Stephanie Mitchell

Today we welcomed a new member of our family into our home. He is very tiny, very cute, very loud for his size and has a mischievous sense of humour. He is active and chatty and really a delight to have around. And as long as we keep him caged he can’t really cause any … Read more

This is going to be so materialistic and un-philosophical. Also kind of old hat to most of my geek friends. Sorry. I upgraded my phone yesterday, Yes, I got rid of my old rotary-dial steam-powered cellphone and sprang for a nice new shiny smartphone. And before you think, “Wow, Stephanie, you came out of your … Read more

New Year’s Eve always features THE countdown. Whether we watch the Times Square Ball Drop (appropriately delayed for our time zone), watch it in some other way, or even – as our family occasionally does – stands outside on the lawn, pots and pans at the ready while someone watches their cellphone for the exact … Read more

It has been a busy few days. Let’s see… An 8-hour drive in torrential rain – NOT grateful. Arriving safely – grateful. Follwoing a GPS that thought it was in Timbktu – NOT grateful. Having a GPS that eventually did get it right – grateful. Visiting a very dear friend – grateful. Arriving to find … Read more

Boxing Day involves a lot of things: sales, gift returns, leftovers, visiting – and of course goodbyes, This Boxing Day involved a particularly special goodbye though. Darren, who sings with us in our vocal ensemble, Collage, is leaving very shortly to take a position in California. Today they hosted a farewell open house. Darren is … Read more

Christmas is so full of things for which to be grateful. Family and friends around us, good food and far too much of it, fun, games, laughter, surprises, more food, more friends – the list just goes on. There’s the the crush of shopping, the rush of wrapping, the panic as you check that list … Read more

I don’t know how anyone put up with me today. I was cranky, miserable, upset, sad, grumpy – and I couldn’t figure out why, much less break out of it. I eventually said, “Give me a list” and went shopping for a few things we still need for Christmas. It helped a bit, as long … Read more

Today we finally got our Chrstmas tree. It was a crisp, cold day, just enough to put a crunch on the grass. As we walked around the tree farm, the melting frost on the trees sparkled in the sun, making them look as if they’d been pre-decorated for us! As always, we found the perfect … Read more

‘Tis the season – finally. Forget all that well-meant advice about starting shopping in August, pacing yourself to beat the crowds and taking the time to put some thought into your gift for each person. There are times – okay, years – when it’s simply not possible to do that. So, sorry to all you … Read more

There is nothing quite like being able to give a gift. Sometimes it takes a little help from a friend, but when it works out and is received and appreciated it is a wonderful feeling. Today my friend Janean saw a posting for a concert she would have dearly loved to see – but of … Read more