by Marlene Bumgarner | Jan 3, 2018 | Aging, Cooking and Eating, Family, Travel, Writing
Flying to Australia Most people I’ve spoken to about flying to Australia say something like “OMG it must be a 20 hour flight! How did you stand it?” Or even more specifically “No way could I sit on an airplane for all those hours. I’d...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Dec 23, 2017 | Family, Grandparenting, Travel, Writing
This time last year I was packing my car to move to San Diego and assume the role of nanny to my youngest grandchild. This year I packed for a very different adventure — nearly a month Down Under, in Australia, which these days is called Oz by many of its residents....
by Marlene Bumgarner | Apr 14, 2017 | Cooking and Eating, Family
Easter Brunch for a Crowd Our family is growing, and this year our gathering will be the largest ever. My plan is to lay out crackers and cheese and a fruit plate for people to nibble as they arrive from the freeway, and start baking the main dish when we head out to...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Apr 5, 2017 | Child development, Community, Cooking and Eating, Family, Grandparenting
Planning an Egg Hunt for Littles In the Christian tradition, Easter is the symbol of renewal. I embrace Easter traditions as a way to help me emerge from the lethargy of winter. Four years ago I created a space for tiny flowers and fairies in my back garden, and...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Mar 3, 2017 | Aging, Child development, Community, Family, Grandparenting
A New Role for Grandma Since New Years’ Eve 2016 I have been in San Diego, living with my son and daughter-in-law and caring for their first child, my youngest granddaughter, while they work. Meeting the needs of an infant is taxing physically and emotionally. ...