Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion this year, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. The amount is up from last year’s $22.4 billion and beats the previous record of $22.9 billion in 2023. Sometimes, dads can be tough to buy for.... Read more →
If you haven’t checked out your spices in the last year, it’s time to do it as part of your spring cleaning/organization. About 70 percent of consumers only check the expiration or best-buy date on spices “sometimes” — or “not at all,” according to a 2025 survey conducted by Suzy,... Read more →
The TV weatherman and I must have had a misunderstanding. I watched the weather forecast carefully and I was sure he said, with enthusiasm, that Sunday would be the best day of weather coming up. As a result, I made a plan. Saturday, I’d get housework done, and Sunday would... Read more →
My daughter Lisa is visiting from Madrid, and we took a road trip to Portland, Oregon, to spend time with my oldest daughter Mona, who was visiting a friend near Portland. I’d read an atmospheric river was headed to the Pacific Northwest in a New York Times article. Although I... Read more →
Merry Christmas if Christmas is a holiday you celebrate. It’s a day of joy for so many reasons. The celebration of Christ’s birth, the getting together with family and friends, and a time to give unto others. And for giving, Americans are into giving in a big way. With 92... Read more →
I love Ireland. In 2016, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Ireland with my daughter Lisa. When we flew into Dublin, it was like I was coming home. Ireland is a lot like the Seattle area where I live – lots of rain and green in the landscape. And, some of my ancestors, the Baylee family, came from Ireland. Read more →
It’s a flurry of activity getting ready for the holidays. I’ve purchased my plane ticket to California, started my shopping, and am contemplating decorations. My daughters came for an early Christmas last year and the year before. I “decked the halls” with a living Christmas tree, got out the nice China and red table runner, and we cooked up a storm. Read more →
Over the years, I’ve seen hundreds, maybe even thousands, of ads on Facebook. To me, it doesn’t seem like a very good place to be placing orders. You have no idea about the reputation of the companies. In the spring, I succumbed. I ordered a “jacket” for my sister for her birthday. I also ordered one for me. The ad said orders would be received promptly. Read more →
Babies are among the most precious things in the world. I was fortunate to have two wonderful daughters, and luckily, they survived childhood although not as much was known back then on child safety. Here are 10 top tips that parents, grandparents, and caregivers need to follow to keep babies safe: Read more →
It really surprises me. When my daughter comes from Madrid to visit we’ve done a home exchange or an Airbnb in Seattle for a week. Often, the house is nice, but the yard isn’t well kept. It’s O.K. if yard work isn’t your thing and creating a flower garden like the one pictured above doesn’t interest you. Read more →