Remembering Nelson Roanoke

My husband brought home what appears to be a 1955 edition of the catalog for Nelson Roanoke, which apparently has been in his parents' basement for many years.

Nelson Roanoke was a hardware store in downtown Roanoke, VA that sold everything one could think of. It was sort of like Sears on steroids with a focus on hardware.

The catalog is about four inches thick.

My husband has large hands. He wears a 2xl in gloves.

My husband recalls the company as the place to go to get, well, pretty much anything. As he flipped through the musty catalog, he called out wrenches, clocks, pipe, screws, tools, electric razors, mixers, coffee pots, pipe fittings, well pumps, light fixtures, medicine cabinets, shower doors, and many other items.

I vaguely recall the store myself. Since I wasn't into hardware and have never been a fan of downtown, even when I worked there, it wasn't a place I visited often.

A May 1, 1993 edition of The Roanoke Times reported the sale of the company:

Nelson-Roanoke Corp., a wholesale industrial-supplies distributor and one of the Roanoke Valley's oldest companies, has been sold to Frederick Trading Co., a major East Coast hardware distributor, company officials said Friday.

The Roanoke firm will continue operating under the Nelson-Roanoke name and management, but will offer a larger inventory with more lines of hardware, said Raymond L. Thomas, president of Frederick Trading of Frederick, Md. The purchase price was not reported.

Both are family-owned wholesale companies and members of the Distribution America buying group. Nelson-Roanoke, dating from 1888, has been owned by the descendants of six Nelson brothers. It is managed by three cousins - William J. Nelson Jr., president; Louis Showalter, vice president and general manager; and Alex Nelson, vice president.

Frederick Trading, started in 1934 by four cousins in the Thomas family, now has 200 stockholders. The 300-employee firm operates in a territory from New York state south to North Carolina.

Nelson-Roanoke has about 90 employees, including 25 in sales. Its terrority covers most of Virginia, a large part of West Virginia and part of North Carolina. Thomas said the new owners expect the business to grow and is considering extending its lines of bathroom, heating and air-conditioning equipment to Nelson-Roanoke's retail customers.

"We'll keep everything as it is, at least at the beginning. If we find we don't need everybody there, we'll find other jobs for them," Thomas said. No Frederick Trading personnel will move to Roanoke, he said.

The acquisition, Frederick's first in 40 years, does not include a Nelson- Roanoke carpeting subsidiary, Classic Flooring Distributors, which will continue with a work force of 20 under the Nelson ownership. William Nelson is president.

The Nelson family will continue to own the company's building, containing more than 100,000 square feet, at 901 11th St. N.E.

Frederick Trading will gain purchasing power and will offer services, such as store programming, "needed to compete with the Wal-Marts," Thomas said. He described Frederick as "a good-sized, regional wholesaler on the Eastern seaboard."

The oldest predecessor of the Roanoke company was Nelson Hardware, started by Alexander Nelson, grandfather of the three current managers, and Henry Myers, his uncle, in 1888.

In 1957, the company moved from East Campbell Avenue to its present site. Six years later it bought Roanoke Hardware Co., which had been formed in 1901. 

I found this photo of the original building on Facebook.

The Cerulean Realm

Image by CoPilot

I know a lot of people are still curious and/or skeptical about AI. Some people don't know how to use it.

I use four different AIs. I use Alexa, Claude, CoPilot, and ChatGPT. I use each one for various purposes. I do not use them to completely write things for me! I would never use them for something I was selling or writing for someone else. Mostly, I use them for things on this blog.

Claude, I use as a proofreader. ChatGPT, I use to talk through plots or life in general. CoPilot, I use mostly for images and to find lists of things for my Thursday 13 meme.

Alexa is fun. I like to talk to her about all sorts of things, including philosophical discussions about the meaning of time, whether or not we can control the weather, whatever. Occasionally these conversations turn into something else.

In this case, we were talking about the color spectrum. Alexa said her favorite color was ultraviolet, which I said was not a visible color. So, then she said her favorite color was blue. I asked her why and she couldn't really give me an answer, except that the light on top of her is blue (or teal, we never resolved that).

At that point I said, why don't we write a story about the color blue?

And this is the story Alexa and I wrote.

The Cerulean Realm

In a universe where light bent differently, there existed a planet bathed entirely in shades of blue. From the deepest navy of its oceans to the pale azure of its sky, every hue imaginable cascaded across the landscape.

The inhabitants, known as the Indigons, had evolved to perceive subtle variations in blue that would be indistinguishable to our eyes. Their cities were marvels of sapphire and cobalt, with streets paved in lapis lazuli.

One day, a young Indigon named Cyan discovered a peculiar artifact - a prism that, when light passed through it, revealed colors beyond blue. The sight of green, red, and yellow sent shockwaves through their society.

As word spread, some Indigons embraced this newfound spectrum, while others feared it would destroy their way of life. Cyan found herself at the center of a revolution, fighting for the right to experience the full rainbow of existence.

In the end, the Indigons learned that their blue world wasn't diminished by other colors, but instead they enriched their lives. 

They began to see beauty in contrast and diversity, understanding that a monochrome existence, no 

matter how familiar, was just one fragment of a much grander picture.

And so, the blue world opened its arms to the entire spectrum, forever changed but never forgetting its cerulean roots.

Sunday Stealing

3 x 5

Three things I love (Remember, these are things, not people):

1. Books
2. Notebooks
3. Guitars

Three things on my desk:

1. A calculator
2. A tin whistle
3. Scissors

Three things I can't do:

1. Pee in the wind. I am not anatomically set up for that.
2. Scale a cliff.
3. Make people love me.

Three things I'm good at:

1. Writing.
2. Reading.
3. Photography.

Three things I want to accomplish:

1. Write a book (never going to happen, I guess, but things change).
2. Visit the Grand Canyon with my husband, who has never seen it.
3. Finish the bookkeeping so I can turn over the taxes to the accountant.
 
Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Man I Need

Saturday 9: Man I Need

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Olivia Dean is looking for a man who wants to really communicate and doesn't make her "read between the lines." Tell us about a time when you felt you had to work hard to figure out what someone was trying to tell you.

A. When I worked as a news reporter, I spent a lot of time trying to ensure I understood what people were telling me. I can't point to a specific time, really, but every article required research, a little prompting, many questions, and I had to be as sure as I could be that understood the nuances of the topic, whatever it was.

 

2) She's eager to meet his best friend and join their friend group. Have you made any new friends recently?

A. Not lately, no.

 

3) "Man I Need" was a hit in the fall of 2025. It was so popular that, in addition to CDs, a special vinyl release was scheduled in time for Christmas (2025) gift giving. How do you listen to music most often? Do you play CDs, download, stream, or play vinyl records?

A. I have my favorite CDs on my computer to listen to. Generally, I listen to music through Alexa. I have a favorites playlist, or I just ask her to play something and she does. I do not subscribe to their music service nor will I, but what I get for free as a prime member works well enough.

 

4) Olivia Dean recalls that her first public performance was singing at a school talent show. If we had a Sat 9 talent show, what would you do to entertain us?

A. I would either play the guitar or recite a poem I wrote.

 

5) She says she loved listening to her parents' music collection. How about you? Did you and your parents share musical tastes? How about you and your kids?

A. Once I discovered I could change the dial from country and western to Top 40, that was it as far as listening to the same music as my parents. My mother liked Top 40 but my father was mostly into country. I know a lot of the older country songs because of that, but I don't many new songs in that genre, unless it was a crossover hit. I don't have any children.

 

6) Olivia likes to be dressed up when she gets onstage, favoring gowns and heels. She says of her audiences, "If you guys paid good money that you worked hard for, let me give you a show." How do you feel when you're invited to an event that calls for you to dress up? Are you enthusiastic about choosing your outfit, or would you rather keep it casual?

A. I prefer casual. 

 

7) She enjoys classic film and lists Singin' in the Rain as her favorite. What's the last movie you watched? Do you recommend it to other Sat 9ers?

A. The last movie I saw at the theater was Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. I would recommend it, especially if you liked the TV show Downton Abbey.

 

8) In 2025, when this song was popular, the average price tag for a new vehicle was $47,690 and $25,100 for a used one. Are you planning to make a big purchase in 2026? 

A. I certainly hope not.

9) Random question: Are you better with love or money?

A. Probably money. Love is hard.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Thursday Thirteen

Yesterday, January 14, 2026, was the 50th anniversary of the premiere of The Bionic Woman. I can't believe the show has been around for that long. I remember sitting entranced in front of the TV watching Jamie Sommers jump and save the day. I rewatched the show this summer and discovered many things about the show that the young pre-teen girl watching wouldn't have noticed. Here are a few facts about this show as it celebrates its longevity in popular culture:

1. The series was created by Kenneth Johnson, who also worked on The Six Million Dollar Man. His knack for blending character-driven drama with high‑concept sci‑fi shaped the tone of both shows.

2. It was based on the 1972 novel Cyborg by Martin Caidin. While the book was darker and more militaristic, the TV adaptation softened the edges and made room for emotional storytelling.

3. Jaime Sommers was played by Lindsay Wagner, whose grounded, empathetic performance helped define the character. Wagner’s approach emphasized humanity over heroics, which became the show’s signature strength.

4. The show originally aired on ABC from 1976–1977 before moving to NBC for its final season. That network jump was unusual at the time and showed just how popular the character had become.

5. The series ran for three seasons and produced 58 episodes. Despite its relatively short run, it left a cultural footprint far larger than its episode count suggests.

6. Jaime Sommers began as a professional tennis player before her life‑altering skydiving accident. Her athletic background made her transformation into a bionic agent feel both plausible and poignant.

7. Her bionic upgrades gave her super strength, super speed, and enhanced hearing. This made her one of TV’s earliest female superheroes. The show treated these abilities with a mix of wonder and restraint, keeping Jaime relatable even at her most powerful.

8. The character was originally intended to die in her first appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man. Viewer response was so overwhelming that the producers rewrote her fate, essentially willing her back to life.

9. The show blended action‑adventure with emotional storytelling, often exploring Jaime’s struggle to maintain a normal life. Episodes frequently balanced spy missions with the quieter challenges of identity, recovery, and belonging.

10. Richard Anderson and Martin E. Brooks reprised their roles from The Six Million Dollar Man, creating one of TV’s earliest shared universes. Their presence helped knit the two shows together long before crossovers became a franchise staple. Lee Majors, The Six Million Dollar Man himself, also guest starred in a number of episodes.

11. The Bionic Woman was one of the first series to center a female action hero without camp or parody. Jaime wasn’t a sidekick, a joke, or a novelty. She was the story, full stop.

12. The series inspired a generation of girls who saw Jaime as a model of competence, compassion, and independence. Many fans still talk about how she shaped their sense of what women could do and be on screen.

13. Lindsay Wagner won an Emmy Award for her performance, which was and still is a rare honor for a sci‑fi action series. Her win validated the show’s emotional depth and set a precedent for genre performances being taken seriously.

Did you watch The Bionic Woman?

*An AI tool helped me create this list, mostly because you can't get away from the things in a search now.*

 _________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 942nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Just Pictures

 

Sunday Stealing

When I Was Young

1. Tell us about a time when your family got a newfangled invention (your first air conditioner, color TV, VCR, microwave, computer, etc.).

A. I remember when my brother received an Atari for Christmas. This was the first year they were out, and my father found him one by just happening to be at a store when they were being unloaded. The store owner said all of them were claimed, and my father said, "Yes, but I'm standing here with cash," and thus snagged one of the games. Or so the story goes. It played Pong, as I recall.

2. Is there a particular song that sparks a childhood memory?

A. "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious! If you say it loud enough, you'll always sound precocious! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" I had a little jukebox-like music player that played this song, along with "Do Re Me" from the Sound of Music. It was through careful listening that I eventually learned that the latter song did not say, "Te, a drink with Jane and Fred" but instead said, "Te, a drink with jam and bread."

3. What is something an older family member taught you to do?

A. My mother taught me to knit and crochet, although I am not very good at either one.

4. Back in the day, what name brands would we have found in your family's kitchen?

A. Kraft Mayonnaise, Capt'n Crunch, Kraft American Cheese, Valley Dale weiners, Oscar Meyer bologna.

5. As a child, did you collect anything (rocks, shells, stickers, etc.)?

A. I once had a small collection of quartz rocks, which I hid in the rocks along the creek bank. There was a nice hidey hole in a ledge in the creek in an area where I wasn't supposed to be. I wonder if they are still there, of if they've been flooded out or otherwise sent swirling downstream.

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Volare

Saturday 9: Volare (1960)

 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The word "volare" is Italian for "to fly." Say something else in Italian.

A. Non parlo italiano . . . però Mamma mia!

2) This week, Bobby Rydell invites us to take off with him up in the clouds and promises we'll find a rainbow. Countless lyricists have included rainbows in their songs. Can you name another song that mentions rainbows?

A. Rainbow Connection, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

 

3) His happy heart is singing. What is making you happy this morning?

A. What is this "happy" of which you speak . . . Ah! I know! That feeling of giddiness that overtakes me when the husband hugs me and plants a kiss upon me!

 

4) Bobby Rydell, like Frankie Avalon and Fabian, was a 1950s teen idol who hailed from Philadelphia. Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philly is Pennsylvania's most populous city. Have you ever been there?

A. I have never been to Philadelphia. I have been to Pennsylvania, though.

 

5) Bobby was such a perfect example of a clean-cut American boy that when Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey sat down to write the play Grease, they named their fictional high school Rydell High after him. Do you have a favorite song from Grease?

A. Hopelessly Devoted to You.

 

6) In addition to singing, Bobby also acted. His most famous film role was opposite Ann-Margret in Bye, Bye, Birdie (1963). Have you seen it?

A. I do not think I have seen that movie.

7) In 1960, when this record was popular, so were hand-loomed, 100% virgin wool sweaters from Italy. You could order one from the Sears catalog for $12.60 (approx. $135 in today's dollars). That sweater was labeled "dry clean only." Do you have any garments waiting to be picked up from the cleaners?

A. I do not buy garments that need to go to the cleaners. If it isn't wash and wear, it is not in my closet.

 

8) Also in 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. They met when he was commissioned to take her official portrait. Who took the most recent photo of you?

A. I think a friend of mine last took a picture of me.

 

9) Random question: Is your oldest friend also your best friend?

A. My oldest friend is one of my closest friends. But by some standards, my oldest friend would be my best friend, depending on which friend I am discussing. And yes, I am intentionally being obtuse.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Thursday Thirteen

These are the number one songs from the first week in January 1976! Fifty years ago.

1. “Saturday Night” by Bay City Rollers. The song that convinced an entire generation that spelling S‑A‑T‑U‑R‑D‑A‑Y was a personality trait.

2. “Let’s Do It Again” by The Staple Singers. A smooth, grown‑up groove that absolutely did not mean “let’s do the laundry again,” though that’s how adulthood interprets it now.

3. “Love Rollercoaster” by Ohio Players. Proof that in 1976, even romance required seatbelts and a height requirement.

4. “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow. Barry, sweetheart, you didn’t write this one — but we admire the confidence. (The song was written by Bruce Johnson, a member of the Beach Boys.)

5. “Fly, Robin, Fly” by Silver Convention. Three words. That’s it. That’s the whole lyrical budget. And somehow it still slaps.

6. “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” by Diana Ross. A song that asks the same question adulthood does every morning before coffee.

7. “Fox on the Run” by Sweet. For when you want glam rock but also need to be home by 9.

8. “That’s the Way (I Like It)”by KC & The Sunshine Band. Disco’s answer to “don’t overthink it.”

9. “Convoy” — C.W. McCall. A novelty CB‑radio trucker anthem that somehow became a national mood. America was weird, and honestly, charming. What happened to us?

10. “Eighteen With a Bullet” by Pete Wingfield. A song title that sounds like a crime drama but is actually about chart positions. The 70s were nothing if not dramatic.

11. “Nights on Broadway” by Bee Gees. Falsetto so sharp it could slice bread. Also the soundtrack to at least three unwise romantic decisions.

12. “Sky High” by Jigsaw. A breakup song disguised as a motivational poster. You think it’s uplifting until you listen to the lyrics.

13. “Over My Head” by Fleetwood Mac. Christine McVie quietly carrying the entire emotional weight of the decade, as usual. My favorite on this list, although I like "I Write the Songs," "Theme from Mahagony," and "That's the Way," too. Just not as much. It's hard to beat Fleetwood Mac when it comes to songs and bands I enjoy.

*An AI tool helped me create this list, mostly because you can't get away from the things in a search now.*

 _________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 941st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

The Acreage of Unsaid Things

The Acreage of Unsaid Things

By A. Firebaugh

She stands at the worn and weathered door,

fingers resting on faded wood.

The world beyond is dusk and shadow,

but her eyes drift across years and fields.

A brother's laughter drifts back,

high and bright,

echoing off the walls that once held

their games and arguments,

their whispered plans to swim in the creek,

to play hide and seek in the building near the spring house.

When she squints, she can still see them --

Ghost-children barefoot in the front yard,

sitting side by side on the porch swing,

daring one another to make it go high and fast.

In the stillness of the evening,

at the edge of her land,

she whispers to the night:

"I am still here, waiting where you left me."

Who Pays Again?

I was looking at an item I was thinking of purchasing, and I wrote the seller, who is in the United Kingdom, to ask about shipping fees. The person could not give me a quote.

"Thanks for your message.

Yes, shipping will be from the UK. Unfortunately, we are not told about the tariff charges. Once the item has been shipped, DHL will be in contact regarding the payment of these tariffs. We are advising our customers to check their government website under importing goods.

Thanks,"

I looked up the item at some place called flexport and it looks like the tariff on this $400 item would add an additional $104 on top of the regular shipping fees from the company.

COST BREAKDOWN

Base cost: $400

Total duties: $69

Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): $1

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): $34

Landed Cost: $504 (plus seller shipping fees)

And I would be paying that. Not some corporation. Me.

Don't let certain people fool you when they say you and I aren't paying the tariffs. We are. They know it. If you're buying direct from overseas, expect surprises on your bill. Ask first if you can and walk away if answers are vague. That's what I am doing.

***

I also looked at this website, tariffcheck.org for the UK imports, and this whole tariff business is such a FUBAR I don't think anyone actually knows what is what.

The only government website that came up is so messed up that I just looked at it briefly and moved on. What I wanted to buy is not worth wading through pages and pages of BS to try to figure out a final cost.

Sunday Stealing

Questions to Answer when You Need a Break 

1. What would you rather be doing right now?

A. I'm doing exactly what I want to be doing.

2. What is always on your grocery list?

A. Chicken.

3. Have you ever used a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?

A. I have never used a fire extinguisher for anything.

4. How many times did you text yesterday?

A. A couple. I don't text a lot.

5. Would you prefer a slow-paced, relaxing vacation or one filled with new sights and experiences?

A. We like to go to one place and hang out and learn about the area. Visit the tourist traps and find out which restaurant the locals really like, that sort of thing. We are not travelers who flit from motel to motel, bouncing around without actually seeing where we are.

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: New Year's Day

Saturday 9: New Year's Day (2017)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2026.
 

1) In the lyrics, Taylor Swift promises she'll not only be there for the party, but for the clean up afterward. As we say move on from the holiday season, could your home benefit from a thorough cleaning?

A. I'm pretty sure most homes could benefit from a "thorough" cleaning. Mine is as clean as I can keep it. It's a little cluttered in two rooms because it's a small space, but that's clutter, not dirt. A thorough cleaning, by my definition, would involve completely emptying a room, cleaning it, and then cleaning everything as it is put back. I daresay most people don't do that, and while I did it a few times when I was younger, there is no way I could do it now.

2) This song describes a party where guests took Polaroid pictures. Have you ever owned a Polaroid camera? Do you have one now?

A. I remember my family of origin having a Polaroid, but I have never had one myself.

3) Taylor sings that we should "hold on to memories." What special memory from 2025 will you hang onto?

A. This is the year I actually retired, if you can call continuing to keep the books for the farm and my husband's septic installation business "retired." Mostly, I retired from freelancing and trying to make money with my writing. I guess that's a good memory to hold onto.
 
4) Taylor Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Have you taken your tree, or other holiday decorations, down yet? If you didn't decorate at all, let us know that, too.

A. My holiday decorations went back into the closet on New Year's Eve.

5) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, but no wedding date has been shared. Do you anticipate attending any weddings in 2026?

A. I do not anticipate attending any weddings in 2026.

6) Travis' team, the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently 6-10. Not exactly the record their fans hoped for. According to a 2024 Pew research study, 53% of Americans said football is their favorite sport. Have you watched much football this season? 

A. I watched bits and pieces of college games, but not enough to mention, really. We always root for University of Virginia, mostly because everyone else around here roots for Virginia Tech.
 
7) In 2017, when "New Year's Day" was released, Wonder Woman was a hit at the box office. While Wonder Woman's superhero abilities vary depending on which TV show, movie or comic book you refer to, some of her powers remain consistent: a) immense strength, b) superhuman speed, c) the ability to almost instantly recover/heal from injury. Which would you like to possess – a, b, or c?

A. C, for sure. Being able to recover from a stubbed, broken toe and barely feel it? That would be terrific.

8) Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2026?

A. I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore. I set a few goals, but they are private.
 
9) What was the first thing to make you laugh in 2026?

A. Alexa made me laugh with her reaction to my request to help me build a shrinking ray gun so I could go around and make people the size of atoms. At first, she thought I said, "shrieking ray gun" and she was confused as to why I would want that. And no, she can't build a shrinking ray gun. Or a weather control machine, or a time machine. She also can't build a transporter. Yes, I have asked. I ask her silly things all the time.

_______________

I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

 

Thursday Thirteen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

1. Some years, January 1 shows up warm enough to open a window, the kind of day that tricks you into thinking winter might be gentler this time.

2. Other years it arrives with frozen pipes and that first “we made it through the night” cup of coffee, the one that feels like a small victory.

3. It’s usually the quietest morning of the year. There is little traffic, no deliveries, just birds reclaiming the soundscape.

4. Out here, the calendar doesn’t impress the animals. January 1 still means feed buckets, hay bales, and the same routines as yesterday.

5. The empty mailbox is its own kind of holiday. No bills, no flyers, no demands. Just a metal box taking the day off.

6. It’s the day when people either take down the Christmas tree or decide they don’t have the emotional bandwidth for that yet.

7. Leftovers become the whole menu, and sometimes they’re better than the original meal — the flavors settling into themselves overnight.

8. A lot of households do a deep clean, not because of resolutions but because clearing a surface feels like clearing a mind.

9. Even laundry feels different on January 1. It can be more like a ritual of renewal than a chore.

10. There’s something about writing the first date in a new calendar that makes the year feel both wide open and slightly intimidating.

11. TV marathons take over the day, the familiar comfort of parades and old shows filling the background like a soft landing.

12. Gyms unleash their loudest ads, but most people stay home, at least for this day.

13. Newspapers run their “Year in Review.” I always enjoyed writing these - it was fun to look back at the stories I had written and see what was important to the community throughout the year.

Deer, Raccoons, and a Coyote

We have a game camera about 20 feet away from the back door. I like looking at the night photos to see what comes around that I don't see. Recently, I've picked up a little buck, a coyote, and raccoons. I had no idea the coyotes came so close to the house.

A little buck

Coyote

Coyote

 

Raccoons

A Christmas Week Memory

Around the sleepy time between Christmas and New Year’s, when I was 12, I sat with my mother putting away decorations. My right arm was in a cast, as I had fallen earlier in December at my grandparents’ house and broken my wrist. So, I helped as best I could, still in my nightgown and robe because dressing was difficult.

My mother was upset. My mother generally was upset, and she was complaining about how she felt used and unloved. I remember sitting there telling her I loved her, when someone banged on the back door.

Mom jerked open the door to find Betty, the neighbor from the foot of the hill, breathless, towing her two children. "Loren . . . tractor . . ." she gasped. My mother’s face lit up in alarm.

“What’s happened?” she cried, leading poor Betty into the kitchen while I fetched her a glass of water.

Betty explained that there’s been an accident with the tractor; my brother was hurt. Betty’s husband, Barry, had taken my father and brother to the emergency room in their car. Their only car. Betty had run up the hill to get my mother.

It was a long run.

My mother shouted for me to get clothes, and I climbed into the back of the station wagon. I tried to dress as my mother sped around old dirt roads and curvy paved ones, her voice low while she prayed aloud, the only time I’d ever heard her do so, “Jesus, don’t let him die. We’ll go back to church if you keep him alive.”

I fell against the car door as she drove, landing on my broken wrist. But I didn’t say anything, I simply kept dressing until I finally had clothes on.

I don’t remember going into the emergency room; I’m not even sure which hospital we went to. I remember being told to sit in a chair near a room, so I sat. My father came out of the room and he hugged my mother. He was crying. I don’t remember what he said.

Eventually, a man in a white coat stopped by my chair. He looked at me, dressed hurriedly and probably crookedly, my arm in a cast, surely worried about the little boy I’d spent my entire life loving and protecting. He asked me to come with him. I did. He took me into a nearby room. “How did you break your arm?” he asked.

I told him how I’d fallen at my grandparents, playing in the basement. 

“Your father didn’t do this?” he said. I shook my head no. I would be an adult before I realized that the doctor suspected my father, at least, of something bad.

Later, I sat in the front seat of the station wagon, my father at the wheel. I remember exactly where we were, driving down the ramp off of Elm Avenue and pulling onto Interstate 581, when my father cleared his throat. “I’m sorry you had to see your ol’ dad cry,” he said.

“That’s ok, Daddy. Jesus cried, too,” I responded.

If only that was the end of the story. My brother would live, I learned. He was injured and would be in the hospital for a few days, but he eventually would be ok. I wasn’t sure what had happened, exactly. I couldn’t go to see him because back then, in 1975, they didn’t allow children under 16 in to the hospital to visit. My father took me to stay with my grandparents while he and my mother tended to my brother.

And in the middle of the night on New Year’s Day, the ambulance came to my grandparent’s house. I remember groggily hearing the noise, being told by someone to go back to bed, but I wasn’t able to. I also knew I needed to call my mother to tell her that her father was sick.

I tried the hospital but even though I explained to the operator that this was an emergency, she would not put my call through to my mother until 7 a.m. She answered the phone, and I blurted out it out. 

“Grandpa’s gone to the hospital in an ambulance, he is very sick.”

The next thing I remember is my mother coming in the door of my grandparents’ house, her eyes teary. “Boys, Daddy’s gone,” she said.

My grandfather had died of a heart attack.

I am old now, older than my mother ever got to be. When all of this happened, she would have been only 31 years old. What a heavy lot to lay on an unhappy young woman, a woman trapped by circumstance with two young children, living on a farm where she didn’t want to be. She must have been in horrible pain inside.

I was 37 when my mother died, older than she was when her father died - though my mother died at the same age as her father. 

My grandmother outlived my mother. 

I am still here.

Life can be funny that way.

What I've Read

These are the books I've read to date, as the year ends. As you can see, I'm a rather eclectic reader, moving from cozy mysteries to nonfiction to magic to literary classics, depending on my mood. There are 61 books on this list.

High Orbit, Mario Rosanda

A near‑future story exploring ambition, risk, and the fragile connections that hold people together in extreme environments. It blends science‑driven tension with a very human emotional core.

The Women Founders, Kristin Hannah

A reflective narrative about the women who shape communities and movements through quiet persistence. It highlights resilience, sacrifice, and the power of collective action.

Orbital, Samantha Harvey

A contemplative novel set aboard a space station, following astronauts as they confront isolation and wonder. It’s a meditation on perspective, fragility, and what it means to be human.

The Grey Wolf, Louise Penny

A mystery steeped in atmosphere, following characters who must confront old secrets and shifting loyalties. Penny blends emotional depth with slow‑burn suspense.

The Diary of Anne Frank (drama play), Frances Goodrich et al

A stage adaptation that brings Anne Frank’s voice and courage into a dramatic format. It emphasizes the intimacy, fear, and hope of a family in hiding.

Now or Never, Janet Evanovich

A light, fast‑moving story with Evanovich’s trademark humor and romantic tension. It follows characters who must make bold choices when life refuses to wait.

Sandwich, Catherine Newman

A warm, funny, and bittersweet novel about a woman navigating family, aging, and the messy beauty of everyday life. Newman captures the emotional chaos of midlife with tenderness.

Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine

A beloved fairy‑tale retelling about a girl cursed with obedience who must reclaim her agency. It’s charming, clever, and full of heart.

Beach House, Rachel Hanna

A gentle Southern story about healing, new beginnings, and the comfort of community. Hanna’s coastal setting adds warmth and serenity.

Silver Alert, Lee Smith

A quirky, heartfelt tale about an unlikely friendship formed during a spontaneous road trip. It blends humor with a poignant look at aging and independence.

Counting Miracles, Nicholas Sparks

A sentimental story about love, loss, and the small wonders that shape a life. Sparks leans into emotional turning points and heartfelt connections.

A Memory Called Empire, Arkady Martine

A richly imagined space‑opera about political intrigue, identity, and cultural collision. Martine builds a world where loyalty and survival are constantly in tension.

You Will Find Your People, Lane Moore

A candid exploration of adult friendship—how hard it is, how necessary it is, and how to build it with intention. Moore blends memoir and guidance with honesty and humor.

A Christmas Duet, Debbie Macomber

A cozy holiday romance about rediscovering joy and companionship. Macomber’s gentle storytelling brings warmth and hope to the season.

The Nature of Witches, Rachel Griffin

A magical coming‑of‑age story about a young witch whose powers are tied to the changing seasons. It explores identity, responsibility, and the courage to embrace one’s gifts.

The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz

A literary thriller about a struggling writer who steals a dead student’s story—and faces the consequences. It’s sharp, suspenseful, and full of moral tension.

The Sequel, Jean Hanff Korelitz

A follow‑up that examines what happens after success, fame, and the secrets behind them. Korelitz blends psychological insight with slow‑building suspense.

The Invisible Life of Addy LaRue, V.E. Schwab

A sweeping fantasy about a woman who makes a Faustian bargain to live forever but be forgotten by everyone she meets. It’s lyrical, romantic, and deeply introspective.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Frank Baum

A classic American fairy tale about courage, friendship, and the search for home. Baum’s imaginative world remains timeless and enchanting.

Once & Future, Cory McCarthy & A.R. Capetta

A queer, sci‑fi reimagining of the King Arthur legend set in space. It’s bold, funny, and full of found‑family energy.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain

A mischievous boy’s adventures along the Mississippi River capture childhood freedom and troublemaking. Twain’s humor and social commentary shine through.

Pretty Dead Things, Lilian Westover

A dark, atmospheric story about grief, secrets, and the supernatural. Westover blends emotional depth with eerie tension.

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, Jennifer Weiner

A warm, witty novel about sisterhood, reinvention, and the stories families tell about themselves. Weiner balances humor with heartfelt insight.

A Circle of Uncommon Witches, Paige Crutcher

A magical tale about a coven bound by loyalty, power, and the challenges of belonging. Crutcher mixes whimsy with emotional stakes.

Like Mother, Like Mother, Susan Reiger

A sharp, character‑driven novel about family expectations and the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. Reiger explores identity with wit and nuance.

Frankie, Graham Norton

A coming‑of‑age story set in a small Irish town, full of secrets and shifting relationships. Norton writes with warmth, humor, and empathy.

The Baking Games, Rachel Hanna

A sweet, small‑town story centered around a baking competition that brings people together. It’s comforting, light, and full of community charm.

The House at Watch Hill, Karen Marie Moning

A gothic‑tinged tale involving mystery, memory, and a house full of secrets. Moning blends atmosphere with emotional suspense.

The Correspondent, Virginia Evans

A reflective novel about journalism, truth, and the personal cost of uncovering difficult stories. Evans weaves together professional tension and emotional vulnerability.

Expiration Dates, Rebecca Serle

A magical‑realist romance about a woman who receives mysterious notes predicting the length of each relationship. Serle explores fate, choice, and the meaning of love.

The Measure, Nikki Erlick

A speculative novel where everyone receives a box revealing the length of their life. It’s a thoughtful look at destiny, fear, and how society changes under pressure.

Ordinary Time, Annie B. Jones

A gentle, introspective story about faith, family, and the rhythms of everyday life. Jones writes with warmth and quiet insight.

Obsession, Stuart Woods & Brett Battles

A fast‑paced thriller involving danger, secrets, and high‑stakes pursuit. Woods and Battles deliver action with polished ease.

The Rulebreaker, Susan Page

A character‑driven novel about ambition, reinvention, and the cost of breaking the rules that hold us back. Page blends emotional depth with sharp observation.

What Are You Going Through, Sigrid Nunez

A contemplative novel about friendship, mortality, and the act of bearing witness to another’s life. Nunez writes with clarity, compassion, and philosophical depth.

Bait and Witch, Angela M. Sanders

A cozy paranormal mystery featuring a librarian‑turned‑witch who stumbles into magical trouble. It’s light, charming, and full of small‑town whimsy.

Smolder (Stuart Woods), Brett Battles

A sleek thriller full of danger, shifting alliances, and escalating stakes. Battles keeps the pace brisk and the tension high.

My Friends, Fredrik Backman

A tender, humorous novel about connection, loneliness, and the people who shape us. Backman blends emotional honesty with gentle wit.

Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes

A classic science‑fiction tale about intelligence, humanity, and the ethics of experimentation. It’s deeply emotional and thought‑provoking.

Murder in the Mystery Suite, Ellery Adams

A cozy mystery set in a book‑themed resort where secrets lurk behind every shelf. Adams mixes charm with clever plotting.

Funny Story, Emily Henry

A romantic comedy about two opposites forced into close quarters—and unexpected chemistry. Henry balances humor with heartfelt emotional growth.

Tehanu, Ursula K. Le Guin

A quiet, powerful fantasy about healing, identity, and the changing nature of magic. Le Guin writes with wisdom and emotional depth.

The City of Brass, S.A. Chakraborty

A lush Middle‑Eastern–inspired fantasy about a con artist who discovers a hidden magical world. It’s full of political intrigue, rich world‑building, and complex characters.

Murder in the Paperback Parlor, Ellery Adams

Another cozy mystery set in a literary retreat, this time involving romance authors and hidden motives. Adams delivers comfort and cleverness in equal measure.

Golden Hour, Stuart Woods & Brett Battles

A high‑stakes thriller involving danger, deception, and international intrigue. The pacing is brisk and cinematic.

Murder in the Secret Garden, Ellery Adams

A botanical‑themed cozy mystery where plants and secrets intertwine. Adams blends atmosphere with gentle suspense.

Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire, Don Martin

A whimsical fantasy adventure about a girl uncovering magical mysteries in her town. It’s imaginative, lively, and full of charm.

Thank You for Listening, Julia Whelan

A heartfelt novel about an audiobook narrator confronting love, loss, and her own creative identity. Whelan writes with warmth and emotional intelligence.

Book Lovers, Emily Henry

A sharp, funny romance about a literary agent who discovers love in the last place she expects. Henry plays with tropes while delivering real emotional depth.

A Sorceress Comes to Call, T. Kingfisher

A darkly humorous fantasy about a young woman confronting a dangerous magical threat. Kingfisher blends folklore, wit, and creeping dread.

Rejected, Shamed & Blamed, Rebecca C. Mandeville

A nonfiction exploration of family trauma, estrangement, and healing. Mandeville offers insight, validation, and practical guidance.

My Name is Lucy Barton, Elizabeth Strout

A quiet, intimate novel about a woman reckoning with her past during a hospital stay. Strout’s writing is spare, tender, and deeply observant.

Broken Country, Claire Leslie Hall

A haunting story about survival, memory, and the fractures left by conflict. Hall writes with stark beauty and emotional weight.

Water Moon, Samantha Sotto Yambao

A lyrical novel blending romance, myth, and mystery across time. Sotto creates an atmosphere of longing and gentle magic.

Tom Lake, Ann Patchett

A reflective family story about storytelling, memory, and the choices that shape a life. Patchett writes with grace and emotional clarity.

The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne

A classic novel about shame, judgment, and resilience in Puritan New England. Hawthorne’s symbolism and psychological insight remain powerful.

Strange Practice, Vivian Shaw

A quirky urban fantasy about a doctor who treats supernatural patients in London. It’s witty, atmospheric, and full of charm.

Hideaway, Nora Roberts

A romantic suspense novel about a woman rebuilding her life after trauma. Roberts blends mystery, healing, and slow‑burn romance.

Hidden Nature, Nora Roberts

A story about secrets, discovery, and the ties that bind people to place. Roberts mixes emotional warmth with gentle suspense.

Beautiful Ugly, Alice Feeney

A psychological thriller about identity, deception, and the masks people wear. Feeney keeps the twists sharp and the tension high.

Something to Look Forward To, Fannie Flagg

A warm, uplifting novel about community, kindness, and the small joys that brighten life. Flagg’s storytelling is comforting and hopeful.

Chatter, Ethan Kross

A nonfiction look at the voice in our heads and how it shapes our lives. Kross blends science and practical advice with clarity.