Christmas tree

Christmas in August

Tracey Bucket List

Christine writes: “So, as I understand a Bucket List, it’s things I want do do that may make no sense to others, right? Well, my grandmother made all of the grandchildren crocheted Christmas ornaments. I have wanted to do this for years and just finished the last one – seven in all. Such fun for me and I guess that’s …

Boat on wooded cruise

The Jelly Ballet

Tracey Tracey's Blog

In anticipation of this year’s boating vacation, I was skimming through a journal I keep on these annual trips. Here’s what I wrote during one particularly lovely morning: “Sitting in Roscoe Bay. The sun’s up, there’s a gentle breeze and the water’s surface simply sparkles. Given the tides, it’s always interesting to see who manages to cross the shoal at …

Doll with spoon

A personal decision

Tracey Columns

A recent cover story for TIME magazine was “The Childfree Life.”  A thorough exploration of this very personal and highly individual decision, it’s clear many people are opting out of parenthood. Their reasons for this path are as varied as the people themselves but one thing seems clear; each of these individuals had engaged in careful reflection before arriving at …

David Hamilton Design

It takes a village

Tracey Good News

My good news? I am able to take a vacation and know that things will continue to go well here in my absence, thanks to David Hamilton and his wonderful staff!  Sure, it took some organization and pre-planning on my part but then? Wham! They take over and I get to relax on the high seas! http://www.davidhamiltondesign.com/ (Click here to …

Bouquet of flowers

Feeling great

Tracey Bucket List

Marie writes: “My friends have been getting massages for years. They love them but I’ve always felt a little self-conscious about the whole thing. Not anymore, thanks to my Bucket List. People, don’t wait a day longer. Ask for friends for a reliable referral to a licensed massage therapist … you’ll feel SO good! Why did I wait this long?” …

Clear lake and sky

Vacation

Tracey Tracey's Blog

This week’s “Good News” post, which is especially fitting for those of you who are self-employed, makes my vacation possible! Check it out and you’ll understand why! (Click here to see other entries from my blog)

Spare change

The Law & Deadbeat Parents

Tracey Columns

Over a recent cup of coffee with a friend, I was describing last week’s column. The letter represented three adult children who found themselves in a very difficult situation. Their parents, who have always been terrible money managers, opted for retirement at sixty. It was a decision that seems to have made no financial sense, given their debt, lack of …

Shrek

Shrek

Tracey Good News

Here, in the middle of the redwoods of northern California, something wonderful is happening. Our local musical theater company, Humboldt Light Opera Company, is performing “Shrek, The Musical.” Why is this good news? Because thanks to the hard work of countless dedicated community volunteers, this company continues to bring well produced shows, full of talented singers and knock-out sets, to …

Big TV

The Tonight Show

Tracey Bucket List

Steve writes: “We recently met our kids and grandkids at Disneyland. But for Grandpa, I the real fun happened the next night  when the adults went to “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. It’s something I have always wanted to do!” (Click here to see what others have checked off their ‘bucket lists’)

Spare change

Deadbeat Parents

Tracey Columns

Dear Tracey, My two brothers and I are in a very difficult situation and we hope you can help us. Our parents are in their mid-sixties. They both decided to retire at sixty, even though they hardly had the resources to do such a thing. They said that they had worked enough and how it was time for them to …