Family Life & Kids
A week of writing and home
November 17, 2014
I am still surprised that the hike brought me to this point, which is a totally different place than I thought I would be, but clearly is the place I need to be.
Anyone want a kitten?
November 11, 2014
I can't say I have a lot of affection for cats in general, but my feelings for them have grown over the years, mostly because my children love cats and the things our children love tend to grow on us, over time.
The Von Trapp Family on the Appalachian Trail
October 25, 2014
Off trail we are known as the Tougas family but our trail community knew us as the Von Trapp family.
Tenacious Bling
October 23, 2014
It's taken raising a fashion conscious, clothes loving, and sometimes makeup obsessed pre-teen to show me what many women already know and appreciate in their lives: personal appearance can provide the canvas for a wellspring of creative expression.
For Thanksgiving
October 15, 2014
Singing together old church choruses, with the rich alto harmonies and male tenor I've known since the womb, is like coming home for me.
The beach at high tide
October 10, 2014
I'm not knowledgeable about the tides but yesterday there was no beach to walk or sit on, only wind-whipped waves crashing against the rock walls.
More than a fuzzy feeling
October 9, 2014
I am extremely gratified at the character traits I see in my children. Determination, tenacity, long suffering, responsibility, sacrifice, kindness. Equally though and perhaps more importantly, I am thrilled that hope is the fruit of that character growth.
