My birthday is coming up soon so when I saw a headline on Twitter about how to get free stuff on your birthday, it caught my eye. A growing trend for businesses in these tough economic times is loyalty rewards, and they may include either a birthday freebie or discount,... Read more →

My grandfather Peter R. Slingsby was a heavy drinker. He died in 1914 at age 58. That’s my grandfather in the photo with his parents in about 1864. When I saw a blog about April being Alcohol Awareness Month, I thought about my aunt and uncle and other relatives who... Read more →

On April 15, the day income tax returns are due, scores of people are scurrying around to get their taxes completed. But what is the media focusing on? On Tax Day, the media are making a big deal about people who are against government and taxes. National Public Radio quoted... Read more →

When she was 54 years old, Lydia Raurell decided to dance. Raurell, a magazine editor, knew in the depths of her heart that she'd always wanted to dance. But she had so many commitments to people and so many details to look after that for more than 20 years she... Read more →

Millions of Bank of America customers are being notified that the interest rates on their credit cards are going up. Citigroup, Chase, and America Express have already taken similar action. These banks are penalizing customers who carry balances on their credit cards rather than paying them off monthly, a reversal... Read more →

Despite the fact that Kinder-brand chocolate eggs are banned in the United States, the candy – with a toy inside – is still being sold in some places in the country. This product is banned for sale here because the toy surprise hidden inside can pose choking and aspiration hazards... Read more →

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. I wish you peace, love, and joy as you carry out your plans and activities throughout the day. I also hope that the new spring season will bring you many wonderful experiences and your year will be full of happiness and blessings.... Read more →

One of my favorite Easter memories is going to church in Chelan Wash., and listening to the Easter hymns. I also liked going with my sister to Sunrise Service. I enjoyed the way the hymns sounded in the hills surrounding Lake Chelan. Afterwards we attended a pancake breakfast at the... Read more →

Baby boomers are going to church, preparing Easter egg hunts for their children or grandchildren, cooking special meals, attending gatherings with family and friends, going for picnics, going boating, relaxing, cleaning house, using their computers, and taking walks. Some may be working. Baby boomers with elderly parents also may be... Read more →

Finally, I completed my taxes Wednesday. Like last year, I went to one of the free sessions offered by AARP at my neighborhood library. Asking for help paid off. The computerized program was able to find deductions I’d missed. My return will be larger than I’d calculated. Along with forgetting... Read more →