Christmas Gifts That Don’t Suck.
No one asked, but here’s my list of gifts that don’t suck. No Starbucks, no Target.
Tag: Holidays
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
I went to the dentist last week, abuzz with anxiety. This weirdly ended up okay because I just had one cavity and everything else was fixable. Except one bad tooth that has to be uninstalled. Second chances are always important. The dental cleaning weakened the bad tooth and it really hurt. I called an oral […]
Rejoice! the Advent of my winter holiday calendar
Advent calendars were not a thing in my Catholic 70s and 80s childhood. We dutifully made Advent wreaths on little pieces of styfoam in our CCD class. We were supposed to light the candles each Sunday, but even parents of Gen X kids realized it was a bad idea to put a flame near styrofoam […]
Do you have an extra Christmas tree for me?
Well, sparkle season is here and I’m still stuck in this in-between stage as my lawsuits play out. I share my home with someone I used to well, know. Not any longer. I miss the most mundane things – watching the news together, trying new restaurants, making waffles, eating her lemon chicken recipe. It hurts […]
How to Request Toys For Tots in Western Pennsylvania 2025
This is our annual (15 years)) round-up of Toys for Tots programs in Western Pennsylvania for 2025. I’ve done my best to sort through the available information and provide you what you may need to know. PLEASE click through to the applicable link to double check the details. I will update as information becomes available. […]
Here’s the Truth About Holidays After a Divorce
It is a crisp autumish Sunday afternoon this August 31 in the year 2025. Tomorrow is Labor Day. I did have plans for a project that fell through, so I am left to my own devices. Chores, laundry, nap. In the before-times, three day holiday weekends usually included housework, a project, and – this is […]
Community Group Partners with Striking Post-Gazette Workers on Pet Food Drive
This wasn’t a difficult decision, I thought when considering if the Dr. John P. Ruffing Pet Food Pantry could help members of the the Guild facing their third holiday season on strike. Technically, it is month 26, the longest ongoing strike in the United States. Our pet food pantry was created to fill gaps in […]
She’s gonna be alone alone for the holidays
This year, I will celebrate Christmas day alone. Like many other people do. So I’ve been determined to pick quality merry time in with my friends and on my own. I saw the PSO Holiday Pops, visited the Christmas Village and Belsnickel at Old Economy Village, spent time just doing typical lunches and what not. […]
A Silent Christmas Might Be Lonely At First
Christmas is coming. Over the weekend, I realized that I am in for a lonely Christmas Day. I’ve had plenty of festive activities with friends, some that I hope will extend through the ‘winter break’ period up to New Years. Still to come is the Holiday Pops Christmas concert, a trip to I Made It! […]
Donate Your Nativity Set To Protect Trans Kids
Earlier, I wrote a post about my non-traditional holiday decorations, including my Nativity scene focused on protecting trans kids. I was asked to create a clarion call to share specifics. If you have a new or gently used Nativity scenes, complete or partial, please consider donating it to my ongoing outdoor Nativity. My intent is […]