Perseverance Perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. That’s what Dave was talking about when he told the kid living at our house, “You obviously never met Persey and Vera.” The kid looked at him, puzzled. “No, I never did. Who is Persey and Vera?” he asked. Dave chuckled. “My Pop introduced me to Persey and Vera,” he explained. “Anytime we felt like giving up or wanted … Read more
Poppyseed chicken This poppyseed chicken recipe is a simple one and can be assembled a day ahead if you’d like. It’s great for a quick meal or when company is coming. You can substitute yogurt for the sour cream, and you can make your own chicken sauce with chicken broth if you’d rather not use the canned cream of chicken soup. If you have leftover baked chicken in the refrigerator, cut the chicken into bite-sized … Read more
The Shadows Kathy has complex mental illness. Her diagnosis includes schizophrenia and OCD. I learned to know Kathy when I was in high school because she was the younger sister of a friend. When her sister and I went on two-mile walks to solve the world’s problems, Kathy and I smiled at each other before her sister and I started our walks. I knew Kathy struggled because for a time, the entire left side of … Read more
We make it here We met in the center of the Food Lion aisle. I moved aside so he could push his cart to the side. He limped along, walking carefully and slowly, hanging onto the shopping cart. He looked like one of those die-hard men who don’t give up, no matter the trouble. Of course he was, for in his cart was his walker, folded together to make room for groceries. He doesn’t have … Read more
The smoothie This fruit, spinach and yogurt smoothie is my go-to for a quick snack, dessert, or even a meal. I have these ingredients in my kitchen most days, and if I can switch up different fruits if needed. This nutritious smoothie fits the bill for health and happiness. You can use frozen or fresh spinach for this. The frozen spinach helps cool the mixture and you might not need to add as much ice. … Read more