by Marlene Bumgarner | Jan 24, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting, Health
Fear of Falling Last week I began telling my story about wanting to learn to ride a bike, and left readers wondering if I would ever actually get on one. It was now Monday, and the New Bike Riders class was scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning. At exercise class...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Jan 18, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting, Health
Taking Stock “Consider how incredibly fortunate you are to be here in this moment. Then get going and make the very best out of that good fortune.” – Marc Chernoff The holidays are over. I’ve packed away the lights, tree ornaments and...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Jan 4, 2016 | Community, Family, Grandparenting, Technology
Planning for Play – Keep it Simple When I was a teacher, my lesson plan book went to school with me every day. During summer vacation I planned the year’s goals, objectives, and activities; and during short breaks and weekends I tweaked them to allow for...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Dec 28, 2015 | Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting
The Gift of Poetry My almost-five-year-old granddaughter distributed our gifts on Christmas morning. “This one’s really heavy, Grandma,” she announced as she placed a large colored bag beside me on the couch. “I think you should open it...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Dec 21, 2015 | Christmas in Yorkshire, England, Family
Winter Night It snowed and snowed, the whole world over, Snow swept the world from end to end. A candle burned on the table; A candle burned. As during summer midges swarm To beat their wings against a flame Out in the yard the snowflakes swarmed To beat against the...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Dec 7, 2015 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting, Technology
Technology in the Nursery I recently discovered that I need to take a parenting class for grandparents. When I was in Denver talking to my daughter and her husband about their soon-to-be-born new baby, I realized, even though I teach child development, I was...