: About Me

I grew up in a tiny house in a small Minnesota prairie town, third of 6 children whose father was an inventor, and whose mother, also very inventive, did amazing things with the 16'x24' the eight of us had for living space. Because of the limited indoor space we children spent long winter evenings gathered at a big oak table, writing and drawing. That was, when we weren't reading.

When I was 14 we started going to Arizona for winters, because of my Mom's health. On our limited resources it wasn't what usually comes to mind when people talk about going south for the winter, but it was a great adventure every time.

Growing into adulthood mostly in the southwest, I missed the four distinct seasons of my childhood. After a detour in California I headed east, which was where my favorite books (except those that took place in England) seemed to be set. Twice married and twice divorced, but with all my kids now grown and out on their own, I was free to live wherever I wished. I settled on Upstate NY. Found a big old house on half an acre in a little village, and knew that this was it, for me. The tiny cottage of my childhood would have fit into the parlor and library!

I garden, write, paint, and sculpt-and do renovations on my house. Kids, grandkids and great-grands don't leave me too long without company, and I find that I love being alone, but also love having family around. I'm not big on traveling. Now that I've found where I want to be, I'm disinclined to leave it.

Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Ways working parents can manage school-aged children in the summer

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School's out, and many parents are out of luck for dependable childcare over the summer. Older kids may be able to keep themselves occupied with sports, computer games, hanging out with their friends, and even helping around the house and yard, but younger children and infants need attentive care and supervision. More than 70% of working American parents use some sort of professional daycare provider. If you choose one of these, whether it be in a private home adapted to several 'babysat" children, or at a day care center, ask to be allowed to observe there for several hours BEFORE you mak...

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