For my birthday dinner this year, I asked everyone to put down their forks and try chopsticks. What began as a family challenge soon led me into the surprising history of spoons, knives, forks, bread, napkins, and the way we still eat with our hands.
Category: Reflections
Watching Canada Grow
A Canada Day reflection on growing up with Canada — from 100 little penlights at the Centennial celebration in 1967 to thunder, heat, fireworks, family memories, Medicare, and watching Canada turn 159 from home.
The Accidental Tea Granny
I thought herbal tea was just a practical solution to a caffeine problem. Years later I have tea inventory systems, emergency purse tea bags, and family members asking how many times I’ve reheated the same cup. Somewhere along the way, I became a tea granny.
When the Baton Isn’t Passed
At some point in your career, something shifts. People begin coming to you for the answers, and you find yourself wondering how you became the go-to person. Transitions in life and work don’t always come with preparation—or with someone passing the baton.
Some Things Are Still Easier When You Ask Mom
A funny moment with my son reminded me that even with a book written, some people still prefer the “ask Mom” version of pool advice.
A Little Sign That Spring Is On Its Way
A small moment this week reminded me that spring is on its way—someone bought my pool book. It made me smile more than I expected.
The Myth of Slowing Down
Retirement is often described as slowing down. But sometimes what looks like slowing down is really something else entirely — a shift in direction, momentum, and ownership of how we move forward.
Why Retired-eh! Exists
I didn’t really want to retire, but retirement arrived anyway. I stayed busy. I filled time. I found things to do. But after a career built on learning, problem-solving, and making sense of complex situations, busyness wasn’t the same as being engaged. Something was missing, and it took a while to name what that was.… Continue reading Why Retired-eh! Exists