Category: Things I Have to Have

I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned this before—how much I rely on Dropbox every single day! We all need a place to keep important documents organized. In today’s world, having a digital filing cabinet is essential! Remember, your email inbox is NOT the place to store important documents! Would you keep all your critical paper files in your postal mailbox? Of course… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Dropbox

Exploring Lake Powell I was told to bring a daypack on my van-camping trip out west. Instead of buying something new, I remembered this little backpack I’ve had for years. It folds into itself to the size of my fist!  A novelty at first, it’s turned out to be incredibly useful. Unlike string backpack’s, where everything disappears into the abyss, this little pack has… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: My Daypack Backpack

Sleeeeeeeeeep……please. I’m writing this before trying, again, to lay my head on the pillow while National Grid (gas company) grinds away outside my bedroom window for the third night in a row. The house shakes. Massive spotlights flood light into the street all night. A constant hum of machinery, endless backup beeping, workmen chatting, and… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Sleep

When my boys were little, I would stand them up on the back of the couch where they could tower over me briefly. While steadying them there, I’d look up as we hugged and say, “One day you will be this big, hugging me”. Their little faces would grow concerned as they’d insist “No, no, Mommy! I’ll never be bigger… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: HUGS!

In the midst of life’s uncertainty, scripture, quotes, and anecdotes can be powerful anchors—reminders of what is true, good, and lasting. They become lifelines when we need them most! On their own, each of these elements is valuable. But together, they form a rhythm — truth (scripture), insight (quotes), and testimony (anecdotes). They feed the mind, shape… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Scripture, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Sounds silly, I know. But I consider cotton balls to be the least wasteful for cleaning up little messes. Sure, they’re universally known for gently taking off eye makeup, cleaning scrapes, dabbing cuts, sanitizing tools and removing nail polish. But what about their less obvious uses? Here are some of mine, and some I never knew: —Spot clean toothpaste… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Cotton Balls

Did you watch the Masters Tournament last weekend? Congrats to Rory! Did you know that the iconic entry to Augusta National Golf Club is called Magnolia Lane? This majestic drive is flanked with over 60 mature southern magnolia trees, towering over and creating a tunnel-like approach. It is quite spectacular! I’ve attached a link at the bottom for… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Appreciation for the Magnolias

#republish #repeat #remind  Technically we are in spring. To me, we are in the “anticipation of spring”. On the precipice. RIGHT NOW! The days where all things are transitioning rapidly from bleak to BEAUTIFUL! The fickle weather confusing all of us living things. Not knowing just how far to emerge each day from our cocoonish mindsets and modes of hibernation.… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Anticipation of Spring (Republished from April 2024)

Ever wondered why it’s called Bluetooth? According to my buddy, ChatGPT, Bluetooth is named after a Viking king of Denmark and Norway from the 10th century. Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was known for his off-colored tooth, strong communication skills, and the ability to unite different Scandinavian tribes, similar to how Bluetooth technology connects different devices wirelessly. FUN FACT:… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: My Bluetooth Speaker

Did you know that we could be outside, naked, all winter in NY and not get the vitamin D we need? The angle of the sun is too low. Only south of latitude 35-37° N does the sun provide enough UVB year-round for synthesizing Vitamin D. That puts us down in the Carolinas!… Hmmmm… At this very… Continue reading Things I Have to Have: Vitamin D