Mary Daniel

The flight home after my ten-day summer vacation left before midnight and it was pretty packed. Little kids were in various stages of wanting or needing to be asleep, as were some adults. I was just about to sit in … Read more

One of the most important things we were taught in our training as Hospice volunteers was to ask ourselves in each instance: "Whose needs are being met?" In other words, is what we are doing for our benefit, or for … Read more

The weather was hot and humid during a summer visit to a city in Ontario. In that kind of heat, clothes stick to you almost as soon as they are put on. Workers rush past on the street and are … Read more

There was much to be accomplished in several different cities during a recent ten day visit to Ontario. A site had to be scouted out for a future family reunion; a surprise retirement party had to be attended; friends and … Read more

My eyes have had trouble focusing a lot lately, part of it is astigmatism I've had off and on for years, now aggravated by close computer work. Part of it is of course, that impending big number in middle age. … Read more

About mid-August, school supplies start showing up in most stores' aisles, and we begin to see parents and kids, supply list in hand, searching for the things which are needed for their particular grade. By September, the aisles are full … Read more

Long before my parents were married, my dad walked the 700-odd miles from Edmonton, Alberta, to a little town in northeastern British Columbia. It was the "dirty thirties" and he knew he could work a trapline and survive. His brother … Read more

A radio talk-show hostess was interviewing a blind athlete. I admire this particular interviewer, for she "knows her stuff", and she is sincere. She knows exactly the right questions to ask; how to ask them; and when to ask them. … Read more

I love old, comfortable things. My home is old and comfortable; my furniture is old and comfortable, like sinking into my grandma's old horsehair chair. The dining room suite from my husband's youth hosts family and friends on festive occasions. … Read more

Something I've long used for a bookmark is an airline boarding pass stub which reads: "This portion of the ticket should be retained as evidence of the journey." It struck me once that, as our life is a journey, I … Read more