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As I grow older, my faith grounds me in a way it didn’t when I was younger. It helps me take adversity in stride. It helps me navigate the highs and lows of life, but most of all, I have a sense of peace I didn’t have when I was younger.  Part1 – The Faith of a Few Buckeyes: I was surprised to find this link a few days after the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State players kneel in prayer on field before Cotton Bowl victory Faith is a private thing for me. I usually don’t talk about mine, but I’m happy when people share theirs on TV. This article had links for three videos of OSU football players demonstrating their faith. I picked two of them to share.  1 – This image came from the first link in the article (second paragraph). I stopped the video and did a screen shot. It’s the moment when nearly every Ohio State player was on the field. They knelt and prayed before the Cotton Bowl pregame started. I love my Buckeyes, and I think this is one of their finest moments. Win or lose, to focus your head and heart in prayer before the first play of a big game, that’s a very good thing.  #2 – This is the second link (paragraph six). I didn’t see this video until I read the article. This is another screen shot, but it was taken after THE game, the one with that team up north. Yes, Michigan won, and some Wolverines tried to plant their flag in the middle of the stadium, the Shoe. This shot took place during the middle of that post-game chaos. Would you believe two Buckeyes and one Wolverine knelt in prayer? It’s one of the loveliest examples of faith I’ve ever seen. Part 2 – A Prayer Change : It all started for me when Olivia Newton John died. That was back in August of 2022. I read that she started saying the Lord’s Prayer each night during her final bout with cancer. She hoped it’d bring her closer to her daughter, and I read it worked.  I thought if Olivia could pray the Lord’s Prayer, I could too. Now I pray it every night before I go to sleep. Three years later, it’s changed the way I pray.  #1 – I began to start with gratitude; then I’d end with the Lord’s Prayer. I never planned it. Gratitude just bubbled up in me each night, and I started thanking God for the blessings He sent my way. Big things, little ones. It didn’t matter. What did – expressing my attitude of gratitude to Him. #2 – Over the years I stopped asking God for the things I need or want. They haven’t changed in years so I trusted God knew about them. That He’d grant them if/when it was time. Then a year ago, I read that we need to keep asking for those things. It gives me peace to know they’ll be granted in His time. So now as I lay in bed, I begin my nightly prayers with gratitude, then my wish list. I end them with the Lord’s Prayer. Most nights I’m asleep in 10-15 minutes, and that’s a wonderful thing for someone who’s struggled with sleep issues. Part 3 – My Morning Meditation: It’s one of my favorite things. I discovered them when I was still teaching. I’ve never been a morning person, but calendars gave me a quick read and food for thought. It set my head and heart in a good place, and if I was running late, no problem! I read it later in the day. Last year, in May of 2024, I bought my first eBook of devotions. The title, Strength For Each Day. Like other devotionals, it begins with a Bible passage, goes into a page to explain/apply it, and ends with a prayer. The best part, each devotion brings me a little closer to my faith. A little closer to God, very good things.  This is the first year I’ve done two devotions each morning. I didn’t plan it that way. I saw the author of The Daily Stoic on Fox News talking about his book. That usually doesn’t tempt me, but there was something about his description that did. I bought it that night, and I’ve been reading it since August, 2024. I’m glad I did. I’ve heard of stoics, but that’s it. Reading this book lets me peek into their philosophy. It’s based on knowing and accepting responsibility for the things I can control, and letting go of the things I can’t. Christians have similar beliefs. We believe the things outside our command are in God’s hands. Reading both devotionals helps me focus on the things I can do. It lets me entrust the rest to God.. This is where I am now. I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, next week, or next year, but I’m willing to follow the path God has put me on.
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Meet The Imagination Library – You’ve probably heard of Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library. Did you know she gives books away to kids from zero to age five? Each child gets twelve specially selected books a year, without ever paying a dime, thanks to Dolly and her local partners. Dolly’s photo was taken in 1983. Did you know the imagination library started in 1995? Her inspiration came from her father. He couldn’t read or write so Dolly started with preschoolers from her home in Sevier County, Tennessee. Did you know Dolly sends books to kids in five countries today, including the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Republic of Ireland?  Did you know Dolly gives over two million books away each month? When she was growing up, she believed in dreams. Kids are still dreaming, and books have the seeds to help them grow. Did you know according to their website Dolly registered 3,197,250 kids and counting? Or that she has given away 260,942,488 books so far? Impressive, and Dolly’s not done. Not yet! To learn more, check out: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library | USA, UK, IE, CA, AU Parenting Tips from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library  How This Post Came to Be – A year ago I saw a post online from the Imagination Library with reading tips for families. I saved it because those tips, they were great. They’re not just about literacy. They’re also about building oral language and vocabulary skills for preschoolers. If you’re curious about the kind of books Dolly and the Imagination Library picked, click on this link: United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. And now the link has been updated . . . for babies arriving in 2025! And now, those tips . . .  Pointing, naming, talking, playing games – they’re so natural. I’m glad Dolly highlighted them. They’re what my kids did, what my grandkids do now. They’re also great tips to use beyond the book, in everyday life around the house. And now, two book picks . . . Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.  Babies in the Imagination Library get 12 books by the end of the year. Here are two. BTW, I only had the title, so I hope I found the right cover. The first book, always, The Little Engine that Could. It’s a custom version just for Dolly. Llama Llama is another early title. If you look at the others, you’ll find animals, their sounds, and nursery rhymes. They’ll help your baby point, name, talk, and play games. On the page or around the house.  Smile and answer questions. Point and name. Turn pages. These tips are simple and easy for parents who know toddlers never sit still! They are simple things, but they’ll build a foundation for a lifetime of literacy. Don’t worry if your child isn’t turning pages in order. Or if they’re not asking questions or naming things. The best things in life take time! And now, two book picks . . . Note – Both titles are gone in 2025.  I picked Good Morning because it had a + sign beside it. That means it has bilingual text or Hispanic content. So does another book from Richard Scarry. I hope I found the right covers for you; I only had the titles to go on. I picked Madeline’s 1 2 3 because it had a dot, like an asterisk. That means it’s a new book. Madeline has been around forever, but 1 2 3 is a new title. There are two other new ones on the list. Writers like me hope that someday . . . Dolly will pick one of our stories too. The titles include shapes, homes, family, animals, body parts, and nursery rhymes. You and your child will have lots of pages to turn, things to name, and questions to answer. Enjoy! Time flies!  Ask questions. Talk about words and pictures. Pick books. Set goals and rewards. Your preschooler is growing into a reader! Just look at the skills they’re learning and the kinds of books they get from the Imagination Library. And now, those book picks . . . Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.  K is for Kindness, is about being nice. That’s a social skill. It’s also an ABC book; a literary skill, and littles need both. Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night is more than a truck book. It’s also a bedtime story with rhyming text and great illustrations. Plus, it’s a series of stories . . . with steam trains, jet planes, and speed boats who need sleep too. Animal stories are still in the library, along with a variety of others. Here’s the link if you’d like to check them out . . . United States Book List - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library And now the link has been updated . . . for babies arriving in 2025! Tomorrow – Reading tips for toddlers ages 3-4 and 4-5  Point to letters and numbers. Find a story in the illustrations. Talk about plot and characters. THESE are the skills that prepare kids to read! And now, two more book picks . . . Note – Both titles are gone in 2025.  Corduroy is a book my kids loved, at home and at school. It’s the story of a teddy bear who only wants a home. I got The Snowy Day in second grade. I was excited to see both books on Dolly’s 2024 list. And so disappointed to see them leave. But don’t worry! There are still twelve great titles to help your child learn about the world around them.  Tell the story. Write and draw responses. Talk about words and story meaning. It’s almost time for Kindergarten! And now, two more book picks . . . Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.  Danbi’s Favorite Day comes from her home in Korea – Children’s Day. Kids the world over will love how she finds a way to celebrate. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! This is the custom book every child gets when they turn five. Its job – to make them feel confident and excited about starting school. And the other ten, they include titles about books, folk tales, and school. One even started as a song, Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors. No more tips. This used to be the last set of books for kids born in 2019. Now it’s for kids born in 2020. And the last two books . . . Note – These titles stayed the same in 2025.  Can you ever have too much snow? The animals in Rabbit’s Snow Dance
think so. . . especially in the summertime! Are you ever as busy as a bee? Find out what they really do in You Are a Honey Bee. It’s the first in a STEM nonfiction picture book series for young readers. And the other titles, they’re as diverse as these two! When you query an agent or publisher, you pitch your manuscript to them. Comp titles are part of that letter. Comps are books published in the last three years. They’re similar to your manuscript, and they give the agent/publisher an idea where your story could fit into the marketplace.  Part 1 - Why This Title? My middle grade novel is about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The first ten chapters follow them to the end of the American Revolution. One Dead Spy is a graphic novel about Nathan Hale. It starts when he joins the Continental Army, and it ends with his death, September 22, 1776. My manuscript and this spy novel are both works of middle grade historical fiction. They’re both set during the Revolution. Charles Carroll of Carrollton is my main character, and you’ll meet the first nine dead signers through his eyes. Nathan Hale, the spy, tells his story to a British officer, and the hangman. Part 2 - The Real Nathan Hale: No, not the author/illustrator of this book. I’m talking the REAL dead spy. The one who died almost two months after the founders signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. And no, only John Hancock and Congress’s secretary signed on the Fourth of July. I couldn’t find a painting of the real Nathan Hale, but I found his statue from City Hall Park in New York City. I also found a sketch from the day the British hung him. That’s where my comp title begins, with the hanging. Now, the facts from a link attributed to the CIA . . . Nathan came from a prominent Connecticut family. He attended and graduated with honors from Yale in 1773. He got a job right away teaching in New London, Connecticut. When the War began in 1775, pre-Declaration, he immediately joined the militia. Within five months he was promoted to First Lieutenant. That’s how far Nathan goes to tell his real back story. It goes into his bad luck, which I didn’t find, but remember, my source was a CIA file. Maybe it’s still top secret, LOL!  n any case, young Hale wasn’t able to fight on the frontline during the Siege of Boston, and that irritated him. THAT’S in the book. Fast forward, the CIA said Washington really needed intelligence after losing New York City to the British. So he turned to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton. His rangers were like our Army Rangers, (special ops units.) Knowlton asked for volunteers. They’d cross enemy lines to spy on the British. His men said they’d die in battle, but not in disguise. Guess who raised his hand? Nathan Hale, and THAT was in the book. Nathan left for Long Island in his real disguise – as a schoolmaster, complete with his Yale diploma. His story, he was looking for work. That was the night of September 15, 1776, and that was in the book too. From there, the details from the CIA were scant. Maybe the author Nathan Hale used cause/effect to connect his dots. That’s what I’m doing with my middle grade novel. The CIA post said “. . . he almost certainly traveled around Long Island taking copious notes . . .” about the British and their fortifications before he was caught. Then on the morning of September 22, 1776, the CIA said “. . . his final words are purported to be . . . ‘I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country.’” So in other words, no one is sure if that’s what Nathan said, or if it’s a story that’s grown up over time. That’s where the author Nathan Hale began retelling his story. At the end of that dead spy’s life, and it’s where I’ll end Part 2 for you. Sources: Nathan Hale: American Patriot. Army Ranger. Spy. - CIA Knowlton's Rangers - Wikipedia Part 3: Who Was Henry Knox? I’ve heard of Fort Knox in Kentucky and Knoxville in Tennessee, but lately I’ve wondered how they got their names. Then I read One Dead Spy, and they were named after Henry Knox. So who was he? One Dead Spy said he owned a bookstore, and that he was in charge of artillery during the American Revolution. Bookstore and artillery, they just don’t match, so I looked him up. His story is fascinating! Henry’s dad died when he was nine, so he worked as a clerk in a bookstore to support the family. The owner inspired his love of books and learning. Between shifts, Henry taught himself French, philosophy, and math. Would you believe he even studied the wars of ancient Greece and Rome?  Knox didn’t just read about war. He joined a Boston street gang and learned to fight. Then a local artillery company. He turned his knowledge and experience against the British. By 1771 Knox owned his own shop. Its titles included books about military history and strategy. He loved chatting with the soldiers who stopped by. A year later he started the Boston Grenadier Corps and joined the local Sons of Liberty. He was on guard duty for the Boston Tea Party and joined the militia in time for the Battle of Bunker Hill. He set up the fortifications and directed his cannons at the British. The battle turned into a siege. That’s when Knox got a brilliant, but crazy idea. He’d make the 300-mile trek to Fort Ticonderoga, New York, then return with the cannons and supplies the Americans captured. The crazy part – Knox reached the Fort on December 5 and returned with 60 tons of cannon, plus other munitions. For bonus points, he hauled them through the icy Berkshire Mountains and across a frozen lake. Knox delivered them on January 27, 1776. After his cannons started firing, the British army and navy decided to retreat to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Knox continued on as the artillery chief for the New York and New Jersey campaigns. By the winter of 1778-79, he had a new job, head of the first artillery and officer training school. He drilled over 1000 soldiers during that horrible winter. His school inspired the military academy at West Point. In 1780 he served on the military tribunal that sentenced John Andre to death by hanging. Andre was the spy who got Benedict Arnold to turn traitor. A year later Knox and his French counterpart helped end the war. They positioned the cannons at Yorktown. BTW, this is a portrait of Henry painted in 1806, long after the American Revolution ended. Source: National Museum of the United States Army PS – Nathan Hale, the real dead spy, made the trip to Fort Ticonderoga and back with 60 tons of artillery, in the dead of winter Part 4: Meet The Ohio Digital Library: It’s where I find the books for Saturday Reads. But I picked it for One Dead Spy because I can read it online, on my computer screen. That means I can make the page bigger. Much, Much BIGGER than my kindle screen. And that’s an amazing tool when you’re trying to read the cartoons in a graphic novel!  The Ohio Library’s Description:
Experience the New York Times bestselling graphic novel—now as a deluxe, oversized edition featuring 15 brand-new pages of mini-comics The Bigger & Badder editions of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales continues! Nathan Hale (the author's namesake) was America's first spy, a Revolutionary War hero who famously said "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country" before being hanged by the British. In Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, author Hale channels his historical döppelganger to present history's roughest, toughest, strangest stories. This book tackles the story of Nathan Hale himself, who was an officer for the American rebels in the Revolutionary War and was eventually hanged for spying. This special edition of One Dead Spy features a larger trim size, a deluxe package, and 16 pages of bonus material, including research photos, sketches, and mini-comics from the author. Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales are graphic novels that tell the thrilling, shocking, gruesome, and TRUE stories of American history. Read them all—if you dare! Does your map of the United States look like this? Mine too! That’s why when I found some really eye-opening ones, I had to share a few of them with you. To see a few more, click this link: 19 Eye-Opening Maps Of America That May Surprise You (onlyinyourstate.com)  Map #1 – The Fifty States of Television: I’m from Ohio. Can you find it on the map? It’s labeled Family Ties, the most popular TV show ever set in the Buckeye state. It ran on NBC from 1982-1989. I watched it at the height of its popularity but never knew it was about an Ohio family who lived in Columbus, the state capital.  Can you find your state on the map? If not, look up at the regular one, then scan back down and find it on this one. Good luck! Map #2 – The Most Popular NFL Teams Across the USA: Can you find Ohio on this map? It has four colors and four favorite teams. That’s because popularity is broken down by county. Can you name all four teams? A yellow one’s on the eastern edge of the state. They’re the Pittsburgh Steelers from Pennsylvania. There’s a brown one whose fans are found only in northern Ohio. Its name, its perfect! The Cleveland Browns!  The Cincinnati Bengals own the southern part of the state, but they also have fans in Indiana and Kentucky. You’ll have to look for the fourth team on Ohio’s western border. It’s a teeny tiny bit of blue that’s surrounded by three other colors. It stands for the Indianapolis Colts from Indiana, of course! What about your state? Does it have one favorite team, or does it have to share? Here’s to fall football, the NFL, and yours! Map #3 – The Most Popular Boy’s Names of 2013: Can you tell from a glance what name Americans picked for their baby boys in 2013? If you guessed Liam, you’re right! Ohio picked it too. Did your state pick Liam, or did they pick one of the other favorites? There are eight other names that were popular in 2013. Can you find all of them too?  PS – Are you curious what the Top Ten names for 2024could be? Or do you wonder if any of the names are the same? I hope so. . . because I’m always curious, and I looked them up! 1. Liam 2. Noah 3. Oliver 4. James 5. Elijah 6. Mateo 7. Theodore 8. Henry 9. Lucas 10, William Source: Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S. 2024 Map #4 – The Most Popular Girl’s Names of 2013: How about baby girl names? What was America’s favorite? If you guessed Emma, you’re right, and Ohio picked it too! Woohoo! Did your state pick Emma, or one of the other names? This time there were only five. Can you find all of them too?  PS – Are you curious about the Top Ten names for 2024, or if some of the names stayed the same? I was too! 1. Olivia 2. Emma 3. Charlotte 4. Amelia 5. Sophia 6. Mia 7. Isabella 8. Ava 9. Evelyn 10, Luna Source: Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S. 2024 Map #5 – Dogs vs Cats: Did the data bar throw you off? I love how it makes it easy to see where dog lovers and cat lovers live, but I wish I knew what the > 1.25x meant. But, if I understand the key correctly, Ohio is a deep green state, so we have more cats per household than dogs. How many more, I have no idea.  Did you catch that cat lovers live in the north and dog lovers in the south? Except for Florida. There’s always an exception to every rule! What about your state, who rules? Cats, or dogs? Map #6 – Your State’s Most Iconic Fast Food Chain: Look at all those great places! Each one represents something special about each state. I’m glad I can find so many of them in Ohio . . . It is the heart of it all! Speaking of Ohio, did you find our iconic food chain, Wendy’s? Dave Thomas founded the first one in 1969 in Columbus, and he named it after his daughter, Wendy. Almost sixty years later, it still has the freshest burgers in the country! That’s because they never use frozen meat. Ever! Can you find your state’s iconic fast-food chain on the map? Here’s hoping I can check it out in Ohio too! Next up – one last eye-opening map!  Map #7 – A Distorted Look at the USA: What? How? Why? This is what the US would look like, if the country was divided up according to each state’s population. Look at New Jersey/NJ – It’s HUGE! It grew, and it grew, and it pushed New York off to the side. But don’t worry! New York/NY pushed Pennsylvania/PA, Ohio/OH, and Michigan/MI out of the way too.  The link to this series of maps didn’t mention the electoral college, but I thought of it immediately. We have an election coming up. THANK GOODNESS for the electoral college. All my life I’ve heard that it’s useless, but, if you look at this map, you can see why it’s important. If the big states like Florida/FL, New York/NY, and California/CA got together and picked a president, most of the rest of the states wouldn’t matter. Not fair; not nice! If you can’t believe the way the population can shrink states, take a look at Map 13. It shows the parts of the country where no one lives. Then look at Map 19. It shows the counties where half the country lives. Between the two of them, they explain a lot about why this map looks the way it does, and why the electoral college is so important. Here’s the link again, in case you’d like to take a look. Link: 19 Eye-Opening Maps Of America That May Surprise You (onlyinyourstate.com) BTW – if you want to find your state on Maps 13 and 19, you need to have an idea where geographically, your state fits in the country. That’s a little tricky, and for this last map, you only need to know the abbreviation for your state. I found this image in one of my Facebook groups. Its name is Maslow Before Bloom, and it’s led by Bryan Pearlman. I saved it for almost a year, but after last week I knew its time had come. Former President Trump was shot on Saturday, July 13, and we still don’t have answers from the Secret Service about what happened. Its leader refuses to answer questions. I hope she’ll change her mind. The Republican Convention started on Monday, July 15, and the Democratic one is in August. In November we’ll be asked to pick leaders at the national, state, and local levels. It’s important to pick ones that are just right, and that’s why I’m doing this post.  #1. Why do they serve? A traditional leader sees leadership as a rank to obtain. VS A servant leader sees as an opportunity to serve others. When you’re voting, who would you choose?  Personally, I’d want someone who believes they’re serving their community at the local, state, or national level. If that’s true, how do you know if a candidate’s there for the rank or to serve you? Talk is cheap. Actions are precious, and there you go! Look at what they’ve achieved in the jobs they’ve held. If you like/dislike their actions, then you know what to do with your vote. Achievement isn’t a bad thing, especially if it’s tempered by service. Look at Olympic athletes and how they’re driven for gold. A fireman might strive for a promotion, but that doesn’t matter – as long as he does his job to the best of his ability. #2. How do they use power? A traditional leader uses power and control to drive performance. VS A servant leader shares power and control to drive engagement. When you’re voting, who would you choose? Or, if you could pick a boss, who would you rather work for?  When I vote for someone, I want them to keep their promises, but I don’t want performance at all cost. Mine or anyone else’s. Sometimes on the way to a goal, things change. Sometimes we discover there’s an unexpected outcome that’s better than anything we imagined. I want a leader who can also drive engagement, but I don’t want performance to get lost in that engagement. It’s a pity when leaders forget about the target. If I could pick my own boss, I’d pick someone who could do both. When the principals had us teachers engaged, we performed at a higher level, and our kids did too. #3. How do they measure success? A traditional leader measures success through output. VS A servant leader measures success through growth and development. When you’re voting, who would you choose? Or, if you could pick a boss, who would you rather work for?  Whether I’m voting or picking a boss, I want output, growth, and development. A good leader can encourage all three. And if they manage that, they ARE serving their community. Now that I’m my own boss, sometimes I focus TOO much on output. Then it comes at a price, and I must remember to pace myself. I need to look at my own growth and development. I need to nurture and build my own skills. If I do those things, I’LL reach my target, and perhaps, it will come out in a totally unexpected, and even better way! #4. How do they communicate? A traditional leader speaks. VS A servant leader listens. When you vote, who gets it? If you’re picking the boss, who do you want to work for? And if you are the boss, who do you want to be?  Frankly, I want a leader who can talk, and listen. It should be a conversation between people who can share ideas and find the best way to get things done. Communication is the key to success. When it breaks down, so does everything else. It’s true in stories too. I listen to my characters. They tell me when I’m going wrong. How? I get stuck and can’t write the next line. I put myself in my character’s head. Then I think about how they’d answer or how they’d act, the story moves forward again. #5. What do they believe? A traditional leader believes it’s about them. VS A servant leader understands it’s not about them. When you vote, who gets it? If you’re picking the boss, who do you want to work for? And if you are the boss, who do you want to be?  I think both kinds of leaders are missing something – US. Together, we’re a team, or we should be. The best leaders have a team around them. They listen to each other. They work toward a common goal, and they know two heads are better than one. Back in the day I taught my second graders that our class was a team. When we worked together, good things happened for everyone. In my writing business, I have a team of people I work with, and I’m growing because of them.  This post was born when Jazmin Regist emailed and asked if I’d share a pair of links with you. I took one look and said absolutely! I also asked if I could let you peek at the site, and she said absolutely too! Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/ I focused on the first link with its 9 places to babyproof. You’ll have to check out the second link for more child safety tips, but Consumer Notice has so much great information that Jazmin sent the link to their home page to help you find it. That link: consumernotice.org #1. Sleep: Did you know new babies sleep 16 hours a day? Or 14 the rest of that first year? Picking the right crib is HUGE for babyproofing your house. Take a look at these two cribs. Which is safer. Do you know why?  It’s the 2nd, with nothing inside the crib except a sheet. Forget the bumper pads and pillows and lovies. Baby is better with just a sheet and a pacifier. BTW – Did you know sleeping with a pacifier reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)? Click on the link to learn how to pick the safest crib, and find 6 tips to reduce the risk of SIDS. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #2. Furniture: Did you know every 30 minutes a TV or piece of furniture tips over and injures a child? Or that every 10 days a child dies from that injury? Take a look at this baby’s bedroom. Do you know which two pieces of furniture are the most dangerous? Think ‘tippable.’  It’s the little table and the big chest of drawers. When kids see something interesting, they’ll try to get it. Consumer Notice.org said they’ll even pull out dresser drawers to make their own ladder. Kids ARE creative! The best solution – clear the clutter and save your child from temptation. Another danger – unanchored TVs that fall off dressers. Would you believe they can hit with 10 times the force of two NFL lineman running into each other? YIKES! Don’t take a chance – when in doubt, anchor that TV or anything else that could tip over and land on your child. Click on the link and scan past cribs to find 5 tip-over prevention ideas. If you keep going, you’ll see the next one, on falls. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #3.Falls: Did you know falls are the leading cause of death for children and young adults? They’re at the top for injuries too. I was surprised that over 2.8 million children wind up in the emergency room every year after a fall. AND that falls cause more than half of the nonfatal injuries for babies who haven’t had a birthday yet. So what are the dangerous areas you should baby/childproof in your house?  Stairs – I have them and a grandson who just learned to crawl. We need a gate to keep him safe. But that’s not all – think changing tables, highchairs, beds, and couches. Basically, anyplace that’s high☹ The best safety tip – keep an eye on those toddlers! It’s amazing how fast they can get themselves into danger. Don’t forget your favorite senior citizen! Did you know that falls are dangerous for them too? If your grandma or grandpa falls 3 times within 6-8 weeks, they’re in danger. The best tip for any age – secure rugs and wires, and keep clutter off the floor. Here’s that link again. Just keep scanning until you find the 7 safety tips for falling. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #4. Windows: Did you know about 5200 children fall out the window every year, or that kids under 4 are more likely to have head injuries, be hospitalized, and die than their older siblings? So what can you do to make your windows safer?  Make sure your windows have either stops or guards. Stops keep the windows shut or let them open only a few inches. Guards let the windows open, but they won’t let your child fall out. Watch out for blinds for babies and young kids. They can get tangled up in the cords. Accidents, even death can happen if kids are left alone in a room to sleep, play or watch TV with cords nearby. Check out the link below. Scan down to find 3 tips on how to handle those cords. The next set of tips focus on electrical outlets. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #5. Electricity: Think outlets. I have a grandson who’s fascinated with them. Did you know about 2400 kids get severe shocks or burns from sticking things into them or from biting cords? Or that about 12 children a year die from electricity? It’s so sad when there’s a simple way to fix the problem.  The solution – head to the hardware store/department for outlet caps and covers, but keep your eye on your child. Would you believe kids can even pull out tamper-resistant ones? Check the link for 3 more tips to protect your child from electricity. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #6. Choking: Have you ever noticed babies love to stick things in their mouths? Food, toys, anything that fits, but it’s risky – they could choke.  If you have a guest who’s not yet one, don’t let them have: hot dogs, chunks of meat, grapes, peanut butter, popcorn, hard candies, marshmallows and gummies. It’s a long list, but it’s not complete – some raw fruits and vegetables can cause problems too. Did you know something as tiny as ground cinnamon can make babies choke? When they inhale the powder, they stop breathing. No wonder baby food is so plain. Consumer Notice didn’t have any tips, but I recommend constant vigilance. I’m always watching my grandboy and what he’s putting in his mouth. Babies aren’t the only ones who can choke. If you see someone with hands on their throat, they’re choking. (It’s the international symbol.) I hope someone nearby knows the Heimlich Maneuver. It could save a life. Link for more Information: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ 7. Batteries/Magnets: Did you ever think they could be dangerous to babies? I didn’t. Take a guess . . . What makes batteries and magnets super-dangerous for toddlers? Is it choking, or swallowing?  Swallowing! If batteries get stuck in the esophagus on the way down, they can burn through the tissue in 2 short hours. YIKES! If swallowed, babies may need surgery, hopefully without any complications. Would you believe just putting them in an ear or nose is dangerous?! Or that you should rush immediately to the emergency room? Swallowing magnets can cause trouble too. Imagine them breaking apart inside baby’s body. They will still attract each other. That can rip or tear the intestines and bowels. Babies shouldn’t play with magnets until they’re old enough to use them safely. As for batteries in hearing aids, remote controls, even greeting cards, tape their compartments closed with something strong like mailing tape. Even better, buy ones that need a screwdriver to get inside, and never forget – constant vigilance. That Link Again: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ Next Up: Water. Poison, and Staying Safe #8. Poison: Did you know more than 300 children are treated every day for accidental poisoning? Or that two of them will die? Two is too many. So how do you protect your kids?  Consumer Notice suggests getting on your hands and knees to look through every room in your house. Anything a child can reach, move it up where they can’t get to it. And even better – lock them up. Here are a few rooms and the things inside them that are poisonous. - Kitchen: dishwasher soaps, pods, and powders - Living Room: houseplants - Bathroom: medications - Garage: car products Don’t forget recreational drugs, e-cigarettes and their refill cartridges. Did you know liquid nicotine is so concentrated that a small amount swallowed or touching the skin can kill a child? Lock those up too! Click on the link and scan down to read about the poisons you can find at home, plus 4 prevention tips. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #9. Bath Water: Don’t leave babies unattended in the tub, or let an older child watch them. Did you know in the time it takes you to cross the bathroom and grab a towel, they can slip underwater? Or that in the two minutes it takes to answer the phone or text someone back, your child can lose consciousness. Irreversible brain damage can happen in 4-6 minutes, so how do you protect your child in the tub?  Gather all your supplies together before you put baby in the tub. If you have to answer the phone or leave for a few seconds, take your baby with you. Constant vigilance! Don’t forget the water temperature! Keep it under 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns. You can set your water heater, or put anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads. You can also use spout covers to protect baby’s head. Some even have built in thermometers that will keep that temperature just right. Click on the link and scan past poisons to find 5 more bath safety tips. Link: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ #10. Pools: Did you know that more than 300 kids under age 5 drown in swimming pools every year, or that 2000 are treated for injuries that happen when they’re underwater? Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-4, and 57% of them happen in backyard pools.  So how do you protect your child? Fences or safety barriers! They should be at least 4 feet tall with gates that self-close and self- latch. Five feet is even better, and so are pool alarms.
Swimming lessons are great, but it doesn’t make babies and toddlers safe. Life jackets do. Swimming with an adult around will too. The Link for more Information: https://www.consumernotice.org/products/child-safety/babyproofing/ If you’d like to read more about safety barriers, click on this link Consumer Notice and CPSC shared. Link: pool safety guidelines Do you recognize this landform? It’s the continent of Antarctica. It’s the only continent without a single country, although 22 have a ‘consultative’ status. That’s because they agreed to a 1959 treaty. They promised to keep Antarctica as a scientific preserve, like a national park. It was to be preserved as a place of scientific study and environmental protection. One of my critique partners, Sandra Martin Denis just got back from Antarctica. She was there during the summer, the warmest time of year. It’s funny – Antarctica’s summer is during our winter. Part 1: It came straight from Sandra’s trip – her photos and her words. Enjoy!  Penguins live in Antarctica.  Penguins live in colonies. They're great swimmers. They spend half their time in the water and half their time on land. They are expert divers. They eat krill, fish, and squid.  Penguins mate for life. They build nests of stones. Most penguins lay two eggs in a clutch. The male and the female take turns incubating the eggs, except for the emperor penguin.  They build "highways" on the snow.  Their main enemy is the Leopard Seal. Sandra didn’t have a picture of one, but I found these two on Pixabay. Yikes! Look at those teeth. OUCH! Part 2: A trivia question about Antarctica’s climate. What is the average temperature range for Antarctica per year? 10°C to -60°C 10°C to -10°C 30°C to 20°C -5°C to -10°Celsius 50°F to -76°F 50°F to 14°F 86°F to 68°F 23°F to 14°Fahrenheit Take a guess, then check below the map.  I completely missed this one. Antarctica is warmer than I thought! The annual temperature for the whole continent ranges from about −10°C on the coast to −60°Celsius. In Fahrenheit that’s 50°F to -76°F. Wow, 50 is way warmer than I imagined. That’s like a warm March day in Ohio! But it all depends on – location, location, location.  That 50°F was near the coast, in the summer. That’s where Sandra was, but she said she wore a parka. Maybe at night when the sun goes down, the coastal temperature drops too. In the winter – that coastal temperature gets even colder, -40, and that’s the reading on both Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers. That surprised me. I’ve never seen the two temperature scales match, with the same exact number. Incredible! I’m glad Sandra didn’t go inland, especially to the mountaintops. Their warmest temperature – -22. That’s one of the worst winter days in Ohio, ever. I don’t want to think how cold it gets in their winter. Ready? That’s -112?! Holy frostbite, that’s cold! And the coldest temperature ever recorded on earth? -128.56, at the Vostok station in Antarctica. That’s where scientists live. And the date – July 21, 1983. YIKES! Part 3: Wind Speed and Snowfall by the Numbers  Those temperatures, like -112 F are without the windchill. To find that, I looked up the wind speed on the antarctica.gov link below. I don’t want to do the math, but if you can imagine, an Antarctic wind can blow at 100 km/h, and it can blow for days! I don’t do kilometers, so in miles per hour – that’s 62. If you want to imagine it, stand beside a highway. That’s how fast cars will drive by. I’m feeling colder already! Are you ready for the strongest winds? That’s 200 km/h or 124 mph, or the wind speed of a Category 3 hurricane. YIKES – x 2! ☹ As for snow – the average accumulation for the whole continent of Antarctica is 150 mm of water per year, or 5.9 inches. If you’re not sure what that looks like, find 6 on a ruler. When you go inland to the elevated plateau, the annual value drops to 50 mm. That’s only 1.96 inches. But at the coast, it rises to 200 mm or 7.87 inches.  But for the heaviest rain or snow, find the peninsula in the northwestern corner of the map. It stretches to the north, and the Bellingshausen Sea is below it, to the south. It’s not labeled, but it gets over 1000 mm of water. In inches that’s 39.37. Think yardstick, then add your index finger for another 3 inches. That’s a lot of water!  Sources:
For more information: www.antarctica.gov.au My source: What is the average annual... | Trivia Answers | QuizzClub Map: By Robert Simmon - en:Internet Archive - https://web.archive.org/web/20070823123915/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17838 (originally http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17838 NASA Earth Observatory), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3126858  Spring is coming, and so is Kindergarten screening. It’s still a few months away. If you want to do a little prepping, here are five ideas for you and your child. They came from the UK. I modified them to fit American parents and kids. Link: The 5 Skills You Should Actually Teach Your Child Before They Start School (msn.com) #1. Talking: In the US, I’d expand this into the language arts.  - Think speaking. Talk to your kids, ask them questions, sing and do nursery rhymes. - Think listening. Can your kids listen to a story or follow directions? Maybe with one step or two? Maybe more! (2 step example – jump twice, then stop.) - Think reading. Read a book with your kids. Picture or Board book, it doesn’t matter. Let your kids read to you. It doesn’t have to match the real text. That’s how littles start reading – by retelling a favorite story. You can do the same thing with television. Watch, then talk about it. You’re still using all of those great skills. - Think writing. It can be as simple as drawing a picture or writing their name. That’s how littles start. They’ll let you know if/when they’re ready for more. PS – Save a drawing from time to time, maybe once a month. They’ll show how your child’s fine motor skills are growing and developing. #2. Independence: This is the same set of skills whether you live in the UK or the US. The more independent your child is, the more successful they’ll be.  - Think separating. Can you leave your child and know they’ll be fine? During screening another educator will take your child to assess their strengths and weaknesses. They can’t get an accurate picture if you’re there. The school will set up classrooms that fit your child and their classmates based on that screening. - Think bathroom skills. Kids are expected to go by themselves. They need to wipe, wash, and dry their hands. Knowing how to get a paper towel is helpful. I remember watching Kindergarten teachers and students that first week. There’s a lot of life skills being learned and practiced. - Think lunch. Can your child eat by themselves? Open packages of ketchup or use a spork to spread butter. An adult’s around to help, but the more your child can do, the better. That first week of school your child will learn to carry their tray to the table. Afterwards they’ll drop off trash or things to wash. Every day that first week I gave thanks for kindergarten teachers. By the third week, those kids looked like pros! - Think clothing. Can your child put on a coat? Zip or button it? Can they tie their shoes, or pack their bookbag to go home? Teaching them how to get dressed is a good thing! So is independence. #3. Numbers: It’s more than 2 + 2, even in kindergarten. It’s not algebra or geometry, but the foundations for math begin in kindergarten.  - Think number sense. Can your child count to 10? To 20? If that’s simple, keep going. Maybe your kiddo can make it to 100! Do they know that 2 cookies are less than 4? Could they figure out if you have 4 cookies and give 2 away, how many are left? You could try this at your kitchen table or at the store. Any time you use math, let your child use it with you. - Think geometry with shapes. Can your child recognize triangles, circles, and other 2D shapes? Can they recognize 3D ones like spheres, cylinders, and cones? When you find those shapes in real life, talk to your child. - Think patterns, basic AB ones. You can build from there. You might start with circle, square, circle. Then ask what comes next. If your little doesn’t know, it’s an opportunity to learn something new. If you see patterns around the house, around the store, ask your child to look for them. - Think measurement. Start with more/less, heavier/lighter, and go from there. Talk about units at the grocery store – pounds, gallons, etc. Let them use a scale, like the one in the bathroom. The UK post said to bake with your child and let them do the measuring. If there’s a spill, they can learn to clean it up too 😊 #4. Concentration: It’s more than focusing and finishing a task. It’s also about changing gears. It’s about learning how to do things when your teacher tells you.  - Think listening to directions, then following them. Play a game with your child, or ask them to help you. They’re using those same skills. - Think movement. You can’t just get up and move around. You listen to your teacher. Try a game like Simon Says with your kiddo. - Think bathroom. You listen to your teacher too. Think of car rides. Your child has used this skill. - Think stopping and starting when your teacher tells you to. Sometimes you don’t get to finish what you’re doing. Watch how your child handles this at home and help them shift those gears. - Think about the other kids in the class who are doing activities too. If your child is in preschool or any other kind of class, take a look at how they’re handling those interactions. - The original post suggested things like sticker books, puzzles, activity books, and coloring. Don’t forget group activities like story hour for your child. #5. Play: This is the heart of childhood. Kids learn by playing – from finding their fingers and toes to stacking blocks.  - Think open-ended play where your child directs the action, with real things or with their imagination.
- Think materials – like paper towel tubes, clay, and boxes. Or toys like blocks, costumes, and balls. The opportunities are endless, and so is the fun.  Do you have parents or grandparents who need to look for a new home? I’m happy to share this guest blog from Kent Elliot AtHomeAging.info. Keep reading – he has seven great tips to help seniors find the house that fits them now. The journey into retirement marks a pivotal phase in life, demanding a living space that transcends the ordinary, blending comfort, safety, and convenience. This stage requires careful consideration of certain key features in a home, ensuring it not only meets your present needs but also gracefully adapts to your evolving lifestyle in the years ahead. This comprehensive guide, courtesy of Rinda Beach, aims to illuminate those vital characteristics that make a home ideal for your retirement years.  Part 1: Embracing Open and Accessible Spaces In your search for the perfect retirement residence, prioritize homes that boast open, barrier-free floor plans. These designs are more than just modern and visually appealing; they are practical, enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of accidents. An open floor plan facilitates easier navigation, particularly important as mobility concerns increase with age. Additionally, these spaces foster a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for hosting family gatherings and maintaining an active social life, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being during retirement.  Do you see opportunities to make this plan more open concept? Part 2: Accessibility with Wheelchair-Adapted Entrances  For retirees who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, the presence of wheelchair-friendly ramps and wide doorways is a critical feature. These adaptations are not merely conveniences; they are essential for maintaining independence and ensuring safe access around your home. Homes equipped with these features underscore a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, vital for a comfortable and dignified retirement life. Part 3: Assurance Through Home Warranty Protection When downsizing, it’s important to consider your insurance options. While homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the structure, injuries, and theft, it doesn’t cover appliances or major systems. That’s why you should work with a home warranty company to find a policy that works for you. These warranties are crucial for safeguarding against unexpected repairs and maintenance issues, particularly for essential home systems like heating, cooling, and plumbing. With such protections in place, you can spend your retirement years enjoying your home without the concern of potential unforeseen expenses and the hassles of home repairs.  Part 4: Enhanced Living with Intelligent Home Systems In the modern age, homes equipped with smart technology offer significant advantages, especially for retirees. Look for properties that feature intelligent home systems, such as automated thermostats, lighting controls, and advanced security systems. These technologies not only provide unparalleled convenience but also enhance safety and independence. The ability to control various aspects of your home environment with simplicity and ease can significantly improve your quality of life, allowing you to focus on enjoying your retirement rather than being bogged down by mundane tasks.   Part 5: Seamless and Safe Access The entrance to your home should be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it should be designed with safety and accessibility in mind. Homes with step-free entryways are crucial for preventing trips and falls, common concerns as one ages. Such design considerations ensure that your home remains accessible, safe, and welcoming, regardless of any mobility challenges you or your visitors might face. Part 6: Safe and Comfortable Bathing Solutions  Bathroom safety is paramount, making accessible walk-in showers a must-have in your retirement home. These showers–along with grab bars and corner protectors–are designed to help provide safer and more comfortable bathing experiences. They minimize the risk of slips and falls, a significant concern for seniors, and provide the convenience necessary for maintaining personal hygiene independently and with dignity. Part 7: Ease of Access with Ergonomic Handles  The usability of a home extends to the smallest details, like door and faucet handles. In your retirement home, look for ergonomic lever-style handles, which are far more user-friendly than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Such thoughtful details in a home's design can make a substantial difference in your day-to-day life, ensuring that every aspect of your home is accessible and easy to navigate. Final Thoughts Selecting the right home for your retirement is a decision that encompasses much more than just the property's location or aesthetic appeal. It's about finding a space that ensures your comfort, safety, and independence in the years to come. By focusing on these essential features, you ensure that your chosen home is not just a dwelling, but a sanctuary that supports and enriches your life throughout your retirement.  For more information, check out Kent Elliot of AtHomeAging.info
 I’d like to thank Cassidy Walker at Media Consulting for reaching out and offering this post from Harriet Moore. It’s on one of my favorite subjects – pets, and how to pick the right one for you. Pets can make wonderful additions to family life by bringing us companionship, unconditional love, and an excuse for the family to spend more quality time together. In fact, 94% of pet owners feel that having a pet makes them happy, and 84% credit their pet with improving their mental health. If you’re thinking about getting a furry, scaly or fluffy friend but you’re not sure which animal is right for your family, follow these three important tips to help you choose. Tip #1 - Consider how active you are or would like to be. Every pet needs some form of regular exercise, but some are more reliant on their owners for exercise than others. Dogs are the most demanding in this respect, requiring at least two walks each day, although the amount of ground you cover on each walk will depend on the size and energy level of the breed.  If you want to be more active, getting a dog is a great option. If you already get plenty of exercise and don’t have the time or inclination for much more, a small pet like a hamster or rabbit could be a better choice. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to provide your pet with toys or equipment for exercising, such as a wheel or climbing tower. You may also need to supervise their exercise or play with them to encourage them to get active. Tip #2 - Assess your Home Environment and Available Space Some pets need more space than others, and it’s not just their size that dictates how much space they need. For example, rabbits require an enclosure that is at least eight square feet and tall enough for them to be able to stand on their hind legs. They also need an additional 24 square feet of secure space in which they can exercise.  Some pets, such as dogs, need frequent access to outdoor space and are best suited to properties with yards or gardens. Others, such as cats, are content living indoors but require additional equipment such as climbing trees and scratching posts to keep them entertained and active. Tip #3 - Determine your budget for upfront costs and monthly expenses It’s vital that you consider the affordability of a pet in both the short and long term. Upfront costs include the pet’s price or adoption fee, essentials such as enclosures, bedding and toys, and vet fees for things like vaccinations and neutering. Ongoing monthly expenses include food, toileting supplies, flea and worm treatments, pet insurance, and grooming fees.  You should also think about irregular additional expenses, such as boarding or pet-sitting fees when you go on vacation. Dogs tend to be the most expensive pet, costing between $700 and $2,000 per year, while fish are one of the least expensive, costing between $50 and $200. Keep in mind the expected lifespan of a pet and ask yourself whether you can realistically commit to the ongoing expense for the entirety of the animal’s life. Final Thoughts - Take your time to choose the perfect pet  Welcoming a new pet into your family is a huge commitment, so don’t rush into it too quickly. Take time to research different pets thoroughly to understand what they need for a happy, healthy life. Next, consider your time and activity level, your environment and space, and your budget to determine whether you can give an animal everything it needs. When you choose a pet carefully like this, you can be sure they’ll fit into your family life perfectly.  Meet My Guest Blogger, Harriet Moore
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AuthorWhen I write, I can only have one voice in my head, mine. A little noise is fine. But too much, or worse yet, WORDS, and I must change rooms or pull out headphones. Then I can write on! Categories
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