I recently read a quote in an email that was a wish for the coming year. It sparked something in me this morning. I began thinking of my life, of the things I enjoy and of those things that challenge me. And I started to list those things in my head as a plan for … read more
Grief. It’s a long journey where everyone follows a different path. It’ll be four months on December 2nd since Dad died. December 2nd is his birthday. He would’ve been 89. Most of the time I’m ambivalent, feeling that I should be sadder than I am, because I seem to be doing fine. But then a … read more
By Susan Dempsey Sept. 28, 2017 Loren, one of my many first cousins, died last night after a long battle with debilitating illness that started when he was young. He was 62, and he’d suffered, especially the past couple years, with a crumbling spine and all its effects on his struggling physique. I tell you … read more
As I received another message from a sibling about another of my aunts who left us, it hit me harder than I would’ve expected. I always thought it would become easier as I grew older, to say goodbye to loved ones who’ve left this world. But it’s not. It’s more like a sharp jab at … read more
The Fourth of July conjures many happy memories of years past, but one year—during Jeff’s “boat phase” we embarked on an adventure that is unforgettable—as much as I try. My favorite redneck went through a time where he seemed to collect boats, starting with the 27-foot cuddy cabin Cobalt he purchased two days before our … read more
I believe we are all frugal in our own way. The color of satisfaction lines the second-hand coat you find for next to nothing. It’s the reason why women shop the clearance racks, why I and my friends get excited for estate sales, why Pinterest has its followers and why Jeff wants to be a … read more
May 30, 2015 “Please don’t squeeze my Charmin, don’t squeeze her so tight…” I still remember Uncle Garland singing that chorus at many family events. We all enjoyed it, but we all knew he sang it for Aunt Ginny. You could see the twinkle in his eyes. What is it about her that he so … read more
One thing about rednecks is they think they’re invincible. (The old, “Hold my beer, watch this,” comes to mind, but that’s not what I mean today—that’s a whole other story.) I’m talking about the constant urge to multitask while driving. Well, okay, so that’s probably a 21st Century human thing, but Jeff takes it to … read more
It was our second date, and Jeff suggested we take his boat out for a ride on the Mississippi River. I’ve always loved taking to the water, but I admit I was nervous about Old Man River. I grew up with lakes surrounding me, and I learned to fear the currents of swift rivers. I’m … read more
While our friends will tell you there was never a closet where Jeff hid his redneck self, I realize the term “redneck” means different things to different people. It depends on where you live, your personal politics AND the characters with whom you surround yourself. Historically it’s been used in a variety of ways, but … read more