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 | Jun 27, 2016 | Aging, Family, Grandparenting, Travel, Writing
Jet Lag When I first returned from Greece, I fell into the abyss that is jet lag. It lasted for nearly a week. Then it morphed into an extended period of lethargy that I couldn’t explain or shake. While we were in Greece, writer Laura Davis led three-hour...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Jun 6, 2016 | Travel, Writing
Graffiti on the Metro The endless flight was finally over, the Metro ride coming to an end, but my education about graffiti just beginning. As we came into the Monasteraki Square Station I saw colorful artwork on the side of another train. As it passed, I noticed more...
by Marlene Bumgarner | May 16, 2016 | Cooking and Eating, Travel, Writing
I will be on a writing retreat in Greece for the next two weeks, so my posts will be intermittent and with a Greek background. I hope you enjoy the journey with me. We arrived in Athens yesterday morning, and made our way to the Metro and then to Monistiraki...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Oct 7, 2015 | Family, Grandparenting, Writing
Last week “Why are you holding the owl, Grandma?” “I’m not sure. It seemed to leap into my hand.” “You are so silly, Grandma. It’s not real. Is it?” Good question. Conclusion “Am I real? What kind of question is...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Sep 30, 2015 | Family, Grandparenting, Writing
Today I find myself watching the owl carefully. Its head does not move, but its eyes follow me as I stand up and go to answer the door. I take it down from the mantel and take it with me. “Why are you holding the owl, Grandma?” “I’m not sure....