Magazine / Off the Beaten Path
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In A Field Of Horses – YOU Are A Unicorn!
We celebrated my Mom’s 80th Birthday five days ago with a family party. Of course I had to have a theme. (Birthday parties ALWAYS require a theme!) I didn’t want to do just an “80” theme – I want something to convey just how special and m... -
I’d Join In the Merriment – But, It’s Too Peopley Outside….
Ahhhh, the holidays! As I type this column it is a cold and dreary morning, one week before Thanksgiving. The holidays have unofficially started. The Hallmark Channel has been broadcasting Christmas movies since Halloween. I’ve been Christmas sh... -
Kiss The Cook (And Then Order Takeout)…
It’s fall and people are slowly backing away from their outdoor grills (well, most people are done with throwing burgers and streaks on the open fire but there’s always some renegades, including my spouse, who are standing outside in -4º weather... -
Turn Around Bright Eyes (It’s A Total Eclipse Of The Sun!)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are probably aware that there was a solar eclipse of the sun this past August 21st. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. The moon appears to completely cover th... -
Growing Old Is Mandatory - Growing Up Is Optional…
So, yeah – I am still on a kick about my recent birthday AGAIN this month! It’s been exactly two weeks since my “body odometer” clicked and clanked and I am officially 56 years old. Which, according to my granddaughter Mackenna, is “really,... -
Life Is A Highway – And I Wanna Ride It All Night Long…
In exactly three weeks I will be celebrating my birthday. For years I hated birthdays – I mean, hey, I am getting OLD! Old, I tell you, like sagging, bagging skin and drooping body parts and those annoying brown age spots (that fascinate my 4.5 y... -
Eco Flaps Selected As Preferred Aerodynamic Mud Flap Provider For Wabash National Van Trailers
Brentwood, TN… Eco Flaps aerodynamic splash guards have been named a preferred provider of aerodynamic mud flaps by Wabash National for its commercial dry and refrigerated van trailers. Eco Flaps offers fleets an unmatched product specifically desi... -
On Golden Pond…
There’s something magical about being outdoors and experiencing nature. My daughter, son-in-law and their three children recently built a new home in a beautiful setting surrounded by trees and a huge pond. My daughter planted water lilies last ye... -
Volvo Truck’s 2017 Ride For Freedom Truck
Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley (NRV) assembly plant in Dublin, Virginia unveiled the design of its 2017 Ride for Freedom truck featuring the all new VNR model, which accompanied a motorcade of about 160 motorcycles from the plant to Washington, D.C... -
Be The Drummer….
Lately I have been getting slips of paper included with graduation notices and bridal and baby shower invitations asking me to share my advice/guidance/knowledge. The funny thing is, I am probably the last person to ask for advice – I’m almost 5... -
Food, Glorious Food!
If you have been a regular reader of my column over the past 28 (!!) years, I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I am not a high-society, classy lady. In fact, I own my redneck, hillbilly title quite proudly! Suffice to say, I am also not known ... -
29,220 Days Old (But Who’s Counting)…
Dad, we just celebrated your 80th (!!) birthday eight days ago. I collected memories and wishes from friends and families to make a poster board for you and while I added a couple of snippets myself, I saved my memories for this column. Where do I b... -
Andrews Logistics Orders 100 New Peterbilt Trucks
SOUTHLAKE, TX… Andrews Logistics, a Texas-based transporter of bulk liquids and hazardous materials, has ordered 100 new Peterbilt 579 trucks. Featuring the Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™ advanced braking system as well as larger cab space, the new t... -
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do…
The time, I thought, had finally come. It was going to be a difficult task – but I had to pull the plug on this relationship. The spark was fading fast and I no longer had that giddy, euphoric feeling when I gazed into his eyes. And it wasn’t ... -
Look At The Stars… See How They Shine For You...
I hope that Coldplay doesn’t care that I borrowed a portion of their song lyrics from “Yellow” but it describes the emotions that I felt the night my daughter was in labor with my grandson. It was snowing and cold and I stood outside and gazed... -
Hirschbach Hauls Veterans Remembrance Wreaths
DUBUQUE, IA… Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,100 locati... -
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day…
I will admit it upfront – I’m a dreamer and I’m a believer. I’m theatrical and down deep in my soul lurks an inner Liberace who is just screaming to be let loose to tear it up. I’m a little kid at heart – stuck in an old lady’s body. I... -
Not A Creature Was Stirring…
Over the years it has become quite apparent to me that Clement Moore, author of “Twas The Night Before Christmas” obviously did not share his abode with pets. I mean, come on – not a creature was stirring? And if he really did have pets, did ... -
Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away With Me…
My daughter recently penned a beautiful birthday tribute to my on Facebook page. She wrote, “Happy birthday to the most generous person we've ever known. Gaga Pam spreads love everyday with her actions and sweet sentiments, she's a dreamer and a r... -
I’d Been Waiting For A Girl (Or TWO!) Like You…
Dear Mackenna and Althea - From the moment I found out that I was going to be a Grandma almost 4.5 years ago, I was super stoked. I mean, seriously excited and full-tilt gung-ho! I had been buying and stashing baby clothes and toys for a couple of ...