Lifestyle

Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels We Have Heard on High

Ah, the joys of spring break! I love a cool, crisp morning that advances into a sunny afternoon. I adore the permission to sleep in a little, no coffee on the front porch as I wave to the grandchildren scurrying off to school early in the morning. You know that feeling, right? Everything feels slightly discombobulated, pregnant with the possibility that nothing has to be done, yet the promise of adventure hangs in the air. Regular moments feel more meaningful, somehow. Not that a week like this doesn’t have its challenges. Every trip outside means my ears refuse to drain. My nose, on the other hand, is working overtime. We all have pollen induced scratchy coughs and sinus headaches that make nap-taking an Olympic worthy sport. With the great comes the ehh, so it seems. While the grands are bemoaning any structure to the day at all, their mother decided some chores were in order. So, every morning this week, I hear the bark of a nosy dachshund as one of the munchkins enters my bedroom door. Little footsteps make a beeline to me. A little voice says, “Hey, Didi, mom said to ask you for a chore.”

How to Help Pets Acclimate to New Homes

Welcoming a new pet into a family can be an exciting time. Pets are wonderful companions and can even be beneficial to their owners' overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that pets may create increased opportunities for exercise. In addition, studies have shown that relationships with pets may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and other ailments.

Fun Ways for Children to Participate in St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Fun Ways for Children to Participate in St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Fun Ways for Children to Participate in St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Fun Ways for Children to Participate in St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates its namesake, the patron saint of Ireland who helped spread Christianity across this island nation. While it may have begun as a religious holiday, eventually the fanfare expanded to transform St. Patrick’s Day into a secular celebration spanning the world - reaching Irish diaspora in various countries. In fact, some of the largest St. Patrick’s Day events occur outside of Ireland.

Flat Baroque
Flat Baroque

Flat Baroque

One night, around dark thirty, I set out on a quest of sorts. On foot, flashlight in hand, I felt the twigs crack beneath my feet, smelled the spongy earth scent you only get when it’s rained recently. It was cold, but not frigid. I couldn’t see my own breath, but gloves and fleece lined pockets came in handy. There was a visible mist in the air, making an ordinary night into a scene from a horror movie. I’ve always loved night noises because they’re private, fickle even. Some critters scuttle away underfoot. Others cackle and shriek loudly, then silence themselves altogether as you approach. I knew I was in the right place as soon as my feet touched the gravel. Down a long path, around a wooded bend, next to a mossy tree, I found my destination. As I pointed my flashlight at the target, I felt wistfulness in my heart. I read the epitaph out loud. “Here lies Kevin Moon. He said terribly rude things to his wife while putting together an antique bed. May he rest in peace.” I kid! I kid, I tell you. But really, this is a story about how our marriage has been tested like never before. Because, nothing strains a relationship like furniture assembly.

OUTDOORS

The white bass run is soon coming to a creek or river near you! It’s hard to beat an early spring day catching and cooking white bass.

OUTDOORS

MUCH TO DO IN THE OUTDOORS

The Gift We Give Ourselves

The Gift We Give Ourselves

I hope that most of you know that I own Flower Basket. And today, you will all learn that my birthday was on Monday. According to my children, these two facts make it impossible to shop for me (“What are we gonna get a florist the week of Valentine’s Day? Flowers?”) so they’ve worked very hard to make my birthday gifts meaningful. And every gift they give is that much more special because I know that they gave it so much thought.

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Forney Messenger

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936, Forney, TX 75126
Physical Address: 201 W. Broad St., Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-3121
Fax: 972-552-3599