzes? Try these: [Old TV Shows from the 60s & 70s](https://debrichmond.com/shows-from-the-60s-and-70s/ "Old TV Shows from the 60s & 70s") [200 Years of Change in Public Education](https://debrichmond.com/changes-in-public-education/ "200 Years of Change in Public Education") Want to find the top Billboard songs from the 1940s to this year? [Wikipedia - List of Billboard Number-One Singles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Billboard_number-one_singles "Wikipedia - List of Billboard Number-One Singles") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [25 Facts You Probably Didn't Know](https://debrichmond.com/25-number-facts/) **Published:** March 19, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### The Number of Things Last week was Pi Day - 3.14. So I thought it wise to consider the number of things. Here are 25 number facts you probably didn't know you didn't know. Actually, there are a lot more than 25 facts, but who's counting? ##### Math Geek Numbers Facts 1\. Pi is an irrational number that, when expressed as a decimal, goes on without end. It is used to find the circumference of a circle, among other things. Students around the world compete to memorize and recite the string of numbers that follow 3.14. (I made it up to 3.14159265358979). The [record](https://www.piday.org/pi-facts/ "record") goes to a Vellore, India university student named Rajveer Meena who recited 70,000 digits in ten hours. 2\. More than 10 to the 100th power [possible chess moves](https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/which-greater-number-of-atoms-universe-or-number-of-chess-moves "possible chess moves") have been recorded, counting some illegal moves. 3\. The song “Twelve Days of Christmas includes 364 gifts. (I know, I just ruined that wonderful word problem for my math teacher friends.) ##### Word Geek Numbers facts 4\. While there are only 26 letters in the Chinese alphabet, there are [over 100,000 Chinese symbols](https://studycli.org/chinese-characters/number-of-characters-in-chinese/ "over 100,000 Chinese symbols"). School children learn 3500 of those at least. The [Khmer](https://languagedepartment.com/the-longest-alphabet-in-the-world/ "Khmer") (Cambodian) alphabet contains 74 letters, but the [Rotokas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotokas_alphabet "Rotokas") language in the South Pacific uses only 12 letters in their alphabet. 5\. The number of times Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” says the name Lenore after stating that she would be nameless here forevermore - six. 6\. [Average number of words spoken per day](https://time.com/2992051/women-talk-more-study/ "Average number of words spoken per day") - about 16,000. The old saying that women speak twice as many words per day as men was traced back to a marriage counseling pamphlet that provided no reference for that information. More recent studies show little difference between male and female speakers. 7\. The [longest word in the English language](https://www.berlitz.com/blog/longest-word-english "longest word in the English language") is too long to write here. It is a chemical term and has almost 190,000 letters. The second longest word is not much fun either. It’s a term for a specific type of lung disease and has 45 letters. But my favorite of the longest words is Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia with 36 letters. It means “a fear of long words!” 8\. [Lorna Page](https://writersrelief.com/6-writers-who-debuted-their-first-books-as-senior-citizens-writers-relief/#:~:text=Lorna%20Page%3A%20The%20oldest%20debut,properly%20enjoy%20their%20golden%20years "Lorna Page"), author of *A Dangerous Weakness,* who published her first book at age 93 is the oldest debut novelist. Other authors who published their first books after the age of 60 include Laura Ingalls Wilder and her *Little House on the Prairie* series, Frank McCourt with *Angela’s Ashes*, and [Delia Owens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delia_Owens#:~:text=Since%20returning%20to%20the%20United,film%20of%20the%20same%20name "Delia Owens"), who published *Where the Crawdads Sing* at the age of 69. (I’m just reminding myself it’s not too late to make this list.) ##### Number facts about life and death ![number of things - oldest living person](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Maria_Branyas_Morera_117e_aniversari-300x225.jpg "Maria_Branyas_Morera_(117è_aniversari) - Deb Richmond Author")Arxiu de la família Branyas Morera CC0 via Wikimedia Commons9\. As of March 18, 2024, the oldest living person in the world is Maria Branyas of Spain. Maria was born on March 4, 1907, in San Francisco, making her 117 years and 14 days old. (By the time you get this newsletter, Maria will be a few days older.) Maria Branyas. (2024, March 10). In *Wikipedia*. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria\_Branyas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Branyas) 10\. The number of times Days of Our Lives villain [Stefano DiMera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefano_DiMera "Stefano DiMera") died on the show - 13. The character died of bullets, explosions, drowning, and disease. Although the actor playing DiMera died in 2016, the character’s persona was revived in 2020 through a computer chip implant to allow the villainy to continue a bit longer. 11\. Over 8000 Americans are injured by toothpicks each year, according to Centers of Disease Control in Atlanta research Dr. Lawrence D. Budnick. 12\. A [1991 study](https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-023-01156-6 "1991 study") shows that right-handed people live almost 9 years longer than left-handed people. A [1989 study in British Columbia](https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.79.8.1040 "1989 study in British Columbia") found that left-handed people have about a 15% higher rate of injury than right-handed people. These injuries are due to using tools, implements, and even traffic patterns that were designed for right-handed people. My husband claims left-handed people tend to steal food from other people's plates. I could find no data to support this. You could ask him, though. I'm a leftie. 13\. It took 12.5 years to go from 7 billion people (2011) to [8 billion](https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/11/world-population-estimated-eight-billion.html#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20the%20United%20Nations,billion%20on%20November%2015%2C%202022 "8 billion") (2022)—don’t ask me how they subtracted 2011 from 2022 and got 12.5… Projections show the world population will reach 10 billion in 2060. By that time, I’ll be too old to care. ##### Only a Science teacher would know... 14\. There are 10 to the 78th power or 10 to the 82nd atoms in the observable universe. Personally, I think that number is off. I’m almost certain a couple of atoms were hiding under my bed on the day they were counted. 15\. [Cost of traveling in space](https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/space-launch-costs-growing-business-industry-rcna23488 "Cost of traveling in space") - about $10,000 per pound, thanks to competitive space travel companies. Fifteen years ago, the NASA space shuttles cost about $30,000 per pound. 16\. The number of people who have traveled to the International Space Station is 279 from 22 countries (mostly the U.S.). Just in case you’re interested, estimated prices for tourist travel into outer space range from $250,000 (to fly into outer space and then turn around and come back) to $60 million (aboard a Space X vessel). NASA plans to charge $35,000 per night for a 30-day stay at the ISS. I think I’ll look into a pop-up camper instead. 17\. [Golfballs have between 300 and 500 dimples](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-do-dimples-in-golf-ba/ "Golfballs have between 300 and 500 dimples"). These tiny craters are about 0.01 inches deep and help to reduce draft and improve lift. 18\. A [jiffy](https://www.informationin.com/2014/03/a-jiffy-is-actual-unit-of-time.html "jiffy") is a real measurement of time - generally 1/100 of a second. In the fields of astrophysics and quantum physics, though, the measurement for a jiffy is more complex. Either way, I’d better stop saying, “I’ll be there in a jiffy.” At my age, it ain't happenin.' 19\. [Number of chickens in the world](https://thehumaneleague.org/article/how-many-chickens-are-in-the-world "Number of chickens in the world") - 33 billion; number of humans - [8 billion](https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ "8 billion"). We are outnumbered 4 to 1, folks! Keep a close eye on the hen house. ##### Number Facts for foodies 20\. The average (43 gram) chocolate bar is allowed to have up to [25 insect parts](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/11/03/fact-check-cockroaches-dont-cause-chocolate-allergies/8520695002/ "25 insect parts") before being considered “spoiled” by FDA standards. I’m not even going to think about that one. I'll just consider it extra protein. 21\. Heinz ketchup travels at the [speed of 0.028 mph](https://ir.kraftheinzcompany.com/news-releases/news-release-details/slow-and-saucy-heinzr-unveils-slowmaster-57-worlds-first-ketchup#:~:text=Once%20the%20race%20starts%20the,%2C%20richest%2C%20and%20freshest%20ingredients "speed of 0.028 mph"). 22\. About [90 million chocolate bunnies](https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-easter-fun-facts-stats-2019-4 "90 million chocolate bunnies") are made each year for Easter. Candy sales come in at about $3 billion. ##### Completely useless information 23\. No one but me cares, but I had to count. There are 388 titles on my books-to-be-read-next pile. I will get to them in 72 days when I retire. 24\. I probably [share a birthday](https://www.thoughtco.com/how-many-share-your-birthday-1435156 "share a birthday") with about 20 million other people on earth, including Iggy Pop and the late Queen Elizabeth II. 25\. It takes three syllables to say World Wide Web. It takes three times longer to say www. Here are a few other strange number facts, if you wanted more: [Mathnasium - 10 Math Facts You Did Not Know](https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/hinsdale/news/10-math-facts-you-did-not-know "Mathnasium - 10 Math Facts You Did Not Know") [Did you knows.com](https://www.did-you-knows.com/did-you-know-facts/numbers.php "Did you knows.com") [Random facts about oldies music](https://debrichmond.com/oldies-music-quiz/ "Random facts about oldies music") And one book to keep your brain spinning for hours: [https://www.amazon.com/Book-Useless-Information-Noel-](https://www.amazon.com/Book-Useless-Information-Noel-Botham/dp/0399532692/ref=sr_1_5?crid=301VI311DA3VC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PSY_nX9vIZ6oAtYIcNWDAK_Rwd3jb0GhAiQ5hhTZ0jGxFgWKQv4GLQE5jkycDRds0wJBhwVqJrNlUrTFHqdXY5OUNT2pwZRROi5TUWndeeUX_4xq1cAW5JSx2hVFZf5TGFg1eYFOZVJk95WnsqyBOH4RTwdCvMv8i2KGvYrnffER6Paorp9dZ4RoezyZweGfy8q-DQ_XYGBaayZK3sVI_uskmVvEK2Y9qT-GDdNiEIw.TNarJ-1IsqKKxWvQR9PNDkiowLRuOe6kILsRVJwx4eI&dib_tag=se&keywords=book+of+useless+information&qid=1710704515&sprefix=book+of+useless+information%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-5 "Noel Botham's Book of Useless Information (Amazon)") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [Maybe I'm a Slow Learner](https://debrichmond.com/slow-learner/) **Published:** April 1, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ![slow learner?](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Little-Debbie-223x300.jpeg "Little Debbie - Deb Richmond Author") I must be a slow learner. Despite getting decent grades in public school and earning some Latin-sounding award on my college diploma, I’ve spent almost 45 years in the educational system. I did manage to escape without peeing my pants even once, so there’s one thing to be proud of. To be honest, though, I did some really stupid things in my school days. To give us both a moment of laughter, feel free to send an email or comment on your own mistakes in school. I'm sure I'm not the only slow learner out there. ##### First Day of School When my older brother Ken was in kindergarten, Mom and Dad thought it a good idea to send me to school with him for a day. I would go to school the following year, so dragging me along for his Show-and-Tell exhibit would benefit both of us. After the bus pulled into Thompsontown Elementary School, Ken and a crowd of other students got off the bus. I did not. I expected him to give me some direction, like, “Get off the bus now.” The bus driver started to pull away from the building, but I was too bashful to yell for him to stop. My four-year-old little brain was only slightly panicked. I knew the bus made a stop at the high school ten miles away. My Aunt Mae attended that school. I could look her up, and she would take care of me for the rest of the day. Mae was a ninth grader. How she would manage a four-year-old tagging along to her classes was anybody’s guess. Fortunately, the bus driver looked into his rearview mirror and saw me. He stopped long enough to put me off the bus and into the building, though I had no idea where to go once I stepped inside the doors. My brother never noticed I was missing. I don’t remember anything else about my first day of school. ##### Becoming Educated Our tiny elementary school had two classrooms for each of the seven grade levels, a gym/cafeteria/auditorium, and a stage/kindergarten classroom/library. I have more books in my sunroom today than we had in my elementary school library. I couldn’t find many titles that interested me, so I kept borrowing the same two books, *Rainbow Garden* and *Squanto, Friend of the White Man.* Eventually, I discovered the *Nancy Drew* mystery series and sacrificed my school lunches to support a reading habit. Since my education seemed incomplete, or maybe because we had studied a unit on inventors and scientists, I craved more learning than I got from the classroom. I talked my best friend Crystal into helping me explore the world and make our discoveries. I think she went along with my hair-brained scheme for a few minutes when I set out to find what was hidden under the thick rubber home plate mat on the scruffy baseball field. No one played baseball during recess that day, so I dug with my hands until I dislodged three iron stakes. Surely, there was more to it than that. I kept digging, certain there must be a secret tunnel somewhere. The math teacher/gym teacher/baseball coach grumbled as he tried to force the iron rods back into place. ##### Only a Small Problem Child I didn’t enjoy the baseball games, jump rope competitions, freeze tag, or volleyball tournaments during recess. For one thing, it was hard to be athletic wearing a dress, and girls wearing pants weren’t allowed until about sixth grade. Instead, I frequently hid in the girls’ bathroom and bounced my vast collection of neon-colored superballs in all directions, fishing them out of the toilet as needed. Eventually, I was caught and evicted from the bathroom. Then, it was back to Chinese jump rope and jacks on the macadam. While I loved school, learning, and most of my teachers, I must have been a handful some days. (I don’t think I was any competition for my brother’s antics, though.) We had a wonderfully creative fourth/fifth/sixth-grade teacher named Miss Fike. She allowed me to remain in her classroom until my bus arrived at the end of the day. I played jokes on my teacher by hiding her car keys in places where she would never find them, under globes, behind bookshelves, and around the student coatracks. I wonder if she ever had to walk home. Miss Fike taught me hundreds of fascinating and sometimes useless facts through her “potpourri” bulletin board. I taught her to hide the car keys where I couldn’t reach them, which wasn’t difficult. I was the shortest student in her class. ##### Things I Didn’t Learn Public school failed to teach me physical fitness skills. I stood in terror, facing the rope ladder and parallel bars. [The Presidential Fitness Test](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidential_Fitness_Test "The Presidential Fitness Test") included pull-ups (I couldn’t even hang on to the bar!), the standing broad jump, and the softball throw. Of course, I threw like a girl. I think they came up with that phrase because of me. And I always came in dead last on the timed 50-meter dash. However, making me run against the tallest, fastest boy in my grade was cruel. Nothing is quite as educational for a child as the lessons other children on the bus teach about the mysterious world of sex. Though I later discovered much of this information was inaccurate, everything I knew about sex came from conversations on the school bus. I think the older kids enjoyed my shocked expressions as they explained everything to me. By the end of sixth grade, I evaluated my life and realized I had failed to be the top student or become one of the popular kids. Working hard didn't getting me the recognition I wanted, so I determined to be one of the bad kids. Besides, all the cute boys were trouble-makers, hands down. ##### High School In those days, we had elementary school from kindergarten to grade six and high school for grades seven through twelve. East Juniata High School had a no-gum chewing policy. Therefore, I carried a secret brown paper bag of sour apple chewing gum with me to school to rebel and help other students break the rules. I was their personal gum dispenser. That lasted until I got braces. In order to advance my bad girl reputation, I invented swear words, though none ever appeared in Webster’s Dictionary or found their way into common use. I became proficient at racing light flashes in eighth grade by holding my watch in the sunlight. We had light races on the ceiling during Algebra II. I also enjoyed shooting spitwads across the room until the teacher sent me and three other students to the principal’s office. The principal, a big, burly, scary man, glared and snarled and asked each of us in turn, “What grade are you getting in Algebra?” My unfortunate co-conspirators had to admit they had Ds and Fs in that subject. When it was my turn, I said, “I have an A.” I must have been a little too busy with my antics because I found ninth-grade geometry beyond my abilities. ##### Good Student I did excel in one area. I was a good writer, at least according to my English teachers. In seventh grade, Mrs. Benner gave me an A for my first poem, a limerick. It went like this: Mr. Brown hated his wife, So he pulled out a big, silver knife. It was shiny and bright, And it gave him delight To end poor old Mrs. Brown’s life. I have no idea where that one came from, but I blame all those Nancy Drew books. Today, a poem like that would merit either jail time or a referral to social services. ##### Change of Career Plans By tenth grade, I put my evil ways behind me and tried to be a serious student…(except for the day I found the girls' locker room door locked, and thought I could pick the lock and change into my hideous, stretchy gym suit in private. Sorry about that, Mrs. Esterline.) After nearly failing ninth-grade geometry, my parents switched me to business courses, where I spent three years practicing typing, business math, shorthand, and half a year learning how to run the machine that punched holes in cardstock. I’m glad for the typing skills. I don’t remember the other subjects. I'm not only a slow learner, I'm forgetful. I waited another fifteen years before attempting those abstract math courses again. Ironically, my first teaching position was in the seventh-grade math classroom. I told the superintendent that math was my worst subject. He offered me the job anyway. Sometimes, it’s easier to teach a topic you’ve struggled to understand than to teach skills that come naturally. I learned how to break the problems down and look at them in new ways. My students and I both needed that. Teaching students how to read and write is much more challenging for me. ##### I'm Still a Slow Learner Considering how many dumb things I did in school, you would think I’d have more patience for my current batch of students, even when they ask which side of a one-sided worksheet to complete or which object on my desk is the stapler. But, as I said, I’m a slow learner. Maybe in another half century, I can make sense of it all. I shake my head a lot now and say, “What is wrong with this kid?” I’m pretty sure the teachers used to say that about me. More about being a slow learner: [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a Schoolboy") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [The Old Car](https://debrichmond.com/the-old-car/) **Published:** October 4, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ## The story of an antique, vintage, and nearly classic 1928 Model A Ford [![the old car](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1928-Model-A-before-restoration-1-e1753573719928-300x194.jpg "1928 Model A before restoration (1) - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1928-Model-A-before-restoration-1-e1753573719928.jpg)I’m glad I’m not a car. If I had wheels, I would have been considered an antique as early as 1982 at the age of 20, according to some sources. If I were a vehicle, I could never be considered vintage because I wasn’t engineered between 1919 and 1930. And becoming a classic, for me, is even more unlikely. Classic cars can range in age from ten to fifty years old. Now show me a fifth-grader that qualifies as a classic! My uncle Sherle owns a 1928 Model A car. It doesn’t fit on the official list, according to Classic Car Club of America, but it looks like an antique, vintage, classic to me. Henry Ford made the Model T cars from 1908 to the mid-1920s but closed the factories in 1927 to make way for the new Model A series. This car was the first to carry the blue Ford logo and the first to use driver controls with a clutch, brake pedal, throttle, and gearshift (Wikipedia - Ford Model A). In 1957, seventeen-year-old Sherle bought his old car for $35 from his brother-in-law Richard. It showed 79,000 miles on the odometer. The car was painted red because previous owners worked at a Central PA International Harvester dealership. The original paint color was valley green, and the engine was green. The hood lifted from the driver’s side, and the car came with crank and electric start options. The vehicle had a drum-type clutch and flywheel. It was the only model with an emergency brake in front of the two-foot-long gear shift that rose from the floorboard. (The center console wouldn’t come along until the 1960s.) The tires were 21 inches, which is large by today’s standards. The car had leopard skin seat covers, and the horn made an oogah sound. Sherle and his future brother-in-law Philip liked to test the old car’s ability to function in bad weather. They would drive through snowy fields until they got it stuck, then shovel it out, sometimes standing on the running board and shaking the car free. When both young men were needed to shovel away the snow, Sherle’s ten-year-old sister Judy would do the driving. Sherle’s dog, Tippy, loved riding in the car, too. Once, Sherle and Philip drove the car to Philadelphia. When Philip pulled up to the tollbooth on the turnpike, the attendant asked if the old car would go 50. The speed limit at that time was 60 mph. Philip answered with confidence, “Oh, yeah. Easy.” It did go 50. Once Sherle even got it up to 65. But the car’s performance wasn’t perfect on the trip to and from Phillie. Smoke came out from under the dash when they started through a red light. Someone had to jump out and push the car through the intersection. Sherle drove the Model A daily from 1966 to the late 60s when he worked at Aumiller’s John Deere in Milroy. The vehicle was licensed until 1968, when it failed to pass inspection. My uncle replaced his first car with a 1950s Pontiac. The old girl sat along a dirt road across from my uncle’s house. I remember pretending to drive it as it slept, uncovered at the edge of the woods. It rested there for nine years until the family had garage space. Sherle often wished he could bring the car back to life, but the cost was prohibitive. In 2016, Sherle’s son-in-law, J.B., began a remarkable transformation. The underside of the front seat concealed a mouse’s nest that needed to be removed. A new coat of black paint was added. Broken parts were removed and replaced, and original parts were shined up like new. The total cost of restoration would probably have been around $35,000. But this was family. When Sherle stopped by his daughter’s place for a visit, the car was finished after only three months of loving care and expert handling. Sherle’s granddaughter Kendra included the newly restored vehicle in her wedding photos. [![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Model-A-during-restoration-300x225.jpg "Model A during restoration - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Model-A-during-restoration.jpg)J.B. Owns B & H Restorations in Belleville, Pa. He sees restoring old cars as an art form rather than a job. I asked J. B. What advice he would give when tackling the restoration of an old vehicle. He said, “Be prepared for a lot of unknowns. And expect the cost to be twice as much as you think.” Sounds like wise advice for any project. I got to ride in this beauty one Sunday afternoon last September. We didn’t go far. Smoke started pouring out from the dash, just like it had done over 60 years ago on the road from Philadelphia. My uncle Sherle doesn’t like to drive his Model A often because it’s nearly impossible to replace some parts. So this lovely old car will sit around in a safe place looking like the antique, vintage, classic beauty she always was. [![old car](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Model-A-after-restoration-300x225.jpg "Model A after restoration - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Model-A-after-restoration.jpg)Someday down the road, I’m hoping to do the same. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/) **Published:** July 17, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** July 11 - Since today is my dad's 83rd birthday, and he's on a mystery tour with his new bride, I'm going to be a tattle-tale and tell some stories of his life as a schoolboy.![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Philip-Varner-high-school-218x300.png "Philip Varner high school - Deb Richmond Author") I consider my dad to be one of the smartest people I know, even though his grammar reveals a lack of formal education. Whatever he was able to learn along the way, and he's learned a lot more than I have so far, he did not gain his education in public school. The truth is, my dad was not much of a schoolboy. After returning from the foxholes of World War II, young Clarence Hibbs became the schoolmaster at Stony Run Elementary. Philip says, "He was a good teacher." Hibbs taught fifty-six students from all grade levels. He found a way to help students learn independently, as he could only allocate fifteen minutes to each grade level for each subject. When resources weren't available, he traveled to other schools to find what individual students needed. I recall Mr. Hibbs from my elementary years as a kind and gentle principal. (You can read more about Clarence Hibbs in the book *Every Soldier Has a Story* by Lincoln T. Hokenbrough.) After one year of teaching, Hibbs attended college on the GI bill and was replaced by another man. Philip says, "He was not much of a teacher." The new teacher, being fresh out of college, often sat in his car at lunchtime so he could hug the eighth-grade girls. He didn't take a personal interest in the smaller kids. The new teacher didn't seem to like little Philip Varner very much. Philip was the smallest, skinniest boy in school. The Stony Run schoolhouse had curtains on a wire at the back of the room. These curtains were often closed to provide smaller, separate classrooms. This was sometimes used for Sunday school, too. On each side of the partitioned section, a hook came down from the ceiling to hold the curtains. When this schoolboy was in second grade, the new teacher picked him up by the straps on his worn denim coveralls and hung him on the hook, leaving him there for what seemed like hours but was probably only four or five minutes. It was a great humiliation for the little guy. The teacher asked the second-grader to read aloud. Philip was supposed to read the words "A little bear was frightened," but Philip read, "This little bear was scared." Since my dad still struggles to read, I've never known if he had a reading disability or if he was never taught to read properly. It's interesting that, 76 years later, he still remembers the exact words he was supposed to say and the words he actually said. Not bad for a struggling schoolboy. For three consecutive days, Philip was asked to read, and each time he read the words incorrectly. The teacher told him, "If you read it incorrectly tomorrow, I'm putting you back in first grade." Philip practiced the words over and over so he would get them right, but when the time came to read, he read, "This little bear was scared." Philip was immediately returned to first grade. From that time on, he refused to read aloud. The teacher said, "If you won't read, go stand in the corner." Philip spent a lot of time in the corner. My dad said, "What you do to little kids stays with them for life." This teacher was only at Stony Run for two years. But they were two important years, and Philip would never catch up or become a strong reader. In 1948, the Fayette High School in McAlisterville was destroyed by fire. The area high school students attended Stony Run in the afternoon, so elementary students ended their days at noon. In 1953, when Philip was in sixth grade, he attended the newly built East Juniata High School in Cocolamus. All the students from McAlisterville were scared and said, "This can't be good, putting that many kids together in one school." Students were coming from McAlisterville, Richfield, and Thompsontown, and all the smaller towns in between. On the first day at East Juniata High School, which included grades six through twelve, the administration put the students in the gymnasium, where they sat on the bleachers. The students were told they would not be allowed to wear any clothes with rivets because they would scratch the new desks and chairs. School was not Philip's favorite place to be. He probably spent more time working for local farmers, fruit growers, and saw millers than he spent in school. He seemed to prefer working with his hands to book learning. In high school, Philip started skipping classes, especially music classes. I suppose that's why he never joined our car ride sing-alongs. Instead, Philip would go to the high school basement and hang out with the janitor. There, he took up a different kind of learning, one that would provide him with an income and skills for the rest of his life. He spent his school days working on small engines, fixing school equipment, and tinkering. Since Philip often lived away from home so he could work for local farmers, he didn't always live where he attended school. In eleventh grade, Philip was given an ultimatum: either attend the school at the other end of the county, or drop out. Philip dropped out in eleventh grade, though he would say many times over the years, "I wish I had finished school." The rest of his education came from experience and a mind that was keener than most of his public school teachers would have imagined. During his years as a small engine repairman and business owner, Philip invented and built gadgets and devices that were needed for many tasks. One of his inventions was even used by a major chainsaw manufacturer. His homes have always had a collection of ingenious little devices that simplify life and solve the oddest of problems. Philip's schoolteacher daughter cringes a bit when she imagines what might have been, but she's smart enough to know one enduring truth: when something doesn't work or needs to be fixed, I can always ask Dad. He'll know exactly what to do. You may also enjoy [Changes in Public Education](https://debrichmond.com/changes-in-public-education/ "Changes in Public Education") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Are You Homesick for Days Gone By?](https://debrichmond.com/days-gone-by/) **Published:** April 14, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Do you ever feel homesick for days gone by? I do. Not only do I miss the people who are not around anymore, I miss the world of my childhood. I get homesick for days gone by when I drive past a grand old house I used to visit as a kid and notice that it is in need of repair. I get homesick when I see photos of family and friends. Sometimes, I even get homesick for days gone by when I open my lightweight laptop and shop for items online. Life is easier today in many ways, but somehow, I feel a sense of loss when I remember how life used to be. That homesick feeling comes when I look back on days gone by, wishing for what was and knowing there is no road between here and there. Here’s a little reminder of the days gone by. You can read the questions and answer for yourself, or you can follow the link below and share your answers on Google Forms. **[Google Form - Would You Rather?](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrP3AkV2iEMjjCPWwBWiJ7N6JPjvdaR1ntwAH6J3ej7gIhXQ/viewform?usp=sf_link "Google Form - Would You Rather?")** #### 1. To quench your thirst, Would you rather have the original flavor of Coca-Cola in a glass bottle, or have all 33 flavors of Mountain Dew? [Wikipedia - List of Mountain Dew flavors and varieties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mountain_Dew_flavors_and_varieties "Wikipedia - List of Mountain Dew flavors and varieties") #### 2. When traveling on a plane, Would you rather have a full meal on your flight or have options for the in-flight movie? #### 3. On a hot summer day, Would you rather have mesh screens in the windows and screen doors or central air conditioning? #### 4. When caring for the most important matters, Would you rather have the new ultra-soft, extra-strength toilet paper, or would you just like to have toilet tissue in public bathrooms that isn’t the same size as dental floss? (Sorry, that was my sarcasm. There was no bad choice for that one.) #### 5. When listening to your favorite tunes, Would you rather play 45 records or turn to Apple Music/Pandora/Spotify? ![days gone by](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sunroom-search-300x227.jpg "Sunroom search - Deb Richmond Author") #### ![days gone by](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bouncing-on-Pap-Wert-300x222.jpg "Bouncing on Pap Wert - Deb Richmond Author") #### 6. Would you rather Return to the days of visiting your grandparents or have the grandkids visit you? #### 7. When obtaining bonus awards, Would you rather collect S&H Green stamps or earn credit card cash-back rewards? #### 8. As you drive along the highway, Would you rather have a speed limit of 35 mph and gas prices of $.21 (1944) or have a speed limit of 55 mph and gas prices of $.59 (1974) or the U.S. national average speed limit of 65 mph and $3.59 per gallon (today)? [Average Gas Prices in the U.S. Through History](https://www.titlemax.com/discovery-center/average-gas-prices-through-history/ "Average Gas Prices in the U.S. Through History") [Wikipedia - National Maximum Speed Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Maximum_Speed_Law "Wikipedia - National Maximum Speed Law") #### 9. As you think back over your memories, Which event got your heart racing faster... the arrival of the Sears Christmas Wishbook or Amazon Prime Day? #### 10. Before you leave for your next cross-country road trip, Would you rather study the Rand McNally Road Atlas or plug your destination into a GPS? You can still buy these: [Amazon: Rand McNally 2024 Road Atlas](https://www.amazon.com/Rand-McNally-2024-Road-Atlas/dp/0528027182/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1X40KIL9UVS85&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uKBV8yN2fnq-hy8iGUGgzukVtLFY9Uq0M8rJ61qJSV2Oaha33GhSLY2xPxmpm8lGLcp7GghdIlP9O9tXmLPLrGvNy6lDcuuk4yKZ9d2ZA_t0LvS8wqQiDlhRHkYJGIi528PK1G7m0In9cT9QE2I3BOYKP1iUP26FsMFAilw9LBWtimzU8jMBA1P3jyQQvrRZGeumPvCZkM10KcZhaFB6vCkwy5M_WcQ3CIuoeGUAz4w.VAo-MHnM2unkMZwMLFI9PJQqO7_V8aEIPoiitLaVZxU&dib_tag=se&keywords=rand+mcnally+road+atlas+2024+united+states&qid=1713119927&sprefix=rand+m%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-5 "Amazon: Rand McNally 2024 Road Atlas") #### 11. When you shop for groceries, Would you rather have the friendly grocery boy carry your brown paper bags to your car or use self-checkout? (I’m still waiting for DoorDash to hit my area.) #### 12. Would you rather doodle away the hours… With an Etch-A-Sketch or Sketch Pad? #### 13. Would you rather be entertained… By Dick, Jane, and Sally stories or Dora the Explorer and Peppa Pig? #### 14. Finally, when leaving your home, Would you rather leave the back door unlocked in case someone in the family forgets the key or rely on a home security system? I have many more questions, but I'll save those for another time. Please share your own ideas. And if you wouldn't mind, please add a first name, full name, or nickname. More articles about days gone by: [Looking for Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/lost-raggedy-ann/ "Looking for Raggedy Ann") [The Old Car](https://debrichmond.com/the-old-car/ "The Old Car") [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a Schoolboy") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Two Hundred Years of Changes in Public Education](https://debrichmond.com/changes-in-public-education/) **Published:** September 10, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** As a teacher for 26 years, I've seen a lot of changes in public education. Every day, the students sit in my classroom staring at their iPads. There are some real benefits to these devices. I can send them into the world to find answers, spell words, or create informational presentations without leaving the room. There are some real disadvantages to constant access to technology. Life is not a Cool Math video game. In junior high, we were given a new, blank tablet (a stack of bound paper, not an electronic device) and a new pencil every marking period. When I was a senior in high school, we had one huge computer tucked away in a closet near the guidance counselor’s office. It contained a list of colleges, nothing more. When my dad was in school, first through eighth graders learned in the same room under the same teacher. Things have changed a bit. Let’s see how much you know about the changes in public education. I’m a teacher. I give pop quizzes. Good luck. If you pass, I promise not to give you an essay assignment. If you fail, watch out! Of course, there’s always ChatGPT for writing that essay. Reply to this post if you want to know the answers, and I’ll get back to you with your score. 1\. What year first saw a law requiring all American students to attend school through the elementary grades? A) 1918 B) 1852 C) 1952 D) 1880 2\. What classroom feature was added to a Scotland school in 1801 and first appeared in U.S. classrooms at West Point? A) The world globe B) The writing tablet C) Blackboards D) The dunce cap 3\. The first horse-drawn kid-hacks or school wagons appeared in 1852 in Massachusetts. What Allen’s Cove, Pennsylvania resident began taking children to school in his horse and wagon in 1920? A) Dwight D. Eisenhower B) Harold E. Rohrer C) Milton Hershey D) Lee Iacocca 4\. What 1954 Supreme Court case ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional? A) Plessy v. Ferguson B) Brown v. Board of Education C) Regents of the University of California v. Bakke D) Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education 5\. What world event led to the National Defense Education Act that included math and science education funds? A) The attack on Pearl Harbor B) The break up of the Beatles C) The launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik I D) The invention of the microchip 6\. When did schools in the United States first start incorporating physical education into their curricula? A) 1920s B) 1950s C) Late 1800s D) 1970s 7\. What U.S. city first introduced music classes through the help of singing instructor Lowell Mason in the 1830s? A) Pittsburgh B) Sheboygan C) Detroit D) Boston 8\. What topics were included in the 1920s health education classes? A) Nutrition, disease control, and hygiene B) Physical fitness and mental strength C) The history of pandemics, especially The Black Plague D) Motor and bicycle safety 9\. What contributed to the decreasing popularity of shorthand classes starting in the 1960s-1980s? A) The typewriter becoming obsolete B) The adoption of stenography machines C) Advances in word processing technologies D) Nobody could figure out how to do it 10\. The Smith-Hughes Act of 1918 provided funding for what educational offering? A) Votech B) School lunches C) Driver’s education D) Teacher training 11\. What movement replaced George W. Bush’s 2002 No Child Left Behind Act? A) Back to Basics Act B) Every Child Succeeds Act C) Give Every Kid an iPad! Law D) Progressive Education Movement 12\. What does STEAM stand for? A) Social studies, Trades, English, Arithmetic, & Music B) Students teaching English and mathematics C) Science, technology, engineering, art, & math D) Survey, topography, economics, atlases, and maps 13\. What decade saw the implementation of Special Education resources like IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), full inclusion practices, and IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)? A) 1890s B) 1930s C) 1970s D) 2000s 14\. What was the name of the 1972 amendment that prohibited gender-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities? A) Common Core B) No Child Left Out Standing In Any Field C) Education for All D) Title IX 15\. What U.S. President was responsible for the Presidential Physical Fitness Test (which I successfully failed every year)? A) Harry Truman B) Lyndon B. Johnson C) John F. Kennedy D) Richard Nixon 16\. What educator, in 1837, worked to “ensure” unified school systems for all students? He was known as “The Father of American Education.” A) John Dewey B) Horace Mann C) Booker T. Washington D) Bill Nye You might also enjoy [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a Schoolboy") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Reflecting on Retirement: Finding My New Normal](https://debrichmond.com/reflecting-on-retirement/) **Published:** June 18, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### A New Challenge ![reflecting on retirement](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Retirement-party-hat-225x300.jpeg "Retirement party hat - Deb Richmond Author")As I spend time reflecting on retirement, I realized I'm my education is not yet complete. Who would have thought learning to live the life of retirement would have a learning curve. But it does. There are old habits to leave behind and new challenges to tackle. • Just because you can sleep in doesn’t mean you will. Now that you don’t have to get up and go to work, it’s more fun to get up early because there are so many possibilities for the day. • Writing thank you notes for retirement gifts takes a long time when you include a story with each one. • There still isn’t enough time to read all the books on your shelf, play as long as you like, and do puzzles all day. • Housemates expect you to clean the house better than you used to. • You don’t need a key to go to the bathroom! • They only make about four different “Happy Retirement” cards. Fortunately, most people add their own little notes inside. • It may be possible to put off cleaning out closets and reorganizing bookshelves indefinitely. • It is still necessary to carve out blocks of time for writing. • There’s no excuse for not visiting the people you’ve promised to visit but didn’t have time for all those years. • There’s no longer a reason to dread the end of another week of summer break. • Fall is far more beautiful than it used to be. • I enjoy making a schedule and a plan for the work that needs to be done for the day. • Routine is a good thing. • Co-ordinating the routines and schedules of non-working people in the same house takes some figuring out. • One might easily forget personal hygiene care like flossing and make-up when not standing in front of 50 highly observant adolescents every day. • Grunge wear gets old pretty fast. I’ll need to find an excuse to wear my nicer clothes. • There’s not as much money as there used to be. • There are more discounts if you ask for them. • If I started reading a book and didn’t really enjoy it before retirement, I probably won’t enjoy reading after retirement. • Teachers collect a lot of books and resources in 26 years. • Amazon sells sturdy and cheap storage shelves for the basement, and colleges take educational resource donations. • It’s okay, and sometimes necessary, to say “No.” • A person should probably get in good physical shape before you retire so you can do more after you retire. • The best part of a jigsaw puzzle is putting in the last piece. • The worst part of a jigsaw puzzle is staring at 1000 pieces all jumbled together in the box. • It’s unwise to sit for too many hours a day. • ...unless it’s time spent talking to people. Visiting people, especially older people, is never a waste of time. • Grocery stores are open every day of the week! • If I had started with retirement first, I probably wouldn’t have bothered working all those years. Perhaps I should stop reflecting on retirement and get some of those tasks on my work schedule done. But why hurry. There's always tomorrow. For more quotes on retirement and growing older: [Quotes on growing older](https://www.instagram.com/debrichmond62/ "Quotes on growing older") Advice on retirement living: [20 tips for a happy retirement](https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/retirement/retirement-tips "20 tips for a happy retirement") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Digital Tools for Older People](https://debrichmond.com/digital-tools-for-older-people/) **Published:** July 1, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Are you tech-savvy or technologically challenged? Many digital tools for older people can make our lives easier. Most of these take some time to learn to use, but many are worth the learning effort. Check out some of my favorite digital tools for older people, like me and maybe you. #### [LIFE 360](https://www.life360.com/?utm_source=GAds&utm_campaign=Web_Googleads_Search_Us_Conv_Branded_14858373544&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_content=650156532877&utm_term=life%20360-e&adgroup=128371534455&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aAznNXxe_ixW-CA07GFx9HXDUSSWvwaAWve0QrRw-dWrf1DZ0VWjdhoCsGUQAvD_BwE "LIFE 360")—A location finder tool (Free version, $15/month, or $25 per month) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Life-360-1-300x159.png "Life 360 - Deb Richmond Author")This may be the most helpful of the digital tools for older people. With the free version of this app, I can see when my husband leaves the house, how fast he is driving, where he is located, and when he returns home. Our teenage driver is also visible to us. When I was still working, my husband could watch my progress to know exactly when I would arrive home and when he needed to start dinner. (Yes, my husband does the cooking. We would all lose weight if it were left up to me.) A coworker says she was able to prove her speed in traffic court and save herself a speeding ticket. Life 360 has other features I don’t pay for, like tracking easy-to-lose items (wallet, phone, etc.) The free version also has SOS alerts and family driving reports. The paid versions include supports like towing, roadside assistance, theft protection, and medical assistance.) As we age, family members worry more about our driving and wandering habits. Digital tools like Life 360 can give adult children peace of mind and make it easier for me to say, “Katie, can you come get me? I’ve run out of gas somewhere on a back road to Harrisburg!” #### [DEBIT & CREDIT](https://debitandcredit.app/ "DEBIT & CREDIT") - A money management digital tool (Free version or $15/year) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Debit-Credit-photo-300x191.png "Debit & Credit photo - Deb Richmond Author")Since my money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, I like to see where it goes at the end of the year. I record all spending using a Debit & Credit app on my computer. This app allows me to set up separate accounts for my personal spending, family spending, vacation funds, and the teenager’s account. It also helps me with math when I don't feel like doing subtraction. When I sit down to tackle my monthly bills, I enter each expense and all sources of income into the app to compare my checkbook balance (Yes, I still use a checkbook) with my bank statement. At the end of the year, I sort my expenses according to the type of spending (charity, household, groceries, etc.) and have an instant list of charitable giving and business expenses for tax deductions. When I forget if I pay for my annual ambulance membership in November or March, I can easily arrange my list of expenses by date, category, or company to find the answer. I start a new account every January, so each year’s finances are kept in a separate file. #### [LUMOSITY](https://www.lumosity.com/en/ "LUMOSITY")—a brain-sharpening digital tool (Free version. The paid version seems to vary from year to year, generally about $60/person or $150 per family for two years) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lumosity-300x216.png "Lumosity - Deb Richmond Author")I love brain games, and I love seeing my scores improve over time. Online brain games are important digital tools for older people. The Lumosity games test my aging abilities in speed, flexibility, problem-solving, math, attention, and memory. The free version allows you to play three games a day. The paid version has more available games and offers a daily workout from over 40 games, with new ones regularly added. In the paid version, I can compare my levels with others in my age group. Insights into my game-playing history offer suggestions for improving and a brief analysis of my mental tendencies. #### [COZI](https://www.cozi.com/?p=ushttps://www.cozi.com/?p=us "COZI") - a family calendar ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cozi-300x194.png "Cozi - Deb Richmond Author") The free version works just fine for me. It allows me to track events and record which family members are involved. I can share the login information with family members so they can add their events. (Free or $30-$40 a year) Premium versions include birthday tracking, ad-free, shared address book, and monthly calendar view. #### [LOSE IT](https://www.loseit.com/ "LOSE IT") - A Weight & Exercise Resource (Cost: $30-$40 a year with options for a lifetime subscription) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lose-It-235x300.png "Lose It - Deb Richmond Author")This is not just a digital tool for weight loss. Lose It tracks activities and eating to help you balance carbs, fiber, and protein. And, of course, it tracks calories taken in and calories burned. Synced with a fitness tracker or smartwatch, Lose It helps reduce the difference between the number of calories eaten for the day and the number of calories burned. With Lose It, you can enter specific foods, search for foods online, or scan bar codes for nutritional information. After eating a particular food, it is saved in the favorites column and the meals category. This makes it easy to count calories, especially if you eat the same meals often. The app will set up a calorie budget for each day with more calories for the weekends. #### GPT CHAT - A Tool That Does My Work For Me (the free version covers most needs; $20 - $30 a month for more complex uses) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GPTChat-300x136.png "GPTChat - Deb Richmond Author")Yeah, yeah, I know how much we love to hate Artifical Intelligence. But AI apps can simplify our lives if we know how to use them. I don’t recommend AI for writing a full-length novel or turning in a high school essay. Cheat! Cheat! However, AI can be handy when ideas or a writing project are needed. Here are some tasks I gave to AI in the past year: - Create a 10-point quiz on pronouns. - Generate a list of helpful apps for people over 60. - Write a letter to my school board informing them of my intention to retire in May 2024 after teaching for 26 years. (I only needed to make a few revisions to this one.) - Create a list of movies about mental health topics. - What meals can I make with leftover chicken? - Find 50 quotes about growing older. - What are the best flowers to plant in clay-based soil? - What questions should I ask my doctor before going into surgery? - How would I explain nostalgia to a kindergartener? (And here is the AI response: Sure! Imagine when you look at a picture or hear a song that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside because it reminds you of something fun or happy from a long time ago. That warm and fuzzy feeling is called nostalgia.) #### [AMAZON](https://www.amazon.com/ "Amazon") Subscribe & Save - The Shopper's Helper (Pay only for the products you buy) ![digital tools for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Amazon-Subscribe-Save-300x210.png "Amazon Subscribe & Save - Deb Richmond Author")Sometimes, I go to the store and say, “Do I need to buy ketchup, or do I have three unopened bottles in the cabinet?” When it comes to those non-perishable grocery items I buy repeatedly, it gets tricky to remember to stock up. The Subscribe and Save option from Amazon allows me to set up a regular delivery of hygiene products, household cleaners, vitamins and supplements, ink cartridges, and favorite snack foods. Sometimes, I have to adjust how often an item is delivered. “Do I need this every two months or every four months?” Many of the items are considerably cheaper than what I would pay at the grocery store, and I never have to wonder if I’ve run out when I do the weekly shopping. (One item costs $18 a month from Subscribe & Save but $32 a month at the grocery store.) I can skip or cancel items at any time if I get overstocked. #### Medical Records ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Medical-Records-300x53.png "Medical Records - Deb Richmond Author") If you haven’t done it yet, set up an online profile with your family doctor’s office. Scheduling appointments is much easier online than waiting for an authomated voice on the phone. You can also give your family medical history and the ever-growing medication list online rather than writing them down on a form at the office. I like reading the bloodwork results, x-rays, and scans as soon as the information is available. I can also message my doctor online when I have questions or concerns. It’s easy to avoid online resources, and yes, sometimes the technology is more hassle than helpful. But sometimes, apps and online resources can simplify our lives, save money, or keep our brains working better. Take advantage of these digital tools for older people. Better yet, email me or comment on my webpage to share your favorite digital tools for older people. I may share your favorites in a future newsletter. To find more for older people (like me): [Natural Remedies](https://debrichmond.com/natural-remedies/ "Natural Remedies") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Learning to Organize - Playing With Buttons](https://debrichmond.com/playing-with-buttons/) **Published:** July 30, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** When I was a little girl, electronic devices were nowhere to be found. My family didn't get a television set until 1969 when my dad wanted to watch the Apollo 11 moon landing. For indoor fun, I turned to coloring pages, storybooks, empty cardboard boxes, and paper dolls. Thinking back to those days, I confess one of my favorite childhood pastimes was playing with buttons. Say that to a group of middle schoolers, and their jaws will drop in horror. Not many children today have learned the art of playing with buttons. #### The Old Coffee Can ![playing with buttons](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Button-tin-e1754625291393-300x203.jpg "Button tin - Deb Richmond Author") First, I’d inspect the buttons, seeking out the glittery silvers, the black-and-gold trims, the vibrant crimson reds. Then, the sorting would begin. I had a dozen different ways to organize the buttons: by color, by size, by shape. There were mother-of-pearl two-hole fisheye buttons, wooden toggles, shell buttons, ancient marble buttons, and metal shanks with holes on the back. Occasionally, a cutesy rose-shaped plastic button would appear, and I'd weave it into an imaginative story. Today, Aunt Jo’s button collection might be worth a small fortune, but to her, its true value lay in keeping a curious and busy child entertained for hours. #### the New Coffee Can I thought my button-sorting days were over, replaced by video games, an e-reader stocked with bestsellers, and social media. In recent years, I discovered that I was still playing with buttons. One day at school, I noticed that my students had turned the classroom library into a chaotic mess. I went to work sorting buttons. First, I placed biographies and autobiographies on one shelf. I grouped all the sci-fi series together, and I segregated the chic lit from the goofy boy books. A few days later, I found myself tidying my grandson's play area, categorizing Hot Wheels, Duplo blocks, and foam alphabet letters. That's when it hit me—I enjoy doing this. I remembered Aunt Jo's buttons and longed for another go at them. I thought I was merely being efficient. That super-sized crayon box makes me drool, not for the potential art I will create but for the sheer joy of reorganizing by color theme. I've arranged my sock drawer and movie DVD collection in a logical order; my closet displays a rainbow of color from dark blues to pastels. Even my idea file for newsletter topics incorporates a system of categories and subcategories. I love sorting jigsaw puzzle pieces and playing video games that allow me to collect and organize resources—it's all the same thrill. #### What Happened to the Coffee Can? ![buttons](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Buttons-4-e1754625415941-300x198.jpg "Buttons 4 - Deb Richmond Author") When did we lose the knack for sorting by color or purpose or character trait? Why have we forgotten how to group like objects together, recognize patterns, and appreciate the nuances of classification? I suspect it has something to do with the struggle to master writing skills, reading comprehension, mathematics, and the scientific method, but I fear it's too late to hand students a coffee can full of buttons. I don't have a solution to this puzzle, nor do I fully grasp how it all connects. Besides, I just noticed a pair of flip-flops in the shoe bin with all the sneakers. I have work to do, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it. PostScript - I'm finding that some amazing kids figure out how to master the skills of sorting and organizing without buttons! This was a visit to the [Hershey Children's Museum](https://www.hersheykids.org/ "Hershey Children's Museum") with my granddaughter, a natural (or maybe a trained) organizer. ![Anna's ice cream cones](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Annas-ice-cream-cones-e1754625787573-245x300.jpg "Anna's ice cream cones - Deb Richmond Author") To see more beautiful buttons (sorted by categories!): [8Seasons Buttons](https://www.8seasons.com/wholesale-buttons-c-1975_1986.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwqf20BhBwEiwAt7dtdXv0eLDHTkBu94wPGWpen2u5IKZ1q2c6HSjx-D202LFExcX_B2FjOxoCgXYQAvD_BwE&pagenumber=2 "8Seasons Buttons") [Value of Vintage Buttons on Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/market/value_of_vintage_buttons "Value of Vintage Buttons on Etsy") To read more stories about days gone by: [Maybe I'm a Slow Learner](https://debrichmond.com/slow-learner/ "Maybe I'm a Slow Learner") [Looking for Raggedy Ann](https://debrichmond.com/lost-raggedy-ann/ "Looking for Raggedy Ann") [The Old Car](https://debrichmond.com/the-old-car/ "The Old Car") [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a Schoolboy") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Finding the Courage on a Downhill Run](https://debrichmond.com/finding-the-courage/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** I’m not good at finding the courage to face my fears. I’m a coward. If there’s an activity that could embarrass me, I’ll avoid it. If the threat of sudden death is involved, let me run and hide. When pain lurks on any side of the equation, count me out. If I can’t control the situation to my satisfaction, why go there? [ ![finding courage](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Courage-e1754538580157.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Courage-e1754538580157.jpg) #### The Challenge My husband and I recently took a trip to Tennessee, our first adult only getaway in many years. We passed up all the thrill rides, splash parks, and two-hour wait lines. We enjoyed nature, walking a little, visiting historical sites, and eating food. But my husband wanted to ride the Alpine Coaster. Finding the courage to ride a roller coaster is easy for Rich. He was a former Army paratrooper who jumped out of high-moving aircraft for fun. He loves to face his fears, tempt death, and get the pain over with as fast as possible. I prefer to walk around fear, death, and pain in an attempt to escape them altogether. Rich called it a little ride, but it looked like a roller coaster to me. My last roller coaster ride made me realize that age matters. #### Here We Go Again! Several years ago, we vacationed at the mouse place. Since one roller coaster played oldies music, and we were oldies, Rich and I thought it would be a great beginning to our summer adventure. I failed to read the information about the coaster. Little did I know that the ride blaring Aerosmith songs boasted the [highest-level thrill ride coaster](https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/rock-and-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith/ "highest-level thrill ride coaster") in the park at that time. I lost my breath from the starting gate and couldn’t find air for the entire ride. The jerking motion was so intense I had visible bruises in places I didn’t even know I could move. I was done with roller coasters. I would not be finding the courage for another mouse place roller coaster in this lifetime. #### Excuses Rich assured me the Alpine Coaster moved at a comfortably slow pace, only 27 miles per hour. And the rider could control the speed. Of course, the riders behind the slow-moving little car were not likely to appreciate the horse and buggy at the front of the line. I would be driving that pokey little car. I came up with lots of excuses. We could both ride in one car, and he could control the speed. Our combined weight was just under the pound limit. I could stand at the gate and take photos of Rich coming down the side of the mountain in a tiny, barely attached car. Was this a headache coming on? Or at least a twisty stomach problem? Shouldn't we start back toward Pennsylvania before traffic gets back? In her book [*Challenged: From Here to Eternity*](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D465W4C7?tag=&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Challenged: From Here to Eternity"), my friend Sheri Walker calls this feeling “the dreaded awful.” By the time I needed to slide onto that wide open seat and start moving up the hill, I had analyzed every possible way I could die on that coaster. When I’d paid for two tickets, I stood at the gate intently studying that little sled. What exactly held the wheels to the track? Could a fast-moving vehicle bump me off track? What if I annoyed the life out of the people in line behind me? What if I couldn’t figure out how to slow it down or speed it up? I’ve never been very mechanically inclined. #### Downhill Rich got in line behind me to ensure no one rammed into the back of my car. I suspect he moved at a snail's pace so that I could have a long headstart. When I reached the top of the mountain (and it was a little mountain), I heard the girls in front of me scream as their sled cut loose from the system that pulled it up the hill. Surely, I figured, workers waited at the top to rescue the terrified and help them find a way to walk back down before plunging over the edge. But the top of the mountain was only...mountain. I thought of the previous day’s conversation with my sister. While I explored Gatlinburg, my nephew Aaron toured ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. His grand adventure forced him to face his greatest fears, including a fear of heights, close spaces, and crawling through mirky cave water. Finding the courage must be easier when you’re young, I reasoned. ![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Smiling-Aaron-196x300.jpg "Fullwidth-Post-Sample-header (Demo) - Deb Richmond Author") ![finding the courage](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aaron-crawling-through-cave-water-300x197.png "Fullwidth_Post_header (Demo) - Deb Richmond Author") When I told her about my lack of courage for the Alpine Coaster, she texted, “You can do it!” I have no idea what those girls ahead of me were screaming about. I’ve ridden downhill bike runs with more speed. Now and then, I did pull back the brake bar, but not for long. The scenery was beautiful. The air blew across my face, and I felt like an eagle soaring over the mountainside! I couldn’t see Rich behind me anywhere. After the ride, Rich said I was so far ahead that he never saw me on the downhill side. #### One More Time When I reached the bottom and crawled out of the car, I asked the worker, “Can I go again on the same ticket?” He said, “No. Once per ticket.” That’s too bad. If I ever ride this coaster again, I won’t touch the brakes. ![finding courage](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Alpine-Coaster-1-scaled-e1754539059280-238x300.jpg "Alpine Coaster (1) - Deb Richmond Author") Finding the courage to ride a little, slow-moving coaster made me wish I had tried some of the other [Smoky Mountain adventures](https://www.getyourguide.com/-l123195/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15508334380&cq_con=131681179900&cq_term=smoky%20mountains%20places%20to%20visit&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15508334380&adgroup_id=131681179900&target_id=kwd-381178383489&loc_physical_ms=9006651&match_type=b&ad_id=569192080932&keyword=smoky%20mountains%20places%20to%20visit&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwk8e1BhALEiwAc8MHiC-5k6gE1JIJmU2UUpbeax_9-ZjkP8zPit4wx5ebR9u1riw4QNl-uhoCz_MQAvD_BwE "Smoky Mountain adventures")—zip lining, black bear sightings, driving the winding backwoods roads at the suggested 70 mph speeds. Maybe next time. I felt rather proud of myself until a friend told me about her relative, an 84-year-old man who recently conquered his first tandem skydiving event. I’m going to have to work my way up to that one! ###### For more stories: [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House on the Highway") [Crossing the Stream](https://debrichmond.com/crossing-the-stream/ "Crossing the Stream") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [A Journey of Memories](https://debrichmond.com/journey-of-memories/) **Published:** August 27, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### A Special Gift Idea Have you ever given a journey of memories? It may be only August, but I’m already thinking of Christmas gifts. How do you buy something for a generation of people like my 84-year-old dad, who never valued possessions? One can only give so many warm blanket rolls, socks, or flannel shirts. My friend Sandy gave her mother Iva a unique gift—a journey of memories. But this gift required some advance effort and planning. #### Iva's Story #### When people ask her name, the sweet 98-year-old lady says, “I have a book.” People usually respond, “I have a book too, but what’s your name?” She replies, “That is my name. Iva Book.” ![journey of memories](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Iva-Books-2-e1754626948227-295x300.jpg "Iva Books 2 - Deb Richmond Author") Iva was born in 1925 to Jesse and Zola Junk of Juniata County, Pennsylvania. She lived in McCullough’s Mills, the upper corner of my county. One day, my friend Sandy took her mother on a journey of memories to visit her childhood homes. Sandy gathered photos of Iva standing in front of places along the way. Iva has many memories of living with her parents and two older brothers. Her father, Jesse Junk, worked in various jobs, on farms, as a carpenter, helping to build the Tuscarora tunnel. Iva remembers family meals of freshly butchered chickens or hogs, vegetables from the garden she helped tend, and homemade bread. She recalls her father eating with a piece of bread in one hand and a fork in the other. #### The 1930s In those days, each family had an icebox to store food. Ralph Zook, the local iceman, would deliver 100-pound blocks of ice, tightly packed onto the back of his truck and covered with a tarp. The iceman was incredibly strong and used huge ice tongs to lift his deliveries off the truck. Sometimes, the family would buy a 100-pound block of ice but get a bit less due to melting. At other times, the block of ice was too large to fit in the icebox, so they would shave off pieces from the side. The shavings were used to make ice cream. One of Iva's earliest memories comes from the day she had to go for help. When Iva was about six years old, a new road was going through the area of McCullochs Mills. The road worker built a bridge and stored supplies in the family’s shed. After the work was done, the man took his supplies from the shed and moved to the next project. But he left behind one small item. Iva’s brother, who was about 9 years old, found an empty shell. Being a boy, he decided to drive a nail through the shell casing. ([Blasting Cap in Artwork](https://largescalecentral.com/t/the-nature-of-dynamite/78016/21?page=2 "Blasting Cap in Artwork")). It wasn’t an empty shell, though. It was a blasting cap. Iva’s brother lost several fingers in the explosion. Because the family had no phone and Iva’s mother didn’t drive, Iva had to run a mile down the road to fetch her father who drove the boy to the hospital. Growing up a few fingers shy did not stop Iva's brother from becoming a competent carpenter in his adult life. At one point in her childhood, Iva’s family lived on an island in Harrisburg, possibly Brinzer Island or Shelly Island. Her father worked on his brother’s farm. There was no bridge to the island, so they traveled back and forth by boat. In the winter, Iva remembers riding a wheelbarrow across the ice to their home. She rode on top of the feed sacks. Entire communities lived on those islands. They didn’t have a school at first. Later, the community built a schoolhouse and hired a teacher, but only for the boys. On their journey to revisit Iva's past, Sandy and her mother stopped by the Presbyterian church where the men sat on one side and the women on the other. Iva remembers one older lady singing off-key at the top of her lungs. The journey of memories included a stop at the local grange halls, the district conservation office, and several of Iva’s later homes. #### After The One-Room Schoolhouse ![journey of memories](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/McCullough-Mills-School-scaled-1-e1753211021542-300x144.jpg "McCullough Mills School - Deb Richmond Author") Sandy and Iva visited the McCullough Mills one-room schoolhouse. Iva says her school days were fun. At lunchtime, the students played outside, the older kids playing alongside the younger ones. In the fall, they would bury each other in piles of leaves. In the winter, they played in the snow. School closed for one day over Christmas break. When Iva was in eighth grade, she took a test to determine whether she could attend high school. Iva and her siblings walked a mile and a half to meet the high school bus. Eventually, the older brothers drove to school in the family car. They would pack the car full of boys, two or three in the back seat, two scrunched onto stools beside the back seat, and two up front. Iva usually walked. In 1943, seventeen-year-old Iva graduated from high school. She said there was a lot of talk about war during her last three years of school, but world news was slow in coming to rural Pennsylvania. Iva’s brother Glen fought and returned from the war, but Iva’s father worked a farm and was not required to go. The older houses had no indoor bathrooms during Iva’s childhood. She first remembers having an indoor bathroom when she got married. They had no telephone, so they wrote lots of letters. To do laundry, they heated water once a week. It had to be a nice day to hang out laundry. It froze in the winter - freeze dry. #### After High School Sandy and Iva’s journey of memories skipped a few years when Iva lived an hour and a half from home. After high school, Iva wanted to attend college but knew her parents couldn’t afford to send her. Financial aid did not exist in those days. A lack of opportunities didn't stop Iva from learning. Because her father helped the school board select textbooks, the Junk house had a steady supply of sample reading material. For a while, Iva worked at a sewing factory. When Iva turned 18, her sister-in-law Florence had to give up her accounting job at the Army Depot in Carlisle. Iva took that position and moved to Harrisburg. She rode a train called The Goat to work, with windows open and cinders flying. She went to the candy store and took candy home on weekends. Iva remembers the Armistice when there were grand parties in the streets of Harrisburg. When the war ended, Iva lost her job at the Army Depot and went to work for Pomeroys. She moved home to Juniata County in 1946 where she married and raised a family. #### the Second Gift ![journey of memories](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ivas-Book-e1754627160712-300x272.jpg "Iva's Book - Deb Richmond Author") The journey of memories was only part of Sandy’s gift. She gathered the photos from that day and several old photos of the places they visited. Sandy put them together in a little book called *This Is Your Life, Road Rally.*” While memory books are not inexpensive, only a few copies were needed. Many online websites, such as [Blurb](https://www.blurb.com/ "Blurb") and [Shutterfly](https://www.shutterfly.com/?CID=SEGOO.BRAND.21700000001930203_71700000092514550_58700007756493743&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5qC2BhB8EiwAvqa41oQbj5PHc7GU_k9cpRlTwfZee-qq96pZwnfWDIh-22irlksr-bVifhoCfCkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds "Shutterfly"), offer this printing service, allowing the buyer to print only the number of books wanted. A journey of memories could include stops at favorite restaurants, parks, churches, movie theaters, stores, and workplaces. If you visit a parent’s former home, you may want to check with the current homeowner first. They may even give a tour. Get creative and bring items from that era to accompany the selfies: a porcelain doll, an antique tool from the workplace, an old hymnal from the church, a piece of sporting equipment, a fishing pole or dress for the part with articles of clothing from another era. Older people don’t need knickknacks to sit around the house. They love company and spending time with family. They love rehashing memories of the olden days and looking through photos. Sandy’s amazing gift gave her mother all those things and added one more memory to the collection. More stories about days gone by: [The Old Car](https://debrichmond.com/the-old-car/ "The Old Car") [Not Much of a Schoolboy](https://debrichmond.com/schoolboy/ "Not Much of a Schoolboy") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Caregiving, Growing Older --- ### [Today's Vocabulary: 25 New Words](https://debrichmond.com/todays-vocabulary/) **Published:** September 10, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Do you sometimes get lost in today’s vocabulary? I remember when the word net meant something made of loosely connected strings that fishermen used, and peeps were tiny, fuzzy, yellow creatures waddling around the barnyard. Language changes rather quickly. Around 1000 new words are added to the dictionary each year. However, Merriam-Webster added 690 neologisms in one month last year. No wonder I can’t understand today’s vocabulary. Check out these new additions. I may give you a test on this someday. What’s a neologism? Yeah, I had to look that one up, too, though I’m ashamed of myself for not figuring it out on my own (*neo* means new; *log* means word; *ism* means theory or doctrine = new word theory) If you’re struggling to speak the language of today’s youth, here’s a handy little guide. Please don’t become salty and ghost me. Yeet! I’m just trying to slay my peeps with some lit learning. ##### Try To Keep Up. **1) Bet (interjection)**: An affirmation or agreement, similar to saying "okay" or "sure." *Example: That karaoke session was groovy. Bet?* Note - Is there a term for blending vocabulary from different generations? I wonder what happens when former hippies and Gen Zers have a conversation. **2) Bop (noun)**: A good song or a catchy tune. *Example: That's a pretty good bop for a pharmaceutical commercial.* **3) Boujee (adjective)**: Luxurious or high-class in a pretentious way. *Example: I’d look so boujee driving around Juniata County in a Lamborghini.* **4) Bussin’** **(adjective):** amazing, excellent, tasty, cool, delicious, lovely *Example: The food at the new Indian restaurant is bussin’! So is the blond waiter.* **5) Cap (noun)**: A lie or false statement. "No cap" means "no lie" or "for real." *Example: Don’t give me your cap. I know the truth.* **6) Cheugy (adjective):** The opposite of trendy *Example: Grandma, that sweater is so cheugy. Do you have to wear it in public when you're with me?* Note - pronounced CHEW-gee (hard g as in girl) **7) Doggo (noun):** an affectionate term for a dog E*xample: Ah, look at the little doggo on the sidewalk.* **8) Drip (noun)**: Stylish or fashionable clothing and accessories. *Example: You should see my drip for the Halloween party.* Note - Someone my age would never consider this a good thing to say! **9) Fam (noun, abbreviated)**: Short for "family"; used to refer to close friends. *Example: The fam is heading to the boujee drip store. Wanna come along?* **10) Finsta** **(noun)**: A fake Instagram account where someone might post more personal or candid content. *A Finsta—or fake Instagram account—is nothing new. Teenagers have had them for years. While you have a public account that's all smiles and success and face filters, you have a private one that is videos of you lying on the sofa making cat noises ….* —Louis Wise <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finsta> **11) Flex (verb)**: To show off or boast about something. *Example: If she tries to flex her new Doc Martens, I’m going to get salty.* **12) Ghost (verb)**: To suddenly cut off all communication with someone. *Example: Just because I said your brother is bussin’ don’t mean you have to ghost me.* **13) GOAT (adjective)**: Greatest of All Time. Used to praise someone or something as the best. *Example: When it comes to modern musicians, Ed Sheeran is the GOAT.* Note - I don’t care how good I become at something, please don’t call me a goat… **14) Ick (noun, usually, sometimes an adjective):** Something someone does that is an instant turn-off. *Example: Using a public hot tub has become the new ick.* **15) Lit (adjective)**: Exciting or excellent. It is often used to describe a fun event or something impressive. *Example: My daughter thought the New Kids On The Block concert was lit!* **16) NPC (noun):** non-playable character, it means the opposite of a main character, usually a background character in your life that does not have a significant importance. *Example: She's an NPC who calls me every day to talk about her bunions. Very ick!* **17) Peeps (plural noun):** friends or associates *Example: My peeps told me to do more writing and fewer jigsaw puzzles.* **18) Salty (adjective)**: Bitter or upset, often used to describe someone annoyed or resentful. *Example: He’s salty because I borrowed his back scratcher and forgot to return it.* **19) Slay (verb)**: To do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic. *Example: He slayed his senior’s driving test.* **20) Sksksk (Interjection)**: An expression of excitement or laughter often used by fans of VSCO culture. *Example: Sksksk, that green tomato pie was bussin', or was it lit? I'm not sure.* Note - What is VSCO? Yeah, I had to look it up, too. It’s a video and photo editing app. Think TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat. What are TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat? Yeet! We have our work cut out for us… **21) Stan (noun)**: A combination of "stalker" and "fan," meaning an overly enthusiastic fan of someone or something. *Example: Beware the stans on social media. Never give personal information.* **22) Sus (adjective)**: Short for suspicious or suspect, used to describe something that seems off or questionable. *Example: All those handsome but gray-haired men asking to be my friend on FB are sus in opinion.* **23) Tea (noun)**: Gossip or news, often used in the phrase "spill the tea" to mean sharing gossip. *Example: Either spill the tea or remain on my sus list.* **24) Throw shade (verb)**: To subtly insult or criticize someone. *Example: Don’t throw shade on my cake-baking skills. How should I have known baking powder and baking soda were not the same thing?* **25) Yeet (verb or interjection)**: To throw something with force or enthusiasm; also used as an exclamation of excitement. *Example: She yeeted the pizza box at his face when he spilled the tea about his stans.* ##### What Did They Say? To help you practice using your new vocabulary, I’ve rewritten a bit of the Shakespeare play, *Romeo and Juliet*, using today’s vocabulary words: *No cap, what bussin’ light through yonder window yeets?* *Sksksk, Juliet slays that boujee drip.* (Romeo, Act 2 Scene 1) *O Romeo, Romeo, I’m stannin’ you, Romeo!* *Yeet thy peeps and fam, and throw shade on the sus NCPs.* (Juliet, Act 2 Scene 1) *Ghosting is such salty sorrow.* (Juliet, Act 2 Scene 1) ##### Your Turn... I’m working on a list of dictionary entries for people my age. After all, shouldn’t post-middle-agers have input into today’s vocabulary too? At the moment, my list is relatively short. Send me your ideas for new terms that might appeal to older adults. Your new vocabulary can be actual terms related to older people or newly invented words that only people born in a previous century would understand. Let’s build our own generational dictionary! Two generations can play this game. Bet? Definition sources: [How Stuff Works: Slang Words By Decade](https://people.howstuffworks.com/53-slang-terms-by-decade.htm "How Stuff Works: Slang Words By Decade") [Merriam-Webster: We Added 690 New Words](https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/new-words-in-the-dictionary "Merriam-Webster: We Added 690 New Words") [CW33: Gen Z Slang Phrases](https://cw33.com/news/top-25-gen-z-slang-phrases-that-leave-older-generations-confused-about-their-meanings/#:~:text=Ick%20is%20another%20word%20that,most%20confusing%20Gen%20Z%20terms "CW33: Gen Z Slang Phrases") More resources for older people: [Digital Tools For Older People](https://debrichmond.com/digital-tools-for-older-people/ "Digital Tools For Older People") [Natural Remedies](https://debrichmond.com/natural-remedies/ "Natural Remedies") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Strange Dreams](https://debrichmond.com/strange-dreams/) **Published:** September 25, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** # Strange Dreams ![strange dreams](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/person-sleeping-e1754628059181-300x197.jpg "person sleeping - Deb Richmond Author") Sometimes, my dreams turn into story ideas I hope to write later. Other dreams reveal insights about people or myself or solve a problem I've been struggling with. Scientists say the most vivid dreams come during the brief [REM (Rapid Eye Movement)](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-deep-sleep-do-you-need#stages-of-sleep "REM (Rapid Eye Movement)") period toward the end of a deep sleep cycle. Dreams tend to last longer as the night goes on, anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. [Lucid dreams](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/dreaming-overview "Lucid dreams") are those in which we know we are dreaming and may be able to control the story of our strange dreams. ### Strange Dreams in the Flick! ![strange dreams](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1-e1726747698866-198x300.jpg "1 - Deb Richmond Author") Most of my dreams involve searching for a bathroom. It’s usually good if I don’t find one while sleeping. My friend Mary Lou had a dream about seeing her bathroom full of owls, and she called it the flick. ### Strange Dreams When I'm Homesick? My dreams sometimes feature people I haven’t seen in 30 years or sometimes include people who haven’t lived on this earth for quite a while. My mother shows up often. I’m always grateful for a visit with Mom in my strange dreams. Usually, my dreams take place in locations that were familiar to me in childhood: the original church structure with its tiny sanctuary and damp basement classrooms, the house in Thompsontown where I spent my elementary years, the grocery store where I fawned over the supply of penny candy by the cash register. ### Wake Up! ![strange dreams](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2-300x300.jpg "1-4-900x900-1-e1457780809835.jpg (Demo) - Deb Richmond Author") In my dreams, I made a nest of pillows and blankets behind the desk of the teacher across the hall, abandoned my husband and left him in the hands of international terrorists disguised as pest control workers, wrapped my brother up as a mummy. Sadly for my brother, I also sleep walk. I've outrun aliens, bears, spiders, Amish, and indescribable monsters. I often dream about something falling down behind the bed. I wake Rich and tell him to look for what I’ve lost. Or there is a spider dangling in front of my face, and I need my husband to turn on the light. Once, I woke Rich and told him to “Turn the crank.” Rich usually suffers from my dreams as much as I do. ### The Toaster Dream... ![strange dreams](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3-e1726688958217-165x300.jpg "1-8.jpg (Demo) - Deb Richmond Author") One of the most memorable and vivid dreams came a few days after one of life’s most significant trials. Over the years, I have shared this story with my students. During the spelling test, I would weave the week’s spelling words into this story. Unfortunately, some students got so wrapped up in the story they couldn’t remember the words. Older siblings would often nudge younger siblings, “Ask Mrs. Richmond to tell the toaster story.” My first husband had returned to our old two-story house to collect the remainder of his things. He was moving out. Along with his tools, bowling trophies, and a few clothes, he took the family toaster. It was an old toaster, his grandmother’s, with a rounded top and a fabric-covered cord frayed beyond safety. I was working several part-time jobs, raising children, and attending college then, and I couldn’t afford to replace the toaster. Shortly after his visit, I had a strange dream. My estranged husband was very small, only about four inches high, and standing on the countertop beside the toaster. Having just a few feelings of anger, I picked the little guy up and dropped him into the toaster slot where you put a single slice of bread. Then I pressed down the button. When the toaster made the all-done clanging noise, a small, non-moving form emerged, covered in charcoal. I stood there staring at my former husband. Realizing I had committed a dreadful act, I lifted the traitorous former spouse between two fingers, unplugged the old toaster, and buried both at the bottom of a full plastic garbage bag. I needed to get rid of the evidence. I carried the convicting, overstuffed bag outside and placed it in the back seat of my car. As I backed out of the driveway, trying to determine where I could dump the trash without being caught, I began to feel a great deal of guilt. I knew I couldn’t hide this dreadful crime. My Christian convictions took over, and I decided to drive to the police station and confess what I had done. When I awoke, I was sure I would soon be going to prison. It took quite a while to realize my husband was somewhere alive and full-sized, and I was off the hook. Years later, when our relationship had become more amiable, I told that story to my ex-husband. He had a good laugh. I wonder, though, if he ever has terrifying dreams about toasters. ### Why I Wake Up Tired... Like most people, my dreams tend to run from one bizarre scene into the next for what seems like hours. Sometimes, I feel like I've been striving for most of the night, though it was probably only a few seconds in the early morning hours. I won’t tell you the dreams about the insects invading my house or how the eighty-year-old men at the doctor’s office were trying to figure out what was wrong with me. You probably have your own thoughts about that. Some say dreams are an important part of processing emotions and memories. Others say dreams come because of eating the wrong foods late at night. Maybe I should stop eating my snack before bedtime. I’m sure my husband would sleep better. Photos by Andy Chilton on Unsplash, Mat Kedzia on Pexels, and K. on Pexels. More strange stories: [Age and Beauty - Thoughts On Growing Old](https://debrichmond.com/age-and-beauty/ "Age and Beauty - Thoughts On Growing Old") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") [House on the Highway](https://debrichmond.com/house-on-the-highway/ "House on the Highway") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Movies About Older People](https://debrichmond.com/movies-about-older-people/) **Published:** October 4, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### The Struggle Is Real: Movies About Older People For Older People I love watching movies about older people who face the same challenges I face. Maybe I enjoy reveling in my miseries, but, movies about older people give me hope to overcome the difficulties of getting older. SPOILER ALERT: You can read my list of movies at the bottom of this page, or you can test your movie lore skills and take the quiz version: [Older Folks At the Movies Quiz](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefNdT43oReqgONFPnmZCelVoUHVvhY7_Hgi79G-ewHeUfhdw/viewform?usp=sf_link "Older Folks At the Movies Quiz") Here are some of my favorite movies about older people. There are many more I haven’t seen yet but have on my “Watch when the teenager is not around” list. If you have a favorite that is missing from my list, send an email to let me know. I’ll bump it to the top of my to-be-watched list. Author’s note - I wanted to include photos of each movie but could not do so without breaking copyright laws or paying large sums of money. Instead, please enjoy the above image by Tima Miroshnichenko. #### Favorite Movies About Older People 1\. Second-Hand Lions (2003) PG - When a boy is forced to live with his aging uncles, he discovers stories, treasures, and truths about growing older and growing up. 2\. Up (2009) PG - An elderly widower and a young boy scout embark on a thrilling adventure to South America in a house lifted by balloons. 3\. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) PG - The evolving bond between a fiesty widow and her patient driver highlights themes of race, aging, and friendship. 4\. Cocoon (1985) PG-13 - Residents of a retirement home uncover extraterrestrial secrets that grant them renewed vigor and a second chance at life. 5\. Guarding Tess (1994) PG-13 - A dedicated Secret Service agent struggles with his assignment to protect a demanding former First Lady. 6\. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) PG-13 - Tales of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery unfold as an elderly woman recounts her past to a newfound friend. 7\. Grumpy Old Men (1993) PG-13 - Two lifelong neighbors engage in a hilarious feud that takes unexpected turns when a new woman moves in next door. 8\. A Man Called Ove (2022) PG-13 - A grouchy widower's solitary life is disrupted by new neighbors, leading to an unexpected journey of friendship and healing. 9\. On Golden Pond (1981) PG - An older couple's summer at their lakeside cottage rekindles family bonds and confronts past struggles. 10\. Grand Torino (2008) rated R - A gruff, retired auto worker forms an unlikely bond with his Hmong neighbors, challenging his prejudices and finding redemption. 11\. The Straight Story (1999) G - Determined to mend family ties, a man travels hundreds of miles on a lawn tractor, meeting kind strangers along the way. This one is based on a true story. 12\. The Bucket List (2008) PG-13 - Two terminally ill men set off on an adventure to complete their bucket list before they die. Be sure to send me your favorite movies about older people list. #### More oldies quizzes: [Kid Shows from the 60s and 70s](https://debrichmond.com/shows-from-the-60s-and-70s/ "Kid Shows from the 60s and 70s") [Oldies Music: Which Came First?](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy5TpeeRRLi76Z7DVZVAZKFPyyJJLBA98Xnz9nt4HtxTF36g/viewform "Oldies Music: Which Came First?") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Growing Older, Just for Fun --- ### [I'm Addicted to Jigsaw Puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/jigsaw-puzzles/) **Published:** November 6, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Keep reading. This article comes with a gift. ![jigsaw puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Doing-puzzles-e1754537434488-300x219.jpg "Doing puzzles - Deb Richmond Author") Thirty-two years ago, I set aside many hobbies to attend college and become a teacher. My children were both in elementary school. I was a single mom, working three jobs and taking college classes. There was no time for dabbling in paint colors, playing computer games, or putting together jigsaw puzzles. Following my retirement, I was able to return to the jigsaw puzzles. I think I’m addicted. I’ve done about 200 puzzles since retiring in May 2024. #### The Research on Jigsaw Puzzles A 2018 study of puzzling people aged 50+ found that the “jigsaw puzzle skill was highly associated with global visuospatial cognition and all measured visuospatial cognitive abilities indicating that solving JPs strongly taps multiple visuospatial cognitive processes including perception, constructional praxis, mental rotation, speed, flexibility, working memory, reasoning, and episodic memory.” It’s not just a waste of time… I don’t know what that all means, but it sounds like a good thing. The article explained that tackling jigsaw puzzles allows the brain to transfer mental skills like improved memory, spatial recognition, and reasoning to other learning activities. Surprisingly, word puzzles and sudokus do not transfer skills to other learning activities. Additional research shows that doing jigsaw puzzles significantly reduces stress, and reducing stress is a significant factor in maintaining healthy brain functions, especially as we grow older. Jigsaw puzzles also provide a release of dopamine that provides a happy moment, just like eating chocolate, having sex, or use of illegal medications. Forget the drugs. Eat chocolate or do a puzzle. (I’ll let you decide about the sex.) ##### Interesting Fact A [lenticular puzzle](https://www.eurographicspuzzles.com/en/products?start=0&count=30&sortBy=3&sortOrder=1&6ce8ee28-56cb-45c3-7e51-08da02d2d35e=3752 "lenticular puzzle") is created by using a double-convex lens. The images appear to change when viewed from different angles. #### Take It Easy/Make It Harder How do you tackle the jigsaw puzzle? I look for the most challenging way to complete it and see if I can make the puzzle last more than one day. Here are some of the approaches I’ve tried. I’m looking for other ways to do the puzzles, so send me your strategies. ##### 1) Build the Border I did this faithfully for the first round of puzzles. Then I sorted the pieces by color and worked from there. Lately, though, I rarely build the outer edge. It makes the process too easy, and I’m famous for doing things in the most complicated way possible. ##### 2) Top-Down This is the governmental leadership approach. I frequently start by assembling the top of the puzzle and working my way to the bottom or along the sides. I don’t use this method because it’s harder. I just have trouble reaching the top of the Puzzleboard by Phil. (Sorry, these are only available in the central PA area.) So, I put the sky together first, then slide that section up as I build the parts underneath. ##### 3) The Missing Link Sometimes, in mid-assembly, I change to sifting through all the remaining pieces to find the missing one. This is fun if the piece has a unique shape or color that I can quickly identify. But I sometimes look for twenty or thirty such pieces at a time because I like a challenge. I guess that’s why puzzling helps build a stronger memory. This was especially interesting when I worked on the 3,000-piece underwater scene puzzle. ##### Interesting fact Do you know Amazon has a 24,000-piece puzzle that measures 15 x 6 feet and a [33,000-piece puzzle](https://www.amazon.com/Educa-Piece-Puzzle-Wheeled-Wooden/dp/B00IA3HH5K/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1UNNVVL8F7NEB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U9f0N4wEPBSWj4hfVOalCs-i03QAKRFg_i5WE1qSza81brs3bI6PVKTrEVhYW271BYN9pK91gevEjWZ4TXrnkAUichYH-t_J_RdaeHLE3c3SzcOfRKRDXsZOnFibZxqchrlSmunkMnjLYKXzZzWoptb6Xi39PHGN-QNOd4rrBHPO6go-UGVkb4gMN2C2TelH5SodKBBtnrUnIDppECGYcVHiHrsjXvHPn0qD1_BjV-bZIsOGC3CY1OHL9nXGNsinEknaKDAA7bD03WiGAp8a3I5qv_HG3NPHhnxDsi_wANE.N2Ce95o31jK7oj54jumxuNl09gxTnjF5PH8FJnuoNNw&dib_tag=se&keywords=32%2C000+piece+puzzle&qid=1729739325&sprefix=32%2C000+piece+puzzle%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-3 "33,000-piece puzzle") that measures 19 x 5 feet? ##### 4) Sorting ![jigsaw puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/stacking-trays-e1754536862596-300x296.jpg "stacking trays - Deb Richmond Author") I bought a neat little stack of square trays for sorting. When I first went back to jigsaw puzzles, I sorted every puzzle by color. That got old, and only delayed the process of getting started. I still use the trays. I put random handfuls of puzzle pieces in the eight trays, but I scan the contents of the trays for colors or objects. I keep moving trays. It’s part of the game to empty a tray and put it off to the side until I’m down to one tray. One benefit of sorting by color, though, is that it forces my eyes to distinguish between fifty shades of green, blue, and brown, a challenge I tend to enjoy. ##### 5) Find a Place in the World My husband Rich realized he couldn’t afford to buy new puzzles every week, so he uses this method to slow down his progress. He puts the pieces in small containers and works from one container at a time, choosing a single piece and trying to find where it goes in the puzzle. If he locates the spot, he puts it in. If not, he puts the piece back for the next round. Being a very detailed and meticulous person, Rich studies the box cover until he can identify the exact location of the piece in his hand. ##### 6) Working Blind If the puzzle looks too easy, I work blind. I turn the box upside-down and assemble it without an image to guide me. This is especially fun when doing puzzles with individual little pictures or frames, like the one with 40 London doors or the collection of travel posters. These are my favorite puzzles, the ones with 40 mini-puzzles inside. If you’re a sucker for punishment, turn the pieces upside-down. I did that once with a 1500-piece puzzle. I was gluing the back side for framing, but it all fell apart when I flipped it over. ##### 7) Build the Barn Sometimes, I build specific objects in the scene and then connect them with the leaves, sky, or flowers around the main objects. This is also fun to do without looking at the big picture. ##### Interesting fact You can do jigsaw puzzles online. [https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/ ](https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/ "Jigsaw Explorer") And here: [Daily Jigsaw Puzzles](https://www.dailyjigsawpuzzles.net/famous-paintings-jigsaws/fruit--bird--and-dwarf-pear-tree_4753.html "Daily Jigsaw Puzzles") ##### Need a greater challenge? Check out the three-dimensional puzzles available on places like Amazon, Wal-Mart, and the Ravensburger website. ### And now for your gift Because Rich and I go through many puzzles, we’ve found friends and family to borrow, beg, trade, and share our collections. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a local puzzle lending library? That is one of my secret fantasies at the moment. Now you know I’m getting old…) Our puzzles sometimes travel between four or five friends, and I often lose track of who I gave it to. So, I created a puzzle tracking form. You can print it on regular printer paper or on [Avery #8163](https://www.avery.com/srch?q=8163 "Avery #8163") and adhere it to the inside of the box cover. [Completed Puzzle Form](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fWL9Kb64XD-blmyAtRjcPaQ3KwTnFNp7/view?usp=sharing "Completed Puzzle Form") ### Research on the benefit of jigsaw puzzles: [The Science of Puzzles](https://blog.305westendassistedliving.com/the-science-of-puzzles-why-challenging-your-brain-is-good-for-your-health "The Science of Puzzles") [The Life-Changing Magic of Puzzles](https://fortune.com/well/2022/10/02/mental-health-benefits-puzzles/ "The Life-Changing Magic of Puzzles") [Springbok: Flex Your Brain Muscles With a Jigsaw Puzzle](https://www.springbok-puzzles.com/flex-your-muscles-article-s/2019.htm/?srsltid=AfmBOoqJ9NRIDZkR4BEWB6jhX9jIIZg4HzTd50BL_kSGQOWQTTX_wGlC "Springbok: Flex Your Brain Muscles With a Jigsaw Puzzle") [You Tube/Brain Academy: The brain science of puzzles](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_yhPV-tP6E "You Tube/Brain Academy: The brain science of puzzles") Citation for article quoted above: [Front Aging Neurosci.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6174231/#) 2018; 10: 299. Published online 2018 Oct 1. doi: [10.3389/fnagi.2018.00299](https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffnagi.2018.00299) PMCID: PMC6174231 PMID: [30327598](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30327598) Jigsaw Puzzling Taps Multiple Cognitive Abilities and Is a Potential Protective Factor for Cognitive Aging Patrick Fissler,1,2,\*† Olivia Caroline Küster,1,2,3,† Daria Laptinskaya,1 Laura Sophia Loy,4 Christine A. F. von Arnim,2,3 and Iris-Tatjana Kolassa1 © 2018 Fissler, Küster, Laptinskaya, Loy, von Arnim and Kolassa. #### More Brain Builders: [25 New Words You Should Understand](https://debrichmond.com/todays-vocabulary/ "25 New Words You Should Understand") [25 Facts You Probably Didn't Know](https://debrichmond.com/25-number-facts/ "25 Facts You Probably Didn't Know") [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Alzheimer's Risk Reducers") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Small Steps To Change Your Life](https://debrichmond.com/small-steps/) **Published:** January 24, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Sometimes, taking small steps can make a huge difference. Have you heard these excuses? I’ve never been good at math. - I’m too old to learn a new language. - I can’t swim because I’m afraid of water. - I could never give up soda. - New technology is too complicated for me. Many people have a fixed mindset about conquering a new skill or breaking a bad habit. A fixed mindset is when we find an excuse for why we can’t. A growth mindset is when we decide that we can, though it may take some time. #### A Fish Out of Water As a teenager, I dreaded the annual youth group swimming party. I have always had an unnatural fear of water. I would stay far back from the pool’s edge to avoid the goofball who wanted to throw the littlest person (usually me) into the deep end or the clumsy kids who accidentally walked into people backward, sending someone tumbling into the drink. That pool water looked inviting, especially in August, but I couldn’t get near it. In my 30s, I decided I didn’t want to live that way anymore. I must learn to swim. Attending swimming lessons and blowing bubbles with the five-year-olds was not on my to-do list. Fortunately, my neighbor had a delightfully uncrowded pool. I started small, holding onto the shallow end ladder and putting my face underwater—step 1. Eventually, I had my head underwater for a full minute—step 2. See where this is going? I grabbed an inner tube and kicked across the pool’s shallow end. Then I wore a life preserver and swam to the deep end. Once brave enough, I removed the life preserver and swam across the shallow end. I clung to the pool’s edge and went to the deep end, where I swam corner to corner, side to side, and end to end—steps 3 through 8. I’m still afraid of water, of losing the ability to catch a breath, but I’ve snorkeled in the ocean and can swim laps for a mile. Guess what I discovered. I’m too buoyant to sink! I have to work hard to reach the bottom of a pool. #### The Terrors of Technology Small steps can help with technological challenges, too. All wanna-be authors are told to create a website and send newsletters or blogs. Two years ago, I was clueless (Some say I'm still clueless most of the time) about developing a webpage. I struggle with the webpage today, but I've learned a few things. I started with a single page. Then, I added another. I had one post. Now I have many. Each time I get a report on the health of my webpage, I find issues that need to be resolved. I don't have time to tackle everything on the list. So I choose one item, read it, try to understand what it means, and then fix the problem areas for that issue. I'm not ready to teach a course on building websites. But I'm making progress. If technology scares you, buy a basic smartphone. The [Jitterbug phone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH964JZ8/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0CH964JZ8&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_ssd_tt&qid=1736524757&pd_rd_w=fL8xe&content-id=amzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942%3Aamzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_p=8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_r=MG9SXSBQJJS164PKZRE6&pd_rd_wg=qJEaF&pd_rd_r=b93e6382-c167-4d38-a95f-fb04febfad2e&pd_rd_plhdr=t&th=1 "Jitterbug phone") has been highly recommended for older adults. Learn how to use one app on the phone. Once you've mastered that one, tackle another app. Soon, you'll be teaching teenage grandkids how it works. You can tackle many challenges by taking small steps. You don’t need ten; five may be enough. #### Choose Your Battles Want to lose weight? Try giving up your evening snack one night a week. Then, give up the nighttime snacking on weekends. Finally, switch to snacking only two nights a week. Want to give up sugary sodas? Replace one soda daily or weekly with something healthier; water would be a good choice. Then, skip the soda for another day. Want to thoroughly clean the house for the first time in 12 years? Start small. Do one room, one wall, or one closet. My husband painted the interior of our house, removing all the trim and restaining all the woodwork using very small steps—one wall at a time. It took him about a year to finish, and I was okay with that. The money we had planned to give to a house painter helped pay for my new car. Want to become physically fit? Decide on the end goal, then determine the first and second steps. There’s no hurry. I’ve been trying to learn to do a chin-up for three years. By 2029, I might reach that goal. I conquered boys’ push-ups by doing wimpy push-ups against a wall, then on the edge of the kitchen table, then the coffee table, and finally, the floor. I can only do five push-ups, but next year, I’ll do six. Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels [![small steps](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Small-Steps-300x300.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Small-Steps.jpg) #### Take Small Steps Progress takes time. Don’t tell yourself you have to master this challenge today. Tell yourself you have to master the first small step. Stick with that change until it becomes easy. Then, figure out step number two. See, you’re moving in the right direction. Have you conquered a mighty challenge using small steps? I’d love to hear your story. More articles on being your best in the years to come: [Digital Tools For Older People](https://debrichmond.com/digital-tools-for-older-people/ "Digital Tools For Older People") [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Alzheimer's Risk Reducers") [Attain Better Mental Health With Jigsaw Puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/jigsaw-puzzles/ "Attain Better Mental Health With Jigsaw Puzzles") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Fantastic Inventions From the 1800s & 1900s](https://debrichmond.com/fantastic-inventions/) **Published:** January 29, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** The last two hundred years were filled with fantastic inventions. Looking back and looking ahead, I marvel at how technology and simple tools have changed. What would my life be like without some of these amazing creations? What did people do before Joseph Gayetty gave us "The greatest necessity of the age! [Gayetty's medicated paper for the water-closet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_paper#:~:text=Joseph%20Gayetty%20is%20widely%20credited,watermarked%20with%20the%20inventor's%20name "Gayetty's medicated paper for the water-closet")”? Before the invention and [production of toilet paper](https://www.history.com/news/toilet-paper-hygiene-ancient-rome-china "production of toilet paper"), the options included leaves, communal sponges on a stick, seashells, and stones. Do you see why I called our modern resources fantastic inventions? [![fantastic inventions](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Illustration_of_Jacob_Christian_Schaffers_washing_machine_1766-230x300.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Illustration_of_Jacob_Christian_Schaffers_washing_machine_1766.jpg)Jacob Christian Schaffers Washing machine 2025 January 22 In Wikipedia httpsenwikipediaorgwikiWashing machineIn addition to fantastic inventions of hygiene, gaining access to information and instant socialization have changed our world. My middle school students grew up in a world where cell phones were eternal. They couldn't imagine life without phones with their hands permanently attached to a device. I’m still trying to remember where I laid mine. I love reading historical accounts of people like Laura Ingalls Wilder and learning how she survived without the modern conveniences we take for granted. ### Changing Times I’m reading *The Carving of Mount Rushmore* by Rex Alan Smith, published by Abbeville Press in New York in 1985. Smith, in describing the early 1920s, writes: “It was a time of creative ferment—a time when inventions and creative accomplishments were occurring so rapidly that yesterday’s marvel was today’s commonplace, yesterday’s luxury was today’s necessity, and records set on one day were broken on the next. ..Every day more of even the most modest homes were being equipped with indoor plumbing, and with electricity and such attendant gadgets as electric iceboxes and irons and fans and washing machines.” So, let’s travel back through the last two centuries to see when our fantastic inventions came about. Below is a timeline quiz on 1800 and 1900 inventions. You can print the quiz and answer key for yourself or play at the next family gathering. Don't forget to email or comment and let me know how you did on the quiz. ### First Inventions [![fantastic inventions](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Flocken-Elektrowagon.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Flocken-Elektrowagon.jpg)The Flocken Elektrowagen Car 2025 January 16 In Wikipedia httpsenwikipediaorgwikiCarYou’ll notice the [automobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car "automobile") is not on the list. Clock, steam, and motor-driven vehicles appeared as early as 1649! Carl Benz of Germany is credited with the first engine-driven car, his Motorwagen, which was built in 1885. But we can’t overlook the Flocken Elekrowagen, the first four-wheeled electric car produced by Bavarian inventor Andreas Flocken in 1888. It isn’t easy to pinpoint some inventions. An inventor may have had the essential idea, but not in a practical form. Another inventor would make improvements. Then, a usable design would emerge. Finally, a person or company would make the device available to the public. I’ve read four washing machine accounts and found four different original inventors mentioned. Who deserves the first inventor credit? Who knows? Imagine what devices are still to come. I’m hoping for a machine that gently but thoroughly dismantles jigsaw puzzles. That would be a fantastic invention! Don’t worry, dear family—when I sit down to play the next round of Timeline, I will have forgotten every one of these. Forgetting is something I’m really good at. (Reader, if you enjoyed this quiz, check out the Timeline Twist Card Game or The History Channel Trivia Games.) ### Play the Fantastic Inventions Game [Centuries-Old Inventions Quiz](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Century-Old-Inventions-Quiz-1.pdf) [Centuries-Old Inventions Answer Key](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Century-Old-Inventions-Answer-Key.pdf) #### Learn More: [Inventions of the 1920s timeline](https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/inventions-in-the-1920-s "Inventions of the 1920s timeline") [Wikipedia - Timeline of United States inventions (1890-1945)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_inventions_(1890%E2%80%931945) "Wikipedia - Timeline of United States inventions (1890-1945)") [Thought Co. - The Most Important Inventions of the 19th Century](https://www.thoughtco.com/inventions-nineteenth-century-4144740 "Thought Co. - The Most Important Inventions of the 19th Century") [Thought Co. - Top Inventions From the 1950s through the 1990s](https://www.thoughtco.com/fifties-to-nineties-inventions-4144741 "Thought Co. - Top Inventions From the 1950s through the 1990s") #### More Quizzes: [1960s & 1970s Television Shows Quiz](https://debrichmond.com/shows-from-the-60s-and-70s/ "1960s & 1970s Television Shows Quiz") [Movies For Older People Quiz](https://debrichmond.com/movies-about-older-people/ "Movies For Older People Quiz") [Oldies Music Quiz](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy5TpeeRRLi76Z7DVZVAZKFPyyJJLBA98Xnz9nt4HtxTF36g/viewform "Oldies Music Quiz") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [The Christmas Gift Exchange](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-gift-exchange/) **Published:** February 11, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** **Sometimes, I read a story that touches me deeply and want to share it with my readers. I loved this story when I read it on Facebook. It reminds me of the Christmas gift exchange when I was a child. My story didn't have the same ending, but I'll save that story for another time.** Guest Author: [Freda Zehr](https://www.facebook.com/freda.zehr "Freda Zehr Facebook") [![gift exchange](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Katie-Azi-Gift-Exchange-193x300.png "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Katie-Azi-Gift-Exchange.png) It was bitterly cold that winter of 1945. I was in the third grade, and my father was my teacher. We drove several miles each morning to a little one-room schoolhouse with grades one through eight. The room was heated by a pot-bellied stove in the back. I would curl up in a blanket and shiver while my father started a roaring fire to warm the building before the other children arrived. Times were hard, and money was scarce in the post-World War II era. In retrospect, Christmas celebrations were indeed meager affairs, but we children were not aware of that. We looked forward with great anticipation to all the festivities accompanying the season. Especially exciting to me was the Christmas program and gift exchange at school. While financially difficult times were most everyone's lot, in that little rural Pennsylvania farming community, the poorest of all the poor were the Davises, a family of four boys. They came to school skinny and underweight, their ragged clothes dirty, as were their hands and faces. Their lunches frequently consisted of simple bread-and-butter sandwiches. Their very demeanor spoke of deprivation, so it was not great joy I felt when Herman Davis excitedly announced to me that he had received my name in the name pull. As the days went by, he spoke eagerly about what a wonderful gift he would get for me. Finally, he came in one morning, bursting with the news that he had found the perfect gift—a kaleidoscope! His eyes sparkled as he spoke of it, and he described its beauty in glowing terms. I had seen one such kaleidoscope in McCroy’s 5 and 10-cent store, and I longed for it. I didn’t see how Herman could possibly have the money to buy it, but I had never seen him so animated and happy. And so I got caught up in his enthusiasm and allowed myself to dream, to dare to think that somehow, some way, Herman had gotten the money for my heart's desire. Oh, that wonderful world of childhood innocence, where dreams are the stuff life is made of, where fantasy and reality intermingle so that those plain homemade decorations take on a glow. Memory now seems to clothe that barren pine tree in sparkling lights. The day of the program finally arrived, and the weather cooperated. The snow began to fall softly as we played at noon recess. I had never noticed the beauty of snowflakes before. I gazed in wonder at the exquisiteness of their intricate patterns as they fell against the drabness of my dark winter coat. I looked up into that winter sky until the snow seemed to stand still, and I was floating upward. As the time for the gift exchange neared, my father stood behind the large decorated box filled with the gaily wrapped gifts. He began to call out our names one by one. As the names were being called, Herman had grown unusually quiet in his seat across from me. My seatmate Annabelle received her gift: a small, delicate, playful-looking china kitten clutching a small vial of perfume in its front paws. Then my name was called. Herman seemed to retreat further into his seat as I rose to claim it. Anticipation and excitement still filled me, even though intuition warned me of impending disappointment. I unwrapped my gift to find inside a tattered spiral notebook, obviously used, with only a few clean sheets remaining, along with one of his school pencils, used, broken, and missing an eraser. I looked across the aisle at him and saw only the back of his bowed head. One look at that disheveled hair and all my selfish wishes were swallowed up by my need to comfort that forlorn figure. "Herman,” I whispered loudly across the aisle. He turned slowly and looked at me, and all these fifty years later, I can still see the look on his face. It was a mixture of sorrow, shame, and embarrassment, Yet just a hint of hope lurked in the shadow of his eyes. "Thank you for the gift,” I said. His face broke into a smile, and relief filled every feature as the words started tumbling out, all jumbled and frantic. "You mean you like it? You mean you're not mad? I mean, I thought you'd be mad about the kaleidoscope. I couldn’t get back to the store to get it, and then it was too late and--" his voice trailed off. "Please don't worry about it," I said, "This is just fine; I’ll use it to write a story. I like to write, you know, and I needed another notebook; my old one is filled.” "Good,” He said, ”Good, good,” still grinning. He turned his head at the sound of his name being called and bounced up front to receive his gift. I went home, put the notebook in my bottom dresser drawer, and removed the kaleidoscope from my mind. However, on Christmas morning, when I opened my gift from my aunt Mary, who always seemed to know the secrets of a child's heart, I found, to my delight, the kaleidoscope. But even as I reveled in its beauty, I sensed that the joy did not compare to the feeling I had experienced a few days before, in that little school room, where I had learned for the first time that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that the gifts of love and understanding are of far greater value than anything money can buy. Photo by [Katie Azi](https://unsplash.com/@katishna?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-wrapped-present-sitting-on-the-floor-next-to-a-jar-of-jam-_Zi4NVzjLlc?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) More Christmas stories: [The Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/ "The Christmas Tree Poems") [The Sound of Christmas Music...Noise](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-music/ "The Sound of Christmas Music...Noise") [Christmas Past and Future](https://debrichmond.com/christmas-past-and-present/ "Christmas Past and Future") You can buy the Christmas Tree Poems book here: [Christmas Tree Poems paperback](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond/dp/B0DP5SZJKF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VN4GK71IXW4F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vnK6oHoFQELsNMcvKl4yrw1N3G6olinnYWwSVPi7afoVlzt53ep5ZLDgu3hhnRFPoARTMATeeSLTHgLhkljU3UJUg6g-7SrxxzmzpCEfn5o.H00SEuZnwKMH4slSLS_wEkU8xJAtni7X5cgHloj7sCI&dib_tag=se&keywords=deb+richmond&qid=1733923632&sprefix=deb+richmond%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1 "Christmas Tree Poems paperback") or [Christmas Tree Poems Kindle version](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond-ebook/dp/B0DPGSGGMN/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vnK6oHoFQELsNMcvKl4yrw1N3G6olinnYWwSVPi7afoVlzt53ep5ZLDgu3hhnRFPoARTMATeeSLTHgLhkljU3UJUg6g-7SrxxzmzpCEfn5o.H00SEuZnwKMH4slSLS_wEkU8xJAtni7X5cgHloj7sCI&qid=1733923632&sr=8-1 "Christmas Tree Poems Kindle version") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Holiday Stories, Stories from long ago --- ### [Stories from Jane, the Snake Lady, part 1](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-jane-the-snake-lady-part-1/) **Published:** March 26, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### Looking For Stories As a newly retired person, I quickly fell into activities I rarely had time for in my previous years:[ jigsaw puzzles](https://debrichmond.com/jigsaw-puzzles/ "jigsaw puzzles"), an older adults’ workout class, and visiting people. I’ve become a memory collector, gathering stories from folks who have been around far longer than me. Three of my new friends are 99 years old! It’s become a passion for me to hear and record the stories of older people. Feel free to email me if you know someone filled with nearly a century of amazing stories. I’d love to listen and maybe even share about the amazing folk who have been around longer than most. Here is one of those stories. Jane Crone has lived an incredible life—humorous, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Let me tell you a few stories about this remarkable lady. [![](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Janes-House-1-300x225.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Janes-House-1.jpg) #### Visiting Jane Visiting Jane, The Snake Lady, complements her fascinating life and is truly an adventure. My friend Patty (the Christmas tree owner) and I drove along Sugar Run Road, a winding stretch of back roads in Perry County, Pennsylvania, where parts are only wide enough for one vehicle. I wanted to know what to do if I encountered another car in those sections. Worse yet, what if I met a large milk truck while trying to reach Jane’s house? Narrow throughways weren’t the only challenge. With turn after turn, it was easy to get lost. Then came the geese. They hovered around the yard of a nearby farmhouse, waiting for unsuspecting motorists. Flocking to the road, they blocked progress toward a remote destination. Patty warned me, “Don’t get out of the car. The geese are vicious creatures. Just honk the horn and hope the homeowners come out to shoo them away.” #### The Little House Finally, we arrived at the tiny home on the edge of the woods. The Little House sits up the hill a bit. A narrow set of cinder block steps leads to the front door. The steep steps are worn and slippery, with some stones broken or crooked. It was easy for me to navigate them, though I held on to the handrails until halfway up, not trusting my wonky sense of balance. But Jane is blind. She uses these steps often. Now that she can travel by Rabbit, the PA transit system, she can leave the house occasionally. Jane says, “They gave me a hard time at first. They said, ‘You’re blind. You need somebody to do the steps with you.'” Now, the Rabbit drivers know better. The last time she arrived home on a Rabbit transport, the driver said, “I can’t get off the bus and walk you up those steps.” Jane told him not to worry about it. “Just take me to the bottom.” He did. Jane held the handrails on each side halfway up the steps. However, near the top, the handrails were too far apart to reach. From there, Jane crawled toward her front door. When she stood on the final step, she turned, waved at the driver, and blew him a kiss. The driver shook his head (Jane can see movement, but not forms) and said, “I don’t believe she did that.” But that’s Jane. Much of what she does is surprising, sometimes even shocking. Which is why I’m here. To gather the stories inside this little house. #### No Surprises My friend knocked on the door, but she warned me before entering. “When you come here alone, call out to announce your presence. Tell her your name. Don’t grab hold of her. Jane doesn’t like surprises.” A hard-swinging fist met one visitor who failed to follow this advice. Once through the tattered screen door, I looked around the entryway. The computer and living rooms are on each side of the front door. Jane has voice recognition software that allows her to access the computer when the internet works. To the right of the door is the living room, where Jane spends most of her time. It is filled with wall-to-wall mementos: knickknacks, DVDs, figurines, photos and albums, and a big oak wood organ that no longer works. When Jane moved from Michigan to Pennsylvania, the movers placed the organ in an outside shed that leaked. The rats got into the shed and chewed the bellows and felt padding. Jane’s dad bought the organ from his grandpa’s auction for $12. The organ would cost $1000 to repair. It has real ivory keys. When you open the lid, it says the manufacturer’s name and the date 1870. My host reminded me never to move anything without putting it back exactly where I found it. Jane’s visually impaired mobility requires that everything be exactly where she remembers. This helps Jane navigate her life and prevents her from tripping over items that weren’t there earlier. Jane instructs me, “If you wanna know where the rubber bands are, they’re back by the washing machine. It’s a little thing with a lot of drawers. Go to the third drawer over and the third drawer down. That's rubber bands. Everything has a place in this house. Even the stapler. Picky, picky, picky. No, it's not picky. It's just, that's where it goes.” Jane functions on memory rather than sight. #### It's All Stored Up Here... And Jane’s memory is more than adequate. When a healthcare worker called to arrange her next doctor’s visit, Jane recited the time and date several times. Writing it down would be pointless; she couldn’t read the words. But it’s safely stored in her memory, an appointment for three months away. Every item in the room is a memory and, hopefully, a story. But gathering them all could take a lifetime. I don’t have that long. Jane probably doesn’t, either. When I met Jane, she was 88 years old. Our first visit produced 44 pages of stories about everything from being held at gunpoint to raising kids in a house full of snakes and being fired from the Girl Scouts. Jane wanted me to write her life story. I’ve tried to explain that I don’t write biographies. I write short stories for a newsletter. Biographies require gathering too many details, getting all the facts straight, and trying not to insult family members. But Jane’s life will make you think and make you laugh. So this is the place where I’m finding stories: a little house along Memory Lane in the backwoods of south-central Pennsylvania. Watch for more stories about Jane in future newsletters. [Living with Vision Loss: Practical Tips for Safety and Independence](https://www.seniorhelpers.com/az/phoenix-tempe/resources/blogs/living-with-vision-loss-practical-tips-for-safety-and-independence/ "Living with Vision Loss: Practical Tips for Safety and Independence") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [Open Mouth, Insert Foot](https://debrichmond.com/open-mouth-insert-foot/) **Published:** February 26, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ### ![open mouth, insert foot](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/open-mouth-2-e1754540710758-300x195.jpg "open mouth 2 - Deb Richmond Author") ### Why Did I Say That? Recently, I emailed someone cheerfully saying, “I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.” She had recently lost someone very dear to her. Open mouth, insert foot. It is easy to toss careless words without considering where they may land. When life is going smoothly, I sometimes forget to step into the other person’s path and remember where they are. How many times did I complain about my kids in the hearing of a parent who had lost a child or an adult who was never given the pleasure of raising children? How often do I complain about not having money for dark chocolate to someone without a steady paycheck? How many times have I made an outdoor-voice comment in a crowd of people about how much that person looks like a banana in her yellow dress? How often have I compared one child to another, with one falling miserably short? Open mouth, insert foot. Sometimes, unfortunately, I say thoughtless words intentionally and want to be overheard. He may change his behavior if he knows what people think of him. (That rarely works, by the way.) Sometimes, I want the audience to know I’m peeved. After all, I’ve been the victim of such a great injustice as to have that man park his grocery cart in the center of the aisle so no one can move by him. It’s good to put haughty people in their place at times. Or not. Uncle Fred’s know-it-all attitude may be a cover for low self-esteem. Putting him “in his place” would likely send him farther down the rungs of his confidence ladder. ### Painful Words A 1970s/80s Christian music group called Second Chapter of Acts had a song called [“That’s Not Nice to Say.”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cftmVev24lQ "“That’s Not Nice to Say.”") I always liked the song but seldom adhered to the lyrics: “Stick and stone will break my bones, but words will break my heart.” As I grow older, my patience grows shorter. I don’t have time to be tactful. I may not have hours to explain it gently. Too often, I give the whole barrage of my disapproval in one quick blast. I’d rather not tell you the number of times I’d like to take back words spoken in haste, with distaste, or designed to make another shamefaced. ![open mouth, insert foot](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/open-mouth-3-e1754541387242-300x187.jpg "open mouth 3 - Deb Richmond Author") Spoken words carry a certain amount of power. I can’t throw them carelessly without paying a price. I didn’t realize until it was too late how some of my careless words pierced the hearts of my young children. Words like, “You a pain in the butt,” or “Must you always…?” Open mouth, insert foot. I remember the Bible verse I memorized as a child because the teacher paid a quarter for reciting verses: King David said, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (NASB). I need frequent reminders to think before talking. It matters what I say, especially when I speak carelessly in the presence of someone who is hurting. If I’m unsure, I need only look at the face. After all, if my words don’t bring comfort, peace, and honor to those closest to me, why am I saying them? I don’t feel better after I’ve said hurtful words. Now, two of us are hurting. ### Think, Don't Speak As I grow older, I must hold my hand over my mouth a bit longer and consider what is about to spill out, or in some cases, put down the device until I’ve given it more thought. I must momentarily step onto the other person’s path before throwing my grand opinions at their feet. This is easier said than done. I want my words to uplift, encourage, and offer gratitude and support. I want the words of my mouth to put a smile on someone’s face. When people walk away from me, I want them to be glad we spoke. Until I master the art of speaking life instead of pain, I’ll need to adopt another habit: Don’t say another word. Don’t say another word. Don’t say another word. Just one more word - if you think I’m a terrible person (I’m not saying you’re wrong…), re-read this one. Put yourself in the “I” of each situation. Did you get off easier than I did? I’m sure you did because the readers on my email list are amazingly wonderful people. See, I’m learning already. More stories like Open Mouth, Insert Foot : [Maybe I'm a Slow Learner](https://debrichmond.com/slow-learner/ "Maybe I'm a Slow Learner") [The Broken Vase](https://debrichmond.com/the-broken-vase/ "The Broken Vase") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store](https://debrichmond.com/schlegels-grocery-hardware-store/) **Published:** May 21, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** When I was a little girl, one of my favorite activities was going to Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store. In rural Central Pennsylvania during the 1960s, there were few options for entertainment besides going to church, visiting Grandma, grocery shopping, and attending church. ### A Family Business Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store was a small, white, wooden building nestled among the row of houses in East Salem. The Schlegel family has been in the grocery business since the 1800s. In the mid-1920s, Earl Schlegel worked at the store across the street, which was owned by Edith Schlegel, probably his cousin’s wife. She told Earl, “Someone bought that store over there.” Earl replied that he had bought it. Edith was furious. “I thought you were buying my store.” Earl reminded her, “You were always going to sell it to me, but you never did.” That was the last day Earl worked for Edith. I remember Earl as an older man with patches of white hair and a broad smile. By the time I learned to spell, he was preparing to hand the business over to his son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Blanche. He had planned to retire at seventy, but continued working until his final days. Earl was just six months shy of becoming a centenarian when he passed away in 1997. He had devoted over ninety years to the grocery business. Wayne said his father intended to retire but never got around to it. Wayne also claimed to have retired but never seemed to leave the store, either. ### From Bolts to Root Beer Barrels I remember many things about that place. It didn’t have a public bathroom, and sometimes, I didn’t have the ability to hold it. The back room was filled with boxes of nuts, bolts, and various types of hardware organized on shelves that rose far above my head. Fathers and grandfathers gathered there while the women shopped for groceries. But what I remembered most and where I stayed the longest was at the front of the store. The checkout counter offered a delightful assortment of penny candy, including chalky candy cigarettes, Swedish Fish, Smarties, and waxy bottles filled with overly sweet colored syrup shaped like tiny soda bottles. There were coconut rainbow strips, root beer barrels, and straws filled with colored sugar—the Pixy Stix. I’m not sure if I had a powerful sweet tooth or was drawn to the bright colors, but the candy counter was my favorite spot during grocery runs, testing my decision-making abilities when I had a rare handful of change. ### Small Town, Big Store [![Schlegel's Grocery Store](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Wayne-Blanche-1.jpeg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Wayne-Blanche-1.jpeg) In 1973, Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store relocated to a new site within walking distance of the original store. When I first visited this building, I felt disappointed. It was clad in aluminum, with gas pumps next to the parking lot. However, the people inside made the place feel like home. I cannot recall a time in that store that Wayne, as he hurriedly passed me in the aisle, didn’t smile and make me feel that he was thrilled I had stopped by. The next move was to an even larger building outside East Salem. The current location of the grocery and hardware store is next to the neighborhood bank. It features an apartment complex where the family can unwind between work hours. Wayne and Blanche rarely left the store, even after constructing a lovely house on the hill across the road, surrounded by their children’s homes. ### Everything You Need Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store has everything except new cars and comfortable clothes. Just inside the door, you’ll find a supply of paintball equipment, toy tractors, gardening tools, and outdoor grills. Further down the aisles are rows of tools and household items like trash cans and small kitchen appliances, along with the paint store. Workers at Schlegel’s will assist you in replacing broken window panes located at the back of the hardware store. The grocery, produce, and meat sections affiliated with IGA fill the rest of the store, along with books and a display of individual plastic farm animals. The checkout counter offers an assortment of homemade baked goods. It may not be the colorful candy counter of my childhood, but it remains a great temptation. ### Home of the Two-Dollar Bill Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store is famous for its two-dollar bill, which was Wayne’s idea. If you leave with a handful of paper money in change, you’re likely to hold a two-dollar bill. Wanda says they get about $2000 in twos each week. Many people request them in bundles, numbered sequentially, especially during Christmastime. My dad once parked his car at an off-site parking lot in Harrisburg, over an hour from home. He handed the attendant a two-dollar bill, and the man said, “Oh, you must have been to Schlegel’s.” This once-tiny store, which has turned into a local mega-mart, still feels like home. Maybe it’s the efficient way every worker knows exactly where to find what you need. Perhaps it’s the homemade BBQ or chicken salad. My family members who live far away request these items when we have a family gathering. ### The Next Generations [![Schlegel’s Grocery Store](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lori-and-Wanda-scaled-e1747428701647-300x282.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lori-and-Wanda-scaled-e1747428701647.jpg) The store remains a family business. I miss the faces of Blanche and Wayne, who died three days apart (December 30, 2020, and January 2, 2021). Today, Schlegel’s is owned and operated by Wayne and Blanche’s two children: their oldest daughter, Wanda, and her husband, Larry Sheaffer, along with the Schlegels’ son, Jeff, and his wife, Lori. Two of Wayne and Blanche’s grandsons are learning the trade. At Schlegel’s, I find workers who have been there as long as I can remember. Wayne Reichenbaugh has worked there since his high school graduation in 1981. He’s affectionately called Waynie by the Schlegel family. Lisa Van Horn has been a Schlegel’s employee for thirty-seven years. I asked her why she has stayed that long. She said it is close to home, and it feels like family. After stopping by a few times, those workers recognize and greet you by name. Stand in the middle of any hardware aisle for a few seconds, and someone will offer help. ### We All Have Stuff To Do I suspect that the success of this business lies in the people who own, operate, and work there. Wayne Schlegel had a smile that melted your heart. Jeff Schlegel has a friendly giggle that makes you want to laugh out loud. He frequently studies the collection of customer photos and reminisces about the people who came to the store in years past. Lori and Wanda solve problems and stock shelves (yes, the owners help with that chore, too), yet they both find time to chat and search for old newspaper articles. I asked how they had managed to work and live close together all these years. Jeff laughed and said, “We all have stuff to do. We don’t have time to squabble.” I’ve never seen a family quarrel occur between family members or workers. Family-owned and tended businesses like Schlegel's Grocery & Hardware Store are one of the many reasons why my feet are firmly planted in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. My memories of this place go back as far as I can remember. Oh, wait, why can’t I find my old badminton racket?. “Rich, I’ll be right back. I need to run over to Schlegels.” [Schlegel's Grocery and Hardware webpage](https://www.schlegelsgroceryhardwarepa.com/ "Schlegel's Grocery and Hardware webpage") [Schlegel's Grocery Store Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/schlegels/# "Schlegel's Facebook page") More from days gone by... [Are You Homesick For Days Gone By?](https://debrichmond.com/days-gone-by/ "Are You Homesick For Days Gone By?") [The Old Car](https://debrichmond.com/the-old-car/ "The Old Car") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Stories from long ago --- ### [The Benefits of a Workout Routine For Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/workout-routine-for-older-adults/) **Published:** August 15, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ##### Time to Get Moving If you’re sitting in a comfortable La-Z-Boy recliner with your feet propped up and thinking about taking a nap, it’s time to stand up and start moving. (There is a time for elevating the feet, but not in today’s post.) It may be time to consider a workout routine for older adults. [ ![workout routine](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Exercise-male-biker-e1754317809121.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Exercise-male-biker-e1754317809121.jpg) Current research supports an active workout routine for older adults. The benefits of exercising later in life are backed by thousands of pages of scientific study. It makes sense—if you stop moving, you’ll stop being able to move. Here are twelve reasons to incorporate a regular exercise routine into your schedule. #### 1) **Less Pain** Strengthening the muscles around joints helps lessen osteoarthritis pain. Simple stretching exercises, such as arm circles and shoulder rolls, increase the range of motion and decrease joint stiffness. #### 2) **Stronger Bones** [![workout routine for older adults](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Healthy-Bones-300x169.jpg "Healthy Bones - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Healthy-Bones.jpg) It’s easy to envision changes in the structure of muscles and fat cells due to a workout routine. However, we often see bones as dead weight that prevent us from looking like Gumby. In reality, bones are living tissues. They become weaker and more fragile as we age. A regular workout routine for older adults, along with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, can strengthen bones, making them denser and less likely to break, fracture, or shatter after a fall or injury. #### 3) **Sleep Better** Parents of toddlers have understood for centuries that keeping small children busy throughout the day results in better sleep at night. The same applies to older adults. Researchers have found that morning workouts, particularly in women, tend to burn off weight more effectively because the calories burned do not come from recent food intake. Afternoon and evening workouts help lower blood pressure and reset the body’s circadian rhythm, promoting a restful night’s sleep. #### 4) **Reduce the Risks of Alzheimer’s Disease** According to [Stanford Lifestyle Medicine](https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/lifestyle-pillars/cognitive-enhancement/), “One of the most well-studied activities that enhance our cognition is physical exercise.” Studies show that workout routines for older adults can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 45%. There are various scientific terms like cAMP and BDFN that explain this. I don’t fully understand cAMP/BDFN, but I know that working the body helps keep the mind functioning properly. #### 5) **Maintain Flexibility** Think about it - do you really want to call for a tractor and chain to help lift you off the floor after the grandkids leave? Exercise can help you maintain a full range of motion, reduce joint stiffness, and avoid embarrassing “I’m stuck down here” cries for help. #### 6) **Lower Risks of Serious Diseases** Regular exercise strengthens the heart to help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Aerobic workouts burn calories that aid in weight loss to fight against diabetes. The American Cancer Society says that exercise has been linked to lower cancer risks for thirteen types of cancer, including breast, colon, and lung cancer. #### 7) **Reduce Weight** There’s no way around this: Burn more calories than you consume. Muscle mass burns slightly more calories at rest than fat cells. Building muscle can be challenging as we age. I struggled for many years to regain the muscle lost due to hormonal changes until a bodybuilder at my gym offered me two helpful pieces of advice: Increase protein intake after a workout, and lift weights that feel heavier than what is comfortable. With these two changes, I’ve seen better results in restoring muscle strength. #### 8) **Improve Balance** Many older adults can no longer live independently due to poor balance and frequent falls. Incorporate balance and flexibility exercises into your routine. Hold onto the edge of a chair and balance on one foot at a time. Practice standing up and sitting down on a chair without holding onto anything. #### 9) **Improve the Immune System** According to the *Journal of Sport and Health Science*, “Habitual exercise improves immune regulation, delaying the onset of age-related dysfunction.” Exercise combats anti-inflammatory processes, enhances overall gut health, and strengthens disease-fighting antioxidants in the body. #### 10) **Increase Energy** [![exercise routine for older adults](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Energy-300x169.jpg "Energy - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Energy.jpg) You might think a workout would drain your energy levels. Surprisingly, exercise generates powerful mitochondria, converting food and oxygen into fuel. It also improves circulation, allowing oxygen to work more efficiently. #### 11) **Bolsters a Positive Outlook** A regular workout routine for older adults helps maintain a more positive mood by reducing anxiety, depression, tension, and stress. Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that block pain and create feelings of pleasure, along with norepinephrine (one of the regulators of the fight or flight response), BDNF, serotonin, and dopamine, the reward chemical. Regular exercise also lowers cortisol and adrenaline, both of which contribute to stress. #### 12) **Improves cholesterol levels** A 2024 study found that the more active you are, the more saturated fat your muscles utilize. Exercise also prompts the body to transport harmful cholesterol to the liver for removal, leading to an increase in good cholesterol and a decrease in bad cholesterol. In addition to improving your health, adjusting cholesterol levels will make your doctor very happy. Before starting any workout routine for older adults, it’s wise to talk to your doctor. Understand your body’s limits to prevent injury and overexertion. Does this sound like a lot of hard work? In the next newsletter, I’ll share ways to make exercise fun. So, are you still in the Lazy-E-Boy? Thanks for reading to the end, but put your device down. Stand up. There you go. Get moving! #### More about Growing Older [Vitamins and Supplements for Older Adults](https://debrichmond.com/vitamins-and-supplements-for-older-adults/ "Vitamins and Supplements for Older Adults") [Set a New Goal](https://debrichmond.com/set-a-new-goal/ "Set a New Goal") [Alzheimer's Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/ "Alzheimer's Risk Reducers") #### Resources [National Council on Aging: The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60](https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60/ "National Council on Aging: The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60") [John Hopkins Medicine: Exercise and the Aging Person](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercise-and-the-aging-person "John Hopkins Medicine: Exercise and the Aging Person") [National Institute on Aging: Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity ](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/health-benefits-exercise-and-physical-activity "National Institute on Aging: Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity") [Stanford Lifestyle Medicine: How Exercise Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease ](https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/05/28/how-exercise-reduces-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/ "Stanford Lifestyle Medicine: How Exercise Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's Disease") [Ortho Info: Exercise and Bone Health](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/exercise-and-bone-health/ "Ortho Info: Exercise and Bone Health") [VIP Care: When Is the Proper Time to Exercise For Older Adults?](https://getvipcare.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-exercise-for-older-adults/ "VIP Care: When Is the Proper Time to Exercise For Older Adults?") [American Cancer Society: Exercise Linked With Lower Risk of 13 Types of Cancer](https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-news/exercise-linked-with-lower-risk-of-13-types-of-cancer.html "American Cancer Society: Exercise Linked With Lower Risk of 13 Types of Cancer") [Harvard Health Publishing: Does Exercise Really Boost Energy Levels?](https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/does-exercise-really-boost-energy-levels "Harvard Health Publishing: Does Exercise Really Boost Energy Levels?") [British Heart Foundation: Can Exercise Help Lower Cholesterol?](https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/activity/can-exercise-lower-cholesterol "British Heart Foundation: Can Exercise Help Lower Cholesterol?") [Nature Communications: Comparison of intramyocellular lipidmetabolism in patients with diabetes andmale athletes](https://rdcu.be/eogqz "Nature Communications: Comparison of intramyocellular lipidmetabolism in patients with diabetes andmale athletes") [Australian Fitness Academy: How Exercise Makes You Happy](https://www.fitnesseducation.edu.au/blog/health/how-exercise-makes-you-happy/ "Australian Fitness Academy: How Exercise Makes You Happy") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ### [How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/) **Published:** November 30, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** #### [![my little friend the Christmas tree](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christmas-tree-actual-1-208x300.jpg "- Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christmas-tree-actual-1.jpg) #### Good-Bye Little Friend… Earlier this year, I lost my little friend. Blame it on retirement. I hated driving to work. Getting to school before the students meant leaving the house while it was still dark, driving along the highway where deer loved to romp and play, and trying to stay out of the way of drivers who left home fifteen minutes late. In winter months, I dreaded morning drives, especially on a waning moon. But one morning many years ago, something along the road caught my eye. It was a small, brightly lit Christmas tree. For the next ten years, I counted on that tree’s illuminated presence from October through January or February. It was a comforting sight, standing there every morning, adding glistening color to my dark path, my little friend, the winter sentinel. #### Saying Thank you I wrote poems about the Christmas tree. Each year, toward the end of the winter season, I stopped on my way to work, climbed the snow-covered bank, and placed my anonymous poem, printed on yellow paper, wrapped in a plastic bag, and placed inside a small holiday tin near the tree. It was a thank-you gift to those who took the time to light my way. During those years, I never saw the owners of the Christmas tree until the last year of my journey. Retirement was a few months away, and I knew I wouldn’t often make that daily trek. I said farewell to the tree. I would miss this faithful little friend, but I wanted more restful days. For the final poem, I did something different. I gathered all the poems from previous years and printed them into a booklet called—uncreatively—“Christmas Tree Poems.” Then, I put the book and a gift in a decorative box and placed them for the last time by the tree. #### Givers of Small Light Someone found it there! Patty and her husband Steve were the dear souls who illuminated my travels all those years. Steve noticed how dark and dreary Route 322 from Juniata County to Harrisburg was and wanted to encourage travelers. Patty wanted to put the lights on a bigger tree and even add pink lights during Easter, but Steve said, “No, just a little light.” Maintaining the beautiful gift took more effort than I knew. The strands of Christmas lights wore out frequently from daily outdoor exposure. Steve and Patty found professional-grade cords to withstand the elements. As one tree grew too large, another tree was planted to hold the colored lights. In time, the tree became a celebrity. Once, when Steve was buying cords for the tree, a man working at Harbor Freight in Lewistown, two counties away, said, “Is that the tree along 322? I know that tree!” People began to contact the family to ask about the tree or to say thank you. The tree generated much discussion among Perry County travelers. Some left ornaments and gifts on the tree. #### Guess What We Got! For many years, the gift of the annual poems was a mystery to Steve and Patty. Each year after the holidays, Steve walked out to the tree to wait for one final Christmas gift. When he found a poem there, he would return to the house and tell his wife, “Guess what we got?” If Patty wasn’t home, Steve placed the tin on the kitchen table and waited until they could read the poem together. Once, they considered putting out a trail cam to learn who was leaving the poems but decided they didn’t want to know. I had no idea how my poems impacted anyone other than myself. Patty said they framed the first poem and hung it on the wall. Poems from the following years were placed behind the original. When Steve and Patty read the last poem, they both cried. They considered each poem a gift, and Patty said she knew me from reading the poems over the years. I was embarrassed to tell anyone I was writing thank-you poems to a tree. I debated whether to include personal information in the little poem booklet. However, I added a brief note to the back telling how to find the original story on my webpage. #### Reaching out Several days later, I read a beautiful response to my newsletter post about the final poem. (You can read Patty’s comment here: [The Farewell Poem](https://debrichmond.com/2024-christmas-tree-poem/ "The Farewell Poem")) Patty and I met one day in February to chat. She gave me a small ceramic tree with colorful lights. It sits on my shelf of unique and cherished mementos from throughout the years. Patty and I have become good friends. Now that I’m retired, we get together regularly. We’ve found many common interests. We share a heart for Christmas, giving, and Jesus. #### [![Christmas tree poems](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Christmas-Tree-Poems-front-2025-300x300.jpg "Christmas Tree Poems front 2025 - Deb Richmond Author")](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Christmas-Tree-Poems-front-2025.jpg) #### Christmas Tree Poems Booklet Several people have asked for a copy of the book. The original was published on a photo book website at a cost of $25 each. It wasn’t worth $25 to most people. I’ve made several changes over the last months, adding the story you are reading here and some watercolors and photos. I may continue to tweak the book for next year. The booklet (it’s only 24 pages) is now available on Amazon for a much lower price. You may check it out here: [Christmas Tree Poems book](https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Tree-Poems-Deb-Richmond/dp/B0DP5SZJKF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XTCUDR6ESB69&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.G17II7fZFb9oDs7-1xIpjBr_p_pAFGpTCWzah8KOJssNZL1z1dlklkRylG-TYA7NCl1qzrUBTyA3sCqrogYCK0rhe9spNvaUFpZmcEStpRIK3ciNmRcq2z3uilJy9In_MiAOe9X0s4C96m4DXNCj7SWiXBFgt6alWfAsxyqXQGo.sZri5TTz7nf2PKbXNUwBb7UF_uj1WlCZxMygtwzrb0g&dib_tag=se&keywords=deb+richmond&qid=1732931724&sprefix=%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 "Christmas Tree Poems book") Below are links to the original two articles, written before meeting Steve and Patty: The original newsletter story: [Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/the-christmas-tree-poems/ "Christmas Tree Poems") [The Farewell Poem](https://debrichmond.com/2024-christmas-tree-poem/ "The Farewell Poem") #### In the News Others have asked to tell the story of the little tree. A local writer, Deborah Lynch, wrote a delightful piece about my Christmas tree friends and published it in [The Burg: The Greater Harrisburg Community Magazine](https://theburgnews.com/around-the-burg/tree-of-hope-joy-unexpected-sparkle-of-christmas-lights-brightens-lonely-travels "The Burg: The Greater Harrisburg Community Magazine"). You can see that story, along with a photo. (I’m the one who looks a bit unprepared to pose for a photo.) While you’re there, check out other stories in The Burg. It’s a wonderful collection of central Pennsylvania articles. Last winter, I lost an illuminated little friend. I have since found something much better—a friend who talks to me, listens to me and laughs with me. It was a good trade. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Holiday Stories --- ### [Sayings from Yogi Berra](https://debrichmond.com/sayings-from-yogi-berra/) **Published:** May 7, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** In case you’re having a hard time finding a way to giggle, I give you sayings from Yogi Berra, Baseball Hall of Famer, MVP, catcher, coach, manager, and comedian. Don’t confuse Berra with the Hanna-Barbera cartoon character, Yogi Bear, who debuted in 1958. Yogi Berra played for the New York Yankees and Mets from 1947 to 1965. Berra was born in 1925 and was named Lorenzo Pietro Berra. He was the oldest child of Italian immigrants. When his father came to this country, he didn’t know what baseball was. Lorenzo served in the Navy during World War II and had a baseball career with the Yankees, Mets, and Astros from 1946 to 1989. He also owned a bowling alley and a fitness club. Berra and his wife Carmen were married for 65 years before she died of a stroke. Yogi Berra died at age 90 from natural causes. In 2005, [The Economist magazine](https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2004/12/16/the-wisest-fool "The Economist magazine") called Yogi Berra “The Wisest Fool of the Past 50 Years.” He was famous for his malapropisms, a term that refers to humorously using the wrong word. Many people call these Yogi-isms. Here are some of my favorites. #### Sayings from Yogi Berra on Baseball - Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too. - I knew the record would stand until it was broken. - Baseball is 90% mental; the other half is physical. - How can you think and hit at the same time? - - Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets. - Yogi’s description of the 1969 NY Mets: “overwhelming underdogs” - On why NY lost the 1960 series to Pittsburgh: “We made too many wrong mistakes.” - If the people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's going to stop them. - He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious. - Slump? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hittin. - If I didn't make it in baseball, I won't have made it workin'. I didn't like to work. - I’m a lucky guy and I’m happy to be with the Yankees. And I want to thank all those who made this night necessary. - In baseball, you don't know nothin'. ### Sayings from Yogi Berra about his life - It gets late early out here. - A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore. - I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early. - I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did. - I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four. - This is like deja vu all over again. - The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase. - You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six. - It ain't the heat, it's the humility. ### Conversations with Yogi Berra - Phil Rizzuto - “Hey Yogi I think we're lost.” - Yogi Berra - “Ya, but we're making great time!” - If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer. - It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much. - Mrs. Lindsay - You certainly look cool. - Yogi Berra - Thanks, you don't look so hot yourself. - Yogi Berra, when he saw a Steve McQueen movie, said, “He must have made that before he died.” ### Advice from Yogi Berra - Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours. - It ain't over till it's over. - You can observe a lot just by watchin'. - If you can't imitate him, don't copy him. - You got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there. - Never answer an anonymous letter. - When you come to a fork in the road…Take it. ### Out and About with Berra - Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded. - It's pretty far, but it doesn't seem like it. - If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be. - I don’t know if they (the streakers) were men or women because they had bags over their heads. ### These were probably true - The future ain't what it used to be - I didn't really say everything I said. - I don't mean to be funny. [ ![Yogi Bear](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Yogi-Bear-e1746302786534.png) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Yogi-Bear-e1746302786534.png) #### Not Yogi Berra Quotes - By the way, Yogi Bear had a few words of wisdom of his own: - It’s because I’m smarter than the average bear. - I’m so smart and it hurts. - I don’t think we do get smarter as we get older; I just think we run out of stupid things to do. Let’s hope so because some days, I create my own Yogi-isms—and I’m not even trying to be funny. [Wikipedia - Yogi Berra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Berra "Wikipedia - Yogi Berra") [Brainy Quotes - Yogi Berra](https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/yogi-berra-quotes "Brainy Quotes - Yogi Berra") [USA Today - The 50 Greatest Yogi Berra Quotes](https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/03/28/the-50-greatest-yogi-berra-quotes/81998471007/ "USA Today - The 50 Greatest Yogi Berra Quotes") [Upgrading Oneself - Top 15 Memorable Quotes From Yogi Bear For Motivation](https://www.upgradingoneself.com/yogi-bear-quotes/ "Upgrading Oneself - Top 15 Memorable Quotes From Yogi Bear For Motivation") #### More Giggles: [Confusing Song Lyrics](https://debrichmond.com/confusing-song-lyrics/ "Confusing Song Lyrics") [Strange Dreams](https://debrichmond.com/strange-dreams/ "Strange Dreams") [The Struggle To Lose Weight](https://debrichmond.com/struggle-to-lose-weight/ "The Struggle To Lose Weight") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Just for Fun --- ### [The struggle to lose weight](https://debrichmond.com/struggle-to-lose-weight/) **Published:** June 4, 2024 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** [ ![losing weight](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Weight-loss-e1754629508208.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Weight-loss-e1754629508208.jpg) They say the struggle to lose weight becomes more challenging as you get older. I wouldn't know. For me, older and the battle to stay thin started the minute I graduated from high school. According to one online writer facing the struggle to lose weight: Brain cells die. Skin cells die. Even hair cells die, but fat cells must have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior because they seem to have eternal life! <https://gregmohr.com/cells-die/> #### That One Thing You know all those Facebook posts that start out saying, “I changed one morning routine, and it changed my life?” I’m a sucker for those ads. I’m always looking for that one little thing that can help me keep the weight off and not return to the size I was several years ago. I’ve lost hundreds of pounds over the course of my life - 25 pounds due to a long illness, 50 pounds after the divorce (250 if you count the ex), and 75 pounds with the keto diet. But alas, none of these—illness, stress, or keto—gave lasting results. Each time, the pounds slowly crept back, and the clothes got disturbingly uncomfortable. So I’m always looking for that one thing that will make all the difference in my struggle to lose weight. Yeah, I know the rule - burn more calories than you take in. But I take in surprisingly few calories, no pasta, potatoes, or bread. Rarely do I have my favorite former foods. It’s been years since I’ve had a good old-fashioned Pennsylvania whoppie pie (<https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/lancaster-county-whoopie-pie/> ). I hit the gym, ride my bike, or swim laps as frequently as possible. I still need that one more thing. #### Failed Efforts I’ve checked out the ads and even watched the videos all the way to the sad end, where it says, “For only $59.99, we will send you a unique dietary plan designed just for you and a link to our expert nutritionists.” I’ve sent the $59.99. There was no link. There were no nutritionists. I’ve even bought the green, pond-scum-colored powder that one famous actress claims resolved all her digestive issues. It didn’t work. It didn’t taste good, either. In my struggle to lose weight, I’ve worked to eliminate unhealthy and unpronounceable additives in my food. I’ve tried intermittent fasting. Unfortunately, the poster says people of my gender and age group should eat only between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. Without success, I’ve searched the internet for the right dietary plan for people over sixty or a website of experts who can explain how my body shape, sleep habits, brand of toothpaste, and earlobe size can create a better weight loss plan. I’ve tried high-protein, high-fat/low carb, high-carb/low-fat, drink your weight in water, more fiber, less sugar, more fruit, less fruit, lemon water, walking, running, and crying. I’ve tried being happy with who I am. I always go back to walking, running, and crying. The sad reality is this: there are no skinny genes in my family closet. #### Richmond's Relaxed Rules for Dieting Therefore, I’m going to revert to Richmond’s Relaxed Rules for Dieting and stick to them. At least I can stop crying. Rule 1: Your carbs don’t count if you paint a house, bathe a dog, or try to assemble a preschooler’s Christmas gift using instructions written in hieroglyphics. Rule 2—If the person sitting next to you at the table is thinner than you and has more calories on their plate than you have on yours, deduct 50% of your calories. Rule 3 - If there is anything green on your dinner plate, you’ve earned an extra dessert with no foreseeable weight gain. Rule 4 - When the sticky buns are all stuck together, they only count as one. Rule 5 - If you don’t finish all the food on your plate, you don’t have to count half of the calories. Rule 6 - Calories eaten at your retirement party do not count against you. (I’m really hoping this one works. The cake and cupcakes were delicious!) Rule 7 - You don't have to count the calories if you can't spell the ingredients. Rule 8 - If someone takes a bite out of your cookie, it’s a calorie-free snack. Two other pieces of advice may help my situation. I’m going to give them a try: [ ![losing weight](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-to-use-the-scales-1.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-to-use-the-scales-1.jpg) #### Rethinking the Problem Do not wash your hair in the shower! Since the shampoo rinses from your hair and runs down over the rest of you, this is a dangerous thing to do. The wording on the shampoo bottle clearly says, “For extra body and volume.” Instead, use dishwashing soap in the shower. These products claim to dissolve fat and otherwise hard-to-remove substances. <https://onpasture.com/2015/09/07/lose-weight-in-the-shower/> In the meantime, I’m back to counting calories and estimating how many calories I burn a day. When the numbers don’t match, I shake the daylights out of that movement-tracking device until they do. If that doesn’t work, I’m going to invite all my thin friends to join me for lunch (see Rule #2). They can at least listen to me complain about my struggle to lose weight. For more stories about the struggles of daily living: [Challenges Crossing the Stream](https://debrichmond.com/crossing-the-stream/ "Challenges Crossing the Stream") [Age and Beauty - Thoughts On Growing Old](https://debrichmond.com/age-and-beauty/ "Age and Beauty - Thoughts On Growing Old") [Is It Time For Another Birthday Already?](https://debrichmond.com/is-it-time-for-another-birthday-already/ "Is It Time For Another Birthday Already?") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Author's Picks, Growing Older --- ### [Some things are better than they used to be](https://debrichmond.com/some-things-are-better-than-they-used-to-be/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** ##### **“Despite all that has been lost to the savageness of time, there are plenty of reasons to be grateful for the day at hand.”** Sometimes, I get homesick for the good old days. You remember those. Back when we rode around the countryside on the back of an open-bed pick-up truck, sitting on webbed lawn chairs. The days when you could only be reached by phone if you were home when it rang. The days when Amway, Acme, and Avon could be purchased from the back of a station wagon. And, oh, those encyclopedia salesmen! Such strength of character! It was the days of airplane meals, glass milk bottles, the original Coca-Cola flavor, penny candy, leaving the back door unlocked, and community picnics. Sometimes, I would like to fall face-first into a Norman Rockwell scene or at least step back into a “Happy Days” episode. However, after spending time last week being thankful for the truly important blessings — faith, family, friends, and food — I realized I had overlooked many other reasons to be grateful. Despite all that has been lost to the savageness of time, some things are better than they used to be. Here are a few reasons to be grateful for the day at hand. 1\. Taking photos of everything I want to remember but don’t have time to write down: grocery lists, business numbers on advertising signs, recipes, and my parking location. 2\. Digital driving directions instead of road maps and atlases – much less arguing between pilot and copilot this way. 3\. The ability to talk to people anywhere in the world instantly. (When my sister lived in Guatemala almost 40 years ago, I would send her a letter asking questions and advice. Her response came six weeks later. By then, I had forgotten my questions.) 4\. Fitness trackers 5\. Low-carb chocolate 6\. The Sum function on a spreadsheet 7\. Instant language translation apps for that student who doesn’t speak a lick of English. 8\. Cruise control and back-up cameras 9\. The ability to watch all the old shows and movies I wasn’t allowed to watch as a child. 10\. Online shopping with two-day delivery of items too large to fit in my trunk. 11\. The Food Ninja and a husband who knows how to use it! 12\. Decorative boxes (My house is full of them, and I’m running out of excuses to buy more.) 13\. White extension cords (I don’t know why – those old brown cords never matched my sense of decor. The old fabric-covered cords were no fun either.) 14\. Instant online information about any topic imaginable. (It is incredible how much time I waste searching for the name of an actor from a random episode of MASH and trying to determine if he is related to the actor from a random episode of Night Court.) 15\. Earbuds 16\. Tiny little calendar apps on my phone to help me remember what I planned to do today…or what I should have done yesterday, even though I forgot to check the app. 17\. Playlists of my favorite songs. (Perhaps walking the treadmill to Trans-Siberian Orchestra may not be wise at my age.) 18\. Side-by-side Bible and text translations. 19\. The ability to learn from and interact with highly qualified people who live far, far away. 20\. Those little dotted guidelines on the back of Christmas wrapping paper. Your turn. I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a few. Tell me what little or big things knock your socks off with delight, but it must be something that couldn’t be found in your childhood days. Oh, yeah! Those pink footies with skin-softening gel inside… [A Few of My Favorite Things](https://debrichmond.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/ "A Few of My Favorite Things") ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8b6363178ec8bfd41eabe4eb110720baba064f45cb1991b2d0d99ed4464115eb?s=300&d=mm&r=g) Deb Richmond [See Full Bio](https://debrichmond.com/author/deb/) **Categories:** Growing Older --- ## Pages ### [Home](https://debrichmond.com/) **Published:** July 9, 2019 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** # Deb Richmond Heartfelt Nostalgic Stories & Front Porch Tales As a child, I loved sitting on the front porch listening to heartfelt stories from friends, neighbors, and family who stopped by to visit. We waved to passing travelers, shared memories from long ago, and laughed about the simple joys of everyday life. Today, many front porches sit empty – so I created this space to bring that feeling back. Welcome to my front porch. Here you’ll find heartfelt stories, moments of nostalgia, reflections on growing older, humorous thoughts, and comfort for anyone walking through grief. Pull up a chair, stay awhile, and enjoy stories that remind us of where we’ve been and the people who shaped us. I’d love to hear your stories, too. [ Author's Updates ](/category/author-updates/) [ Stories from Long Ago ](/category/stories-from-long-ago/) [ Growing Older ](/category/growing-older/) [ Just For Fun ](/category/just-for-fun/) Recent Posts Search #### About Me ![Deb Richmond profile](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/deb-profile-picture.webp "- Deb Richmond Author - Deb Richmond Author") Deb Richmond is a retired middle school teacher. Her free time is spent trying not to grow old by biking, swimming, going to the gym, reading until napping overtakes, and wrestling with rowdy grandchildren. She loves talking to people who have lived in another era and is working to collect their amazing stories. #### Newsletter Find more stories, articles, and quizzes – subscribe to my newsletter! Δ Name(Required) Email(Required) Submit Recent Posts [ ![school days](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/school-days-thegem-blog-default-large.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") [Stories from long ago](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-long-ago/ "View all posts in Stories from long ago") ### [23 Sep: Long Ago School Days: Memories That Make Us Smile](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) As I “Liked” all the back-to-school photos on Facebook this year, I was relieved to be done with lesson plans… [ Read More ](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) [ ![Effective workouts for older adults; Four Seasons Senior Center 2026 copyright Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Four-Seasons-Class-2-thegem-blog-default-large.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") [Growing Older](https://debrichmond.com/growing-older/ "View all posts in Growing Older") ### [20 Jul: A Fun and Effective Workout for Seniors](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) Do I really need an effective workout routine for older adults? I told myself I would never get out of… [ Read More ](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) [ ![First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/100th-Anniversary-thegem-blog-default-large.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") [Stories from long ago](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-long-ago/ "View all posts in Stories from long ago") ### [03 Jul: The First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) Watching events unfold for our 250th Anniversary as a nation makes me wonder what the first centennial celebration looked like…. [ Read More ](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) Author's Picks [ ![Nancy Varner](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Four-generations-e1753210431568-thegem-blog-justified.webp) ](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/) [Memories of My Mom](https://debrichmond.com/memories-of-my-mom/) I have a sweet collection of memories of my mom, Nancy Varner. I didn’t always remember that I had one… [ ![little friend: Christmas Tree Poems](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Christmas-Tree-Poems-back-2025.jpg-opt-thegem-blog-justified.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/) [How I Lost My Little Friend](https://debrichmond.com/how-i-lost-my-little-friend/) Good-Bye Little Friend… Earlier this year, I lost my little friend. Blame it on retirement. I hated driving to work…. [ ![movies for older people](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/movies-for-older-people-thegem-blog-justified.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/movies-about-older-people/) [Movies About Older People](https://debrichmond.com/movies-about-older-people/) The Struggle Is Real: Movies About Older People For Older People I love watching movies about older people who face… [ ![risk reducers for Alzheimer's](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Risk-reducers-1-e1754442949596-thegem-blog-justified.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/) [Alzheimer’s Risk Reducers](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-risk-reducers/) Anyone who has seen the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease will be motivated to keep an eye on risk factors. Having… Editor's Picks Clear Filters ![Long Ago School Days: Memories That Make Us Smile](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/transparent-thegem-product-justified-square-m.png) [ ![school days](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/school-days-thegem-product-justified-square-m.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) [ Long Ago School Days: Memories That Make Us Smile ](https://debrichmond.com/long-ago-school-days-memories-that-make-us-smile/) Long Ago School Days: Memories That Make Us Smile By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") ![A Fun and Effective Workout for Seniors](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/transparent-thegem-product-justified-square-m.png) [ ![Effective workouts for older adults; Four Seasons Senior Center 2026 copyright Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Four-Seasons-Class-2-thegem-product-justified-square-m.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) [ A Fun and Effective Workout for Seniors ](https://debrichmond.com/fun-and-effective-workouts-for-seniors/) A Fun and Effective Workout for Seniors By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") ![The First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/transparent-thegem-product-justified-square-m.png) [ ![First Centennial Celebration](https://debrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/100th-Anniversary-thegem-product-justified-square-m.jpg) ](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) [ The First Centennial Celebration ](https://debrichmond.com/the-first-centennial-celebration/) The First Centennial Celebration By [Deb Richmond](https://debrichmond.com "Visit Deb Richmond’s website") --- ### [Website Credits](https://debrichmond.com/website-credits/) **Published:** July 11, 2025 **Author:** Deb Richmond **Content:** Website Credits WebDrafter.com is behind the [web design](https://www.webdrafter.com/services/web-design/ "Web Design") and development of this website. With over two decades of experience, we’ve helped businesses enhance their online visibility and connect with their audiences. Learn more about our services at [WebDrafter.com](https://www.webdrafter.com/ "Visit WebDrafter.com") or call (717) 589-7812. --- ## Categories ### [Uncategorized](https://debrichmond.com/uncategorized/) --- ### [Stories from long ago](https://debrichmond.com/stories-from-long-ago/) **Description:** Read nostalgic stories about childhood, family memories, and life in another era. heartfelt storytelling that brings the past to life. --- ### [Growing Older](https://debrichmond.com/growing-older/) **Description:** Explore stories about aging gracefully, finding humor in everyday life, and embracing the wisdom that comes with growing older. --- ### [Holiday Stories](https://debrichmond.com/holiday/) --- ### [Author Updates](https://debrichmond.com/author-updates/) --- ### [Alzheimer's Disease](https://debrichmond.com/alzheimers-disease/) --- ### [Caregiving](https://debrichmond.com/caregiving/) --- ### [Just for Fun](https://debrichmond.com/just-for-fun/) **Description:** Enjoy funny, uplifting stories that celebrate the lighter side of life. Perfect for readers who love humor and everyday joy. --- ### [Author's Picks](https://debrichmond.com/authors-picks/) --- ### [Grief Support](https://debrichmond.com/grief-support/) **Description:** Compassionate stories about grief, loss, and healing. Find comfort and connection through heartfelt storytelling. --- ## Tags ### [favorite things](https://debrichmond.com/tag/favorite-things/) --- ### [giving thanks](https://debrichmond.com/tag/giving-thanks/) --- ### [Thanksgiving](https://debrichmond.com/tag/thanksgiving/) ---