Tom's

Tom’s Shoes

TraceyGood News

You’ve probably seen Toms? They are light weight and very comfortable shoes. In anticipation of fall and winter weather, I bought myself a pair recently – rich gray wool with a soft interior. But mostly I bought them because of the TOMS “One for One” promise. For every one  pair of shoes TOMS sells, they donate  a new pair of …

You Have Been Hacked

On Being Hacked

TraceyTracey's Blog

Well, it happened. This website was “hacked” last week. Some bad guys, somewhere in the world decided to invade my privacy and mess things up. While I am confident none of your personal information was compromised – it’s not that kind of site after all – rectifying the situation (which was done in a timely fashion) cost me both time …

National Center on Elder Abuse Administration on Aging

Elder Abuse?

TraceyColumns

Dear Tracey, Thank you for your wonderful column. My wife and I read it every week and always learn from it. Here’s my problem: I only have two elderly relatives, who live in another state. They’ve never been outgoing and I have not been close with them as adults. I’ve sent cards and letters and left messages over the years …

Beach

Surf’s Up!

TraceyBucket List

Steve writes: “I grew up in Ohio, watching every surf movie ever made. Now that I’m retired, I have tickets for Hawaii and I already have the name of a surf school there! I doubt I’ll ride any big waves but I bet I have a whole lotta fun!” (Click here to see what others have checked off their ‘bucket …

The Letter Exchange

TraceyGood News

This it a bit good news for those of you who remember what fun it was to open your mailbox and find a letter or card. “The Letter Exchange” (www.letter-exchange.com) has been around since 1982. It’s primary purpose is to connect people the good old fashioned way, via snail mail. Would you enjoy corresponding with someone about your cat? Maybe …

Boat in garage

A Better Pace

TraceyTracey's Blog

I’m back from vacation and quite happy to return to my normal routine. Since my husband retired I’ve noticed a thing or two about having time off. It’s taken on a different quality, one that I find surprisingly refreshing. With him free from the demands of teaching – try visiting a second grade for one day and you’ll know what …

Butterfly

Good bye Tattoo

TraceyColumns

Dear Tracey, The other day, my husband asked me what I wanted for my fifty-fifth birthday. I think my answer shocked both of us a little. I’ve had a tattoo since I was twenty-six and now, I want it gone! It seemed to make so much sense at the time. Why wouldn’t I want a beautiful, multicolored butterfly wrapped around …

bookshelf

Library volunteer

TraceyWho's doing what?

I know many people who volunteer in elementary classrooms, which I think is great.  But I take another approach. Now that school has started up again, you’ll find me in the library. I don’t think most people know just how badly library budgets have been cut. I just love helping the kids find a book they’ll love and the teachers …

Laptop

Cost Analysis

TraceyAsk Tracey

Q: I know it’s hard to believe but where I live we just got wired up for the Internet. I want to sign up. Right now, I drive twelve miles into town, in our gas guzzling pick-up no less, to use WIFI at the library. I go at least four days a week. My husband, who hates computers, says it …

desert

Warmer Climes

TraceyBucket List

Anne writes: My friends think I’m crazy but I have finally moved from Minnesota to Arizona. It was something I put on my Bucket List five years before I retired and now, here I am, relaxed, very happy and, for the first time in my adult life,  not dreading winter! To anyone considering such a thing I say listen to …