ruthjimward@gmail.com The gobbled-up expression came from a dear friend, a strong Introvert, who years ago vented: “When Joe and I recently visited his parents for a few days, as soon as we arrived, before we even unloaded the car, Madge after hugging everyone, directed me to sit right…
ruthjimward@gmail.com When several blueberries meant for my cereal bowl rolled onto the kitchen floor, from my wheelchair I intentionally watched which way they dashed for several valid reasons: avoid the wheelchair’s tire-encounter, a relative or friend smashing one on their shoe-sole, or under the table could become…
ruthjimward@gmail.com A friend emailed, I’m working on a magazine assignment about couples who have separate bedrooms, and whether it is a good idea or causes trouble. I wondered if you had dealt with this problem in your years of marriage counseling and solutions. I’d like to…
ruthjimward@gmail.com In the wee hours of the last day of 2022, I was rudely awakened by an unusually painful calf-cramp. When the normal few steps failed to walk it out, I crawled back in bed hoping the pain would subside by morning. No such luck and a ball…
ruthjimward@gmail.com The word discretionary rolled around in my brain for several days. Personally, I had one definition--money that wasn’t earmarked, like the bill tucked in whatever purse I carry just in case it might be needed. In taking an informal poll the meaning of discretionary, I received…
ruthjimward@gmail.com Funambulism, discovered in research, is the formal word for tightrope walking, the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Acrophobic (fear of crowds, open areas) the dizzying feat for seasoned…
ruthjimward@gmail.com Getting ready to leave after a large class, a classmate and I became engaged in sharing what we did at home before coming to our very early class. When I said that I listen to music while I eat breakfast, she said, “I also tune in to…
ruthjimward@gmail.com Amusing and insightful email responses highlighting the scars of favoritism and questionable favors influenced my decision for follow-up to offer additional ideas and wisdom for parents and grandparents in detecting and avoiding those pitfalls and perhaps acknowledging unintentional former poor judgment. I liked your mom's…