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 →

It’s difficult for families to make decisions about funeral arrangements fast when a loved one dies. Due to the pandemic or if they live far away, they may need to plan services by phone or online. When consumers ask for information by phone, the FTC’s Funeral Rule requires funeral providers give them accurate information. Read more →

Parents probably know this, but if they don’t, they should. Kids are learning and mimicking machines. It starts at birth. Once they arrive, they look and listen – to just about everything. They begin absorbing and recording what they see and hear. Read more →

To get ready for my holiday company, I spent the afternoon – and into the evening – organizing my garage. Why? When I’m cleaning up and getting my house in order, it’s helpful to move things out into the garage. Read more →

In the Seattle area, we’ve had record rains Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That follows the last three months where only about 0.13 inches of rain fell. I went out Sunday when the fain stopped and checked my garden. I picked the last cucumbers and saw that a few zucchini are still growing. Read more →

If I have learned anything in more than 15 years as an estate planning attorney, it’s that there’s really no such thing as a “normal family.” That’s because every family is beautiful, whether your “family” is your children and grandchildren, beloved nieces and nephews, or a network of close friends. Read more →