As a professor, I met so many students who had a poor opinion of their abilities to be more than just be average in college because someone had told them early in their lives that they were not smart, capable, or good enough to be successful. These are what I call premature assessments, decisions made... Continue Reading →
One of the most wonderful aspects of being in Portugal was that everything that we needed, from groceries to medical care, was within walking distance. Â Everybody walked, including children. Many of the cars in Quarteria belonged to the tourists. Every evening, we joined what appeared to be the whole city in strolling along the boardwalk... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple of days, we have tried to find tomato plants that are already starting to sprout flowers. Douglas generally starts to plant his garden in late March or early April, but we were away during that time, so there is a mad dash to sow some vegetables, especially our beloved tomatoes, in... Continue Reading →
We are home! After a harrowing 27 hours of traveling, we finally are back in our old familiar places, and it feels so, so, so good! The trip that originally was for 75 days ended after 43 days, but the journey was worth it for the lessons learned. So often, we want to avoid the... Continue Reading →
When people ask me how I can believe in an invisible deity, I tell them that at the core of my faith is the miracles that have taken place in my life. I am convinced of the reality of God and of Jesus Christ through the ways in My life has imitated the Scriptures. It... Continue Reading →
No matter where I am, I look for the forest, especially in the Spring when trees that have hibernated during the winter, return rejuvenated with new leaves and new life. It is a lesson for us as human beings that we must find time to rest and be rejuvenated, if we are to be ready... Continue Reading →
I did not follow the script that was meant for women my age, mainly because I have never thought that we all must look and act the same. The expectations of others for the roles we are supposed to play limit us, even as failing to meet the expectations of others tend to liberate us... Continue Reading →
One of the aspects of life in Portugal that I had to adjust to quickly and which I will try to retain in America is the slower pace of eating. Yes, there are McDonald's restaurants in Portugal, but they follow the culture, allowing patrons to sit and socialize, not expecting them to gobble down their... Continue Reading →
Culture matters, when it comes to just how much skin to show on the beach. Being an American, I tend to cover up quite a lot, until I am ready to get into the pool or romp on the beach. If there are topless beaches in America, I have never visited one. I assumed that... Continue Reading →
I am still shaken by an encounter that Douglas had on yesterday. He likes to take very long walks, so after we spent the afternoon walking and lying on the beach together, he went for another walk alone among the lagoons not far from the apartment we are renting in Quarteria, Portugal. When he returned,... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 