It’s never too late to start a hobby. And during the Fall and Winter months, hobbies are a great way to keep yourself and your grandkids busy indoors. Whether you do them alone to decompress, or in groups to create fun memories, hobbies can help introduce many wonderful life experiences. Many of us found ourselves with a lot of free time during the pandemic, working on puzzles, cleaning grout, zoom calls playing all sorts of games to keep us entertained. It was a great opportunity to discover new activities and learn skills. Many Americans picked up a new hobby in 2020 and 2021.

Did you grow up chanting this line from the Wizard of Oz?

I know I did. Even though it was a 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz became a classic and a significant influence on most of our childhoods. Though not as dramatic as The Wizard of Oz, children of the 60s lived a life of wild adventure. The lions, and tigers, and bears, were limited only by our own imagination.

How do you give back? It isn't just about money. Although it takes money to buy things to give back, it makes a more significant impact by giving a physical item rather than just cash as an example. There are seven ways to live generously: Thoughts, Words, Influence, Time, Attention, Belongings, and Money. How can you incorporate giving into everyday living? Start by sharing the stories, “I like _____.”

Princesses are getting a bad rap today.

To all grandparents, your granddaughters are princesses. How many times have you called her "my princess ."Most little girls aspire to be princesses and love playing dress-up, sporting a fancy dress and a crown. What little girl doesn’t? OK, I wanted to be Annie Oakley, but I'm sure I wanted to be a princess.

The theme song of the sitcom “Friends”, written by The Rembrandts, is appropriate for all stages of life.

“So no one told you life was gonna be this way (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

Your job's a joke, you're broke

Your love life's DOA

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month

Or even your year, but I’ll be there for you.”

When was the first time you failed? Was it an easy fix, or did you need intervention??

As "they" say, learning begins at birth. But I will tell you that my education moved at warp speed since I was a close second to my older sister, who had a mere 11 months on me.

We made the most of our early learning moments, but they were as different as night and day. I had a fragile beginning as I followed behind someone who could quickly comprehend even the vaguest concepts…

What secret agent did you want to be like when you were growing up?

James Bond, 007

Secret Agent

Man from Uncle

I Spy

Get Smart

Mission Impossible

I loved the cone-of-silence (Get Smart); as children, we would put a blanket over our heads to mimic it. Under the blanket-of-silence, we could whisper secrets to each other. Fun memories.

Did You Know the phrase "the dog ate my homework" comes from an English expression that schoolchildren make as a common, poorly fabricated excuse to explain their failure to submit an assignment on time? Even beyond the educational context, the phrase is referenced as sarcastic. Much like the excuse "my dog at my homework," a mouse explanation might be considered false. However, the destruction of my mail is now a daily struggle.