I feel very lucky. That wasn’t always the case. Stricken with Lyme Disease after moving to Ojai, California in 1997, my life went from a very busy job as a Nurse Practitioner in the second busiest emergency room in Los Angeles county to virtually bedridden. Initially, I found the tick bite and had prophylactic treatment …more

It is not just the seagulls flocking to Portugal! 2,000 people a day are requesting residency here. Yes, two thousand! And why not? The Portuguese people have a well-deserved reputation for their friendliness. Sun shines most of the year, even in the north; more so, the further south you go. The cuisine is fresh and …more

Imagine driving along a back country road in the central volcanic region of Mexico, awed by the unusual shapes of the mountains. You hit a speed bump. Bam! You jam on the brakes. A native described the speed bumps, “They are dead policemen,” he said. In life, one experiences similar shocking bumps of awareness, slowing you …more

Have you ever started a project, determined to finish it no matter how long it took? Well, that was me this past summer I spent most of my long, hot, humid summer days focusing on completing my latest, longest project … my novel Lady on the Run. I began this story in the ’70s, and …more

To know someone here or there With whom you feel there is an understanding In spite of distance or thoughts unexpressed— That can make of this earth’s garden. Goethe I can’t believe it’s been eight months since we sold our home and downsized to a lovely condo on Lake Murray. Now that I think about …more

Where did I leave off last time? Oh, yes … it was June, 2015. Once again I was learning why God doesn’t always let us know what lies ahead around the bend. The first day on the road to Wimberley, Texas, heading west on I20 in our recently purchased old vintage motor home was a …more

One question I’ve always had trouble answering is, “What is your long term plan?” I can organize and implement everything from a small task to a large-scale international project as well as anyone, but setting and achieving 5-year goals for myself is a real stumper for me. Given my history, it makes sense. My mother …more

You saved carefully and invested wisely. You believe your plans are in place, and your nest egg is in order. You feel financially prepared for the years to come. But have you considered your medical expenses? All too often, retirement planning is focused on wealth management—a good thing in and of itself. But medical costs …more