Reflections...

Traveling for two days...road weary.  Sometimes I get tired thinking about another trip… then I have a burst of excitement thinking about sharing time with loved ones.  I had a lovely visit with family and friends. Then I had a moment to reflect…on friends that have a blog connection…

My favorites

•       Christie’s  ~ A few of my favorite poems …friends, yearning, prayer song, turtle, jara, decoration, responsibility…and more
•       Ruth Anne ~ Travels from Key West, Dahlias, Still Around, Home, Anniversary …
•       Mary Beth ~ In Praise of Teachers and Granddaughter  ~
•        Dama ~ Friends, Courage, Living for a Cause, Honoring a Living Legend –
•         Charlene ~ Thank you for your continued friendship and prayers
•          Lisa ~ Thank you for your gift of hospitality and friendship

A special prayer to Mary Beth, May the God of all Comfort continue to give you peace. Remembering your son, Chris.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tea

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." Henry James

Wordless Wednesday

November

November 2011, I wish you a fond farewell. You were gorgeous this year! The color of your leaves were simply lovely.  

As we spend our remaining  hours together this month, I want to share my appreciation. Once again you ushered in another election cycle.  You continue to be the silent observer to the yard signs, billboards, flyers and bumper stickers.  November, do you hate all that clutter?  

At Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to give thanks for another year with family and friends.  While we miss  dear family members ...we continue to give thanks. 

Finally, I remember with fondness the warm embrace of my birthday. Thank  you.

November you were cold to me today. ... stark, bare, and cold...

Gratitude

"Gratitude ... goes beyond the "mine" and "thine" and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy." 
Henri J. M. Nouwen

responsibility

it is the responsibility

of the village

to protect its children

to watch over them

day and night

to tuck them safely

into cribs with lullabies

it is the responsibility

of the village

to protect the children

they are gifts

to be cherished

as the poet said

they do not belong to us

they are not possessions

for our disposal

they are precious

trusting souls

it is the responsibility

of the village

to protect the children

against the self interests

of revered individuals

beloved institutions

who would do them harm

while claiming honor

it is the responsibility

of the village

to fall upon its knees

in repentance

before the children

it fails

it is the responsibility

of the world

global village

to see the big picture

the beliefs/the cultures in place

that foster and allow

horrific harm

the priorities

idolatries

that create

the context

the pathology

of the abuse of children

and the turning of our heads

it is the responsibility

of the global village

to be the change

the world of change

needed to end the

suffering of our children

and to be it now.

christie smith stephens

11-11-11 copyright.

Brrr

This morning it is 27 degrees with the wind chill. I am visiting in Anderson, Indiana.  Two days ago, it was warm and sunny in Louisville.  Maybe I can meet a friend for tea at Starbucks.

The patio at Lynn's Paradise Cafe in Louisville

Advent

"Advent is the liturgical period preceding Christmas beginning in western churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and in Eastern churches in mid November. Observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence."

My Advent calendar... preparing for the Christmas season.  Last week, I purchased my advent candles.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Jacqueline. I hope you have a beautiful day! You bless my life with abiding friendship, humor, joy, truth and love! Thank you for the gift of you! I love you, Jacqueline not Jaci! Christie not Christy

Soup and Salad Luncheon

Oh my, do you see me in the mirror taking the picture?

Delightful decorations, delicious soups, and engaging conversations... all the ingredients for a wonderful soup and salad luncheon... thanks Cathy...the Halloween theme added fun.

A friend is stirring the soup

Table center piece

Friendship

Friendship

Friendship is a sheltering tree.
Coleridge

The leaves of the tree are
for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:2

I have called you friends.
Jesus

In all seasons
in sunshine and in shadow
Friendship
is a tree of life
a sheltering tree
a family tree
whose roots rest
deep in the ground of our being
a holy place we know to be home
anchoring
holding
in all seasons
in sunshine and in shadow
so that the branches
may dance safely freely
in the changing winds of time
and its leaves are for
the saving and healing of our lives.

For Dan and LeAnna Reardon
with love
Christie

autumn 2

autumn
is not my favorite season
never has been

there is too much
inherent sadness
in its finale
grief plump with losses
sends a descending note
with each falling leaf

but today
autumn
in its finery
its anything but
mourning garb
dressed for
mardi gras
is pleading
its case
swinging its bright beads
with unparalleled eloquence
before my
high hard bench

christie
11-26-11

autumn 1

late october
trees blaze against
blue sky

fire

it's elemental

divine paintbrush
takes edge
off life's chill
warms the limbs
says BOO!
to the too early
frost

corn turns into candy
pumpkin smiles . . .

christie
10-26-11

Celebrate love!

"The heart that loves is always young."  After forty years of marriage it is sweet to see the young love of Mac and Ruth Anne.   On Friday, October 21, their home was full of family, friends, and laughter as they celebrated their  Ruby Anniversary. 

love...

more love

Lynn, Campbell, and  Ruth Anne

a room full of love

Anniversary

Today is my 40th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it has been that long. As I reflect on those years, I look at our marriage as a weather vane. Sunny days, rainy days, cold or hot days, stormy days and scary days. I can take each weather phenomenon and compare it to a time within these 40 years. Most of all, there is a feeling of deep satisfaction to know that we have dealt with all these types and managed to "weather them all." Our children thank us for that, now that they are in the early stages of their married lives. They, too, will experience the weather days on their journey and hopefully appreciate the deepening love and affection for each other that comes with moving through the years together.

His words, Our gift

Recently, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to a living legend. A true civil rights hero. I attended Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery's 90th Birthday Celebration. The gathering was held at the world renowned Atlanta Symphony Hall this past Sunday, Oct. 9th. I went as a Kia representative along with 3 of my co-workers.

Rev. Dr. Lowery is hailed as the "Dean of the Civil Rights Movement." President Obama awarded him with the nation's highest civilian honor: The Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rev. Dr. Lowery has lived a life dedicated to the nonviolent struggle for various human rights causes. The freedom fighter marched the road from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 in an event infamously dubbed "Bloody Sunday." He has done so much for so many and I was truly blessed to have been able to meet him.

The ASO is second to none and did not disappoint during the celebration. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. There were several notable musical acts such as Jennifer Holliday, Peabo Bryson, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Dawn Lewis and Stevie Wonder. Cicely Tyson narrated a piece fittingly titled, "The Living Truth." A great show!

I had a great time with my co-workers and got to experience a first-class event. It was my first red carpet event. Kia was a corporate sponsor and we got VIP access and treatment. It was truly a night to remember.

treasure

singing

country songs

with johnny

silver raindrops

pretty flowers

nearest thing to heaven

that i've seen

riding

flying horses

ponies of paradise

winging spheres of song

swimming

in oceans of never ending love

conversing with dolphins

light upon the water

free bird

free bird

clay

in holy remembrance

and with everlasting love

10-1-11

christie

Recycle, Reuse and Reduce

Laundry room books

Books, books, and more books.  I have books in every room in the house. What kinds of books?
Bibles, devotional books, history, parenting, relationships, mysteries, craft books, scrapbooks, motivational books, poetry,  and so goes the list.  I cannot possibly read all of these books. I made a decision. What will I do with all of these books? Loan, donate, and now, I sell them.


I have to be honest with myself. I have to let them go. Now, I am beginning to enjoy sending books to new homes. Donating books to God's Net is such a joy.  God's Net provides important services to those in need in our community. 

Help me, I cannot stop taking pictures

Flowers from Bluegrass Farmer's Market

she

she

as do we all

needed

a place

a room

of her own

a place of peace

of gently flowing stream

a place

she could share

with family/friends

with world citizens

a place to speak

of the minds’ and hearts’

great concerns

a place for tea

for swimming

for picnics

of diversity

for individual

identity

a place

in the woods

a modest wilderness

of quiet

often turned into

grounds of gatherings

for family

for friends

a place

where she

with her considerable

wit and power

convinced others

to join her in

pursuits of justice

works of peace

called

the first lady of the world

and so she was

this woman of

her own mind

who spread her heart

all around the globe

from her place

a dutch colonial cottage

on a creek in new york

she invites us to tea

to play/thrive underneath

her tree of life

to swim in her pool

of healing

to sit in conversation

by her fire

she opens the door

to our dreams

for humanity

the hopes for

our children

grandchildren

her smile is as wide

as the world

come home again

welcome to val-kill

and to the

everlasting life

of eleanor

christie smith stephens

9/22/11

peace?

it is always impossible

this work for peace

and yet it is always

always possible

we live in a world

of complexity

where definitions

of peacemaking

are in conflict

we seek to make

sense/communicate

as do many others

whose methods

are different

from our own

we try to educate

and still we may be

ignorant ourselves

even though

our hearts lead

we seek peace

and pursue it

as a good book

instructs

we hope our feet

have found

the peace path

we walk

into the night woods

praying for the

gift of the firefly

christie smith stephens

9/20/11

Organization Part II

Organizing can be rewarding and satisfying.   I continue to toss, recycle, and de clutter. I have found this process is exhausting. It is emotionally draining. I have so many boxes and containers. It seems as if this process will never end.  Each box contains tiny memories of my life.  Clean closets, drawers, cabinets… the reward of hard work.

Along the way, I have recovered some gems. I recently discovered a letter written to the tooth fairy.    Who asks questions to the tooth fairy?  Jara. 

First, she tells a little about herself.

“ I’m six. How old ARE You?

My name is Jara.

Write

Me

Back,

ARE You

Real.

The Dahlias

I thought rose gardens were my favorite places to visit large amounts of flowers until I went to the tulip farms. Now I've changed my mind again after visiting a dahlia farm. Never knew there were so many varieties!

Organization

One of my great grandmother’s favorite sayings was. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” This is my motto as I clean, de clutter and organize.   In my journey of becoming more organized, I recently discovered a tiny little treasure.  This little gem was given to me over twenty-five years ago.  It is well preserved and will find a home as a bookmark.  Next week, I look forward to sharing a precious discovery.   

Christie gave this to me when I moved to Michigan. 

Dad

he’s 93

he’s up

having coffee

and coffee cake

watching the

morning news

which is labor enough

for one who has worked

all his life

it takes so much energy

these days

to shower, dress,

put on a positive attitude

which he does

almost every day

he’s an inspiration

and we are

so blessed

that he is ours

somebody

strike up the band

wave the flag

he is still

leading the parade

christie smith stephens

for dad with admiration

and love, September 5, 2011

A Courageous Choice

It was a sad day yesterday, as Gus and I learned that our Pastor was stepping down and possibly leaving the Church. We searched for a church family for almost two years before we were led to Courageous Church. After about 4-5 months of attending each Sunday, Gus and I decided that this would be our church home while living in Atlanta, so we completed a four part new membership class series. We've spent time serving with members in the church at local schools, assisting the the Tuscaloosa tornado relief efforts and supporting a summer youth program. We joined a married couples discipleship group, where we met weekly with 5 other married couples for food and fellowship. And most recently I volunteered to become the Church's Record Keeping Manager.

Shortly after joining the Church, we learned that we would be making a "radical" shift. The Church would meet only once a month for a traditional Sunday service, meet with our discipleship groups weekly, cause groups as needed, fellowship in the park monthly and serving in the community. Unfortunately, many people left the Church at the time of the shift, because they were seeking a more traditional church schedule and structure. Gus and I decided that we were committed to the Church and its new direction, so we stuck around. Unfortunately, the shift was not able to be sustained and the Pastor realized this. Our Pastor fully believed in the shift and felt that he was called to lead us in this way, but without the support of the congregation it was not able to succeed. Therefore the Church will return to its original direction, and the Pastor felt that he needed to step down, because he could not lead us into a direction that he did not believe in himself.

Now here we are, trying to determine do we stay or do we go....

They Sold the Farm

The sign tells the story...

The Flag Fork Herb Farm and Garden Cafe has been sold.

This Garden Cafe has been a favorite place for residents in Central Kentucky and Lexington to meet friends, enjoy a cup of tea, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy some delicious food.  One of my favorite memories ... sharing tea and lunch with  my sweet Jara.  

Store merchandise has been marked down... antiques,  rings, necklaces,  pursues, furniture, plants, Christmas decorations...deep discounts...

Rhyme

Beside the cornfield

A blue tent stood

Underneath green branches

A bed of wood

The sun shone brightly

The children sang

Demons screeched

The Golden Bells rang

She took her flight

On feather of word

Healed at last

This broken winged bird

christie for she who rhymed

now at peace

copyright, 8/29/11

the retirement chronicles

it’s the first day

of his retirement

classes started today

and for the first time

in forty six years

he is not teaching

students

mathematics

he seems fine

with this change

but it is odd

different

to be at this

point in our lives

it’s a beautiful day

sunny with a breeze

we walked in the park

this morning

saw some turtles sunning

passed a man also

getting his exercise

who greeted us

by saying

“Getting old is hell!”

and then he continued

walking by the lake

while getting older

is many things

and sometimes “hell”

for the most part

it has been simply privilege

especially today

when we are blessed

with such lovely weather

pretty good health

and being able to

walk side by side

by the still waters

while the birds sing

the bright yellow flowers

shine in the morning sun

not everyone

gets to have such

a moment

we have friends

who would grab

this getting older “hell”

in a heartbeat

for they now walk alone

their eyes fill with tears

when once again

they are surprised

by the absence

of their cherished one

this is the day

the creator has made

we are wise to rejoice

in it . . .

christie walking with stan

Countdown to Football

The leaves have yet to turn and the heat of summer still dominates the days. But fall is definitely right around the corner. For my husband and I, fall is marked not only by cool, crisp air in the evenings or even yellow school buses adding 10 more minutes to the commute time of those that go to work in the morning. We can tell it's fall because pads are cracking, whistles are tweeting and the oblong projectile, affectionately referred to as the pigskin, is being tossed all around this great country. Baseball might be America's past time but football is it's passion. Fans decked out in the colors of their favorite teams will stream into stadiums across the land to root on their beloved. From grade school to college, young boys and men lace up their cleats to take the field in an organized chaos. I LOVE FOOTBALL!! I love everything from the food to the fight songs. I love the pageantry just as much as the brutal force demonstrated on the 100 yard battleground.

I've actually already been to an Atlanta Falcons football game. I even went with my friend, Akilah instead of Gus because he had to work. But don't pity Gus one bit! We are going to Ann Arbor (the Gus-proclaimed mecca of college football) to take in a historic event. It will be the first nighttime kick off in the BIG HOUSE, as Michigan takes on long hated rival, Notre Dame. He is super-excited to take in the game on Sept. 10 and so am I. I will be sure to take plenty of pictures as we Hail the Victors. Football season is the shortest of the major sports' seasons. I guess that adds to the reverence we have for it. Must...savor...the...gridiron goodness while it lasts. I pray the players have a safe season and play the game with dignity. Fellow football fans, whoever you root for (as long as it's not the Buckeyes, Irish or Spartans) root hard and be kind to the opposition. It's fun to rib the opponents but remember, it's just a game. And one last thing, ARE YOUR READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?!?

A SIMPLE PLEASURE

Did you learn to sew as a teenager like I did? Did you give up the art long ago after clothing got cheaper to buy than to make yourself? I did. But recently my daughter insisted I help her make some things for her home. After borrowing a sewing machine from a friend, I made a couple of throw pillows a couple of weeks ago. Simple, nothing to it. Yesterday, I made a window valance. Not so simple if you're using those visual images in your head (and those words we've uttered to ourselves so many times in a store when we see something we are quite certain we could do ourselves). But after a period of measuring, placing, calculating, measuring again and again, it began to come together. I realized it must be like riding a bicycle: no matter how long it has been and how "rusty" you are, you can still do it! And the satisfaction of making something with your hands is just that, a simple pleasure.

Dog Days of Summer

Sitting outside this morning, I notice the air is cool.  What a difference from the heat wave we endured in July!   In recent days, we have been able to enjoy our dinner outside on the deck. While we eat, our dog Jackson is often enjoying a bowl of ice cubes.  In the midst of some the hottest days of summer, Jackson enjoys resting on the grass.  

Pet owners must to careful to give their pets cool places to rest in the heat of the summer.  Some dogs are even invited to teas.  Early this summer, my neighbor invited me for an afternoon tea.   Isaac is displaying  his best manners waiting for a treat. 

Earle is resting inside on a sofa...away from the heat outside.

teacher

it’s her birthday
reason for many to celebrate
she loved our children
she loved us
into being wiser parents

it’s been a while now
since she was in the classroom
teaching understanding
loving every child
every parent
for who we were
where we were

she changed worlds
for the better
loving neighbor as self
doing justice
loving mercy
walking humbly
seeing the divine
in every one

her memory
is fading
her smile
remains bright
her spirit --- joyful
her soul --- deep and wide
a fountain flowing
with love and hope

she may not remember
that when i was a
young mother
scared to death
as we say
she saved my life
but i remember
and like so many others
i rise up
call her blessed
call her blessed

amen

for eunice, august 16, 2011

with abiding love and gratitude

christie smith stephens

breaking

not particularly wanting

to put words on paper

nothing twirling in my head

requiring the pen

perhaps last week

wrung the letters

out of me

as i sought to

remember and honor him

the son of our friends

child now grown

who left us too soon

that poem

if indeed it is a poem

is too long

and probably not

the best choice to post

his passing is

too much with us

so the sweat of writing

seems something

to avoid

especially on this

warm blue-skied day

that falls hollow

on the most grieved

but tries to call me

back to the

world of the living

even as sadness sings

from the boughs now broken

of our backyard trees

under which

once upon a time

as little boys

they rode hot wheels

and green machines

at birthday parties

rock a bye . . .

christie smith stephens

august, 2011

with prayers for our friends

who have had to say goodbye

for now to their son

My Granddaughter

She knows my favorite color, what foods I like, even can predict sometimes what I am going to say. She loves for me to read to her, spend time in the garden, sometimes we just sit and talk. My granddaughter, Taylor, is a blessing from God. She greets with me with such enthusiasm, happy to see me, although I see her nearly every day. When she leaves, she walks all of the way down the sidewalk in front of my house and runs to hug me and kiss me goodbye. When she is with me, she tells me several times a day, Mamma, I love you. We have so many fond memories that we have created together. She warms my heart.

Yesterday was one of those memory creation days. We attended the Indiana State Fair. She milked a cow, pet some goats, horses and pigs, saw many exhibits, had "fair food" and played some games coming home with four goldfish, a pink blowup dolphin and a stuffed tiger. Mamma came home with some tired feet and a big smile. I was in 4-H for 6 years and am glad to see my granddaughter share the enthusiasm for the fair that I have always had.

Today, I shared a story about my granddaughter. I promise next to give equal time to my wonderful grandson, Matthew!

HOME

I recently met someone who names her homes. She has lived in several over the years and names them for that special significance they hold for her family. As I have been away from home for quite some time now, I have had some twinges of homesickness. I began to think about my home and what it means to me, and what I would name it if I were so inclined. My thoughts centered around what it would be like to be home again.......home again.......home again. That's it! My home would be called HOME AGAIN.

What would you name your home?

Ruth Anne

A ROSE IS A ROSE

A visit to the International Rose Test Garden in Portland is a visual delight. And after a rain, I was even able to capture tiny drops of water still resting on the pedals of some of the roses. Technology serves us well in so many ways that we perhaps don't appreciate. Who ever would have thought an amateur photographer could produce shots like these with such a tiny camera?

Ruth Anne

"Give me more summer."

“ Give me more summer.  And more and more and more summer.”  Elizabeth

As a young wife and mother of four, I imagine that Elizabeth’s summer must be sweet as they enjoy swimming, skating, and summer reading.

I agree…  give me more summer.  I have had a wonderful summer filled with birthday celebrations, weddings, travels, summer reading, Vacation Bible School, and cookouts with friends.  I hope that your summer has been fulfilling and rewarding.

As summer begins to fade and school routines will resume,  I am refreshed and restored.  I thank God for the rhythms of life.

In a recent conversation at a hot July cookout, I was reminded of how I can forget about the suffering of individuals when headlines slip from the front pages.   At the cookout, I was introduced to a middle-aged woman from Bosnia.  As she shared about her life in Bosnia, I sat quietly and listened.  I began to understand some personal details behind that conflict. Today, she shares how her new friendships have made her life rich. I hope that she is experiencing joy this summer.  

Living for a Cause

The church that my husband and I belong to is named Courageous Church. It is a non-denominational Christian church located in the heart of midtown Atlanta. Courageous is very involved with the community and various outreach programs. The church family is divided into "Cause Groups." These groups are designed to target and address social issues that plague our community. There is an Education team that works toward improving the conditions of the area school districts, most notable, the Atlanta Public School system. There is a group that has targeted the care and concern for widows and orphans in our city. James 1:27 tells us that authentic faith is demonstrated through the care of orphans and widows in their time of distress. Our third cause group addresses a very disturbing and real trend in our present day society. Human sex trafficking. Every night about 300 girls get raped for profit in GA. Atlanta is one of the national leaders in the Commercial Exploitation of Children (CSEC). Very difficult is the challenge that we face with regards to shedding light on and ultimately eradicating this horrible industry. Gus and I are participating in a 5K run/walk called Stop Injustice in order to raise awareness and funds for the Wellspring Living Center. Wellspring Living is a 7-10 month residential treatment program to help these victims begin to heal. It is an awesome cause and we look forward to becoming a solution to this horrific reality.

For more information please visit www.wellspringliving.org

Corn

Someone told Queen Anne
Corn is marching
In straight line formations
Standing tall
Golden feathers
Rising against blue skies

She has rushed her lace to
The side of the fields
Offering gentle presence
At the front of armies of green

Honeysuckle trumpets
Bright orange
Voluntaries at sunrise

White clouds form configurations
Named by children who have
Third eyes

It's hot August here
Where the Sycamores
Say thank you to the Wabash
And the cycles of corn
Provide structure to life
Too often in need of such

Landscapes of relative trust
Cornscapes with delicate lace
At home in Indiana
Where there are answers to
Secrets of life for those
Who look for flowers
Listen for nature's horn

Stand and move in the

Constant/Ever changing

Scape shapes of clouds and corn.


Christie, 8-1-11

Blue Bench

A worn blue bench outside a gas station...
Is it a bench or a pew?

How Long

All that has come before

Has prepared for this moment

How long, someone asks,

Does it take to write a poem

Poems and other creations

Are not written in

Minutes hours days

They are written in the

Cumulative moment which holds

All the time, the experience, that

Has preceded the now

It takes the compilation of years

The evolution of the mind

The deepening of the spirit

The expansion of the heart

The blood ink that gathers

In the well, in the pen,

At this particular point

To write this poem

It takes this and more

Don't forget the mystery

The gift of the poem

That shows up unintended

Uninvited but oh so welcome

Making us look to be

Far more than we are

Truth is

We don't write poems

They choose us as scribes

We hope to be worthy

Of their trust.

Christie Smith Stephens

April 11, 2011

Bonnie

I will probably never

See her again

It was one of those

Paths crossing times

When strangers share

A table and a few words

For a moment in a place

In which neither lives

I don't know her last name

Her first name was Bonnie

And it was perfect for her

Fit her like a soft leather glove

In the play of words

I heard a few notes from

The song of her soul

Caregiver committed to

Her mother-in-law

Ruth to her Naomi

Just taking a breather

So she could return refreshed

Loving tributes to a woman

She said is "wonderful"

And for whom she

Is privileged to care

A weekend by the lake

Little village of shops

Cafes art artists

Respite before return to routine

The world needs more Bonnies

Although there are many

And we need more Naomis

Women who see each other

Through the hard times

Bonnie lives the meaning

Of her name

Pretty excellent

Good bonus

With holy hands pure heart

She performs the ordinances

Of faith every day

Ordinary acts of the Divine

Angel in flesh

Handmaid of God

Bonnie in Chicago is

Thanks be for her!

Christie for Bonnie

July, 2011

I'm back, although I've not been gone, just on hiatus. Spending time with my granddaughter, watching her grow and change in amazement. As I was once a mom, suppose I hadn't the time to observe my children as they evolved into little people each and every day. To see her learn something new is so much fun, you can almost see the light go on with each discovery. We know so much more about childhood development than we used to, a blessing and sometimes not, as we try to to be perfect parents and grandparents.

Summer travel adventures to follow soon.........................