WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

Billie from A Dozen of Us book club in Connersville, has fun with some ear muffs from her childhood. She recalls how well-made and warm they remain. Everyone brought heirlooms to the March meeting and told about them as an activity to go with my talk about "There's a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go."

A German heritage is recalled with a father's small datebook from the old country.

Christmas music still plays from this golden angel. Those attending the meeting shared these special heirlooms as we all reminisced and enjoyed the time.

Not only did this realistic-looking bird mobile "soar" over this member's childhood crib, but it hung over her classroom throughout her teaching career.

A handsome father and beautiful mother are forever young in this silver-framed photo.

A dear childhood friend is remembered through a vintage children's book, a gift from the friend.

Decades-old handblown Easter eggs are elegantly decorated.

Thanks for the photo, Cathy Shouse, from my speaking engagement in Kokomo.

Thank you A Dozen of Us members, above, for hosting me. It was fun to see all the treasures you brought to show and remember special moments and people you love, represented by heirlooms you've saved.

My "season" got started on March 1, left, when I spoke to a travel club in Kokomo. Weather-wise, it was the nicest day of the year so far, hovering around 70 degrees, sunny, and no wind! Can't beat it.

Next up came an evening with a group of women from the Frankton United Methodist Church.

Tomorrow I'm headed to Seymour to speak at a district meeting of Extension Homemakers. Spring is the busiest time for author programming and my plate is full in April and May. In fact, I may work on a program when I finish this blog post. 

This winter we took time out for Brian to recover from his hip surgery and we're delighted and blessed to say he's doing great and also has a clean two-year cancer scan on his chart. Thank you Lord, and the doctors and surgeons.

​Happy spring to all of you! One of my emotional reactions to life situations is to organize! I find it soothing and relaxing -- if I'm in the mood. One day I tackled our entryway under-the-stairs  closet. Just out of sight to the right is a hanging bag with shelves for our hats, scarves, and gloves.

With the weather we've had lately, it's too soon to forget about the winter clothes but it won't be long. I didn't crop the "free space" in front of the closet. I like it. But can it last?