Hello All, 2020 continues to be a year that I believe we will never forget – though perhaps we would like to. As I type this, my heart goes out to all of the people impacted by the wildfires in California and Hurricane Laura. The monumental losses, the monumental damage, the monumental pain. I pray for their comfort, strength, and energy. I pray their needs are met. I pray that if there is someway we can collectively help, that we find a way to do so. I am also praying for our country to heal from the civil unrest. I am praying that we can find a way to live together,…

Hello All, Well, I have learned not to ask “what’s next?” in 2020! There are now counties in New Jersey that are not in quarantine because of Covid 19, but because of the spotted lanternfly! The spotted lanternfly is both an exotic insect hailing from China and South Korea and an invasive insect that is detrimental to fruit trees, vegetables and vines. The spotted lanternfly is evidently an “excellent hitchhiker”, so residents have been asked to check their cars before traveling to ensure they don’t have these insects along for the ride! The officials there are working on controlling the situation. Oh my! To make matters worse, there is now a nationwide shortage of…

Hello All, The excitement continues! This week there has been an earthquake and the potential for more named hurricanes (aiyiyi -we have already had a record number of hurricanes). The Midwest experienced a derecho – which I had never even heard of! (I had to look it up! A derecho is a “line of intense, widespread and fast moving windstorms and sometimes thunderstorms that move across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds”!) And, much to the chagrin of poor Bob, a nationwide shortage of Fresca and Dr. Pepper! If you are a woman, regardless of what your political affiliation may be, you should be excited about this week.…

Hello All, August started with a tropical storm and tornadoes. 2020 continues to be a year that tests us – individually, as families, as friends, and as a society. This made me think about how incredible the human spirit is. We endure even as parts of us are hurting and scared. We endure even when we are tired and discouraged. We endure even when we think we cannot. It made me think of a quote written by Catherine DeVrye, author, in The Gift of Nature: “Like tiny seeds with potent power to push through tough ground and become mighty trees, we hold innate reserves of unimaginable strength. We are resilient.” We are…