TheLifeofLois

 Today I said goodbye to a dear friend who had become a beloved part of my family. Ferdinand came to live with me in August of 2019. I adopted him. He was a starvation and abuse case, but had a heart of gold. I'm not sure who rescued whom, but my beautify Tennessee Walker changed my home. My boy just needed a good home filled with love and treats. Initially, he was hesitant to take food from my hand, but ultimately searched that hand for carrots, apples, and, even sometimes, peppermints. Ferdie loved when folks came to visit him. He would come to the fence and whinny, not returning to the barn without attention.  A friend's son who had a keen interest in equitation ultimately came a few times a week to train my Ferdinand's Festive Fandango (his official name). I loved watching Ferdie play through his lessons; you could almost see him smile. He improved his jumping skills and even followed some vocal commands. I adored sharing my Ferdie with my granddaughter. I think she lov...

 It seems like February just started! I suppose time flies when you're busy, and it flies even faster the older you get! That being said, February only had 28 days, so it really was a short month. February 2 was my first day of teaching for the Goucher College Education Partnership ( GPEP ). GPEP is a full four-year bachelor's degree program available to incarcerated people at two of the Maryland Correctional facilities . The course offerings are identical to those on the Goucher main campus . In December, I was asked to teach a college writing prep course at the women's institute .  It's a surreal setting: modular classrooms in the " quad " of the prison. Typical classroom activities, settings, and learning, but in a very atypical setting. One of my students remarked after the first few weeks of class that she loved the course because being engaged in learning, she often forgets where she is. This teaching, I believe, has been the most rewarding in my 30 yea...

 It has been a long month It feels like January has been going on for decades! So much has happened, nationally, globally, and personally. I welcomed the new year with my daughter and her family in Atlanta . We toasted to the hope of better things to come in 2026. It was a moment of joy to be with them. The joy quickly dissipated with the murder of Renee Good by the thugs of ICE in Minneapolis . The attack on the state of Minnesota by our own government has been horrific. Then the display of cruelty, arrogance, stupidity by Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland , his absurd statements about owning Greenland , and his occupation of Venezuela have put global stability at risk. And no Republicans in our country have the integrity or courage to stand up to this authoritarian madman. The execution of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis just last week might be the turning point. It appears many "leaders" are finally listening to the public outcry. My hope is th...

 2025 was a year filled with personal joy and national anxiety and fear.  I had an incredible travel year! France in March-spending time with loved ones and seeing beautiful places and sites. June was travel with dear friends to Canada and Glacier National Park. Being part of the Rotary International Convention was amazing. The connections, the service, the learning-all so very inspiring. July to Cancun with my daughter and her family. Relaxing, educational, fun! Time at the beach, in nature, and in history. Trips to Florida and Atlanta. So many memories! It was a year of professional growth-publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentations, student engagement. I developed and launched a course on neuroscience. Developing re-entry and recovery programs and services, work with the Frederick Re-entry Coalition and Gatekeepers. So fulfilling! Time with my fur babies gave me such energy. My pups and visits to local breweries and wineries. Spending time at the barn with my equi...

 It's Thanksgiving Eve. Time for me to reflect on the oh, so many blessings in my life. My children, Tiffany and Timmy, will forever be my most special gift. They changed the trajectory of my life and gave that life deep meaning. I am so very fortunate to have been able to watch them grow into adulthood, and into two absolutely amazing human beings. It is a gift to spend time with them, to watch them grow, and to be a part of their lives. Watching them parent my two gorgeous grandchildren is the most precious gift.  I am so lucky to have two amazing young ones who call me Noo-noo. I absolutely glow when I am in their presence. They bring me tremendous joy. I am "retired" but I continue to work because of the joy that being a teacher brings me. It is truly my calling, as much as I tried to fight it! I am in my flow when I am with my students. They challenge me, encourage me to grow, and breathe life into this rapidly aging body! To be surrounded by animals, fur creatures, ...

 OCTOBER! And my favorite holiday! I love Halloween, but more on that in a bit. October of 2025 was rather busy for this old woman! Lots of Ravens football with my son, a coffee afternoon with my nephew-how wonderful it was to catch up with him! An amazing Candlelight concert of Vivaldi music in downtown Frederick-the meal before, the socializing with friends, the music, and the post concert beverages were all fantabulous! The following Saturday, I was elated to have been part of Frederick's No Kings Day Rally. Estimates are that somewhere between 5000 and 6000 true patriots were in attendance. The energy was palpable and the speakers were dynamic. I was honored to lead a moment of silence in memory of my friend, Sue Hecht. Sue was a leader and activist in Frederick for years. Her spirit was with us, though, on rally day! The Frederick rally was even featured on the Rachel Maddow show! Sue would have been proud! I celebrated 10 years of being a breast cancer survivor! And so enjoye...