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Mary Jo Shannon

Merger Of The Finn And The American

That’s what my new grandson-in-law, Tero Ronkainen, entitled the PowerPoint presentation he gave in lieu of a speech at the reaffirmation of his wedding vows in Richmond on August...

Change – The One Thing That Is Constant

Nature is rapidly reclaiming the area where our garden flourished only five years ago. Although...

Patience Is A Virtue

 “Patience is a virtue; possess it if you can. Seldom found in woman; never found in...

Our Very Adventuresome Sarah

On  August 17th our granddaughter, Sarah Davis will be married in Helsinki, Finland. Only her...

What Makes A Happy Birthday?

Husband Harry says birthdays do not mean that much to him. It’s just another day...

When Kids Cause Your Face To Turn Red

by Mary Jo ShannonAll parents, I suppose, at one time or another experience embarrassment due to words or actions of tactless offspring. I...

My Big College Miracle

by Mary Jo ShannonHomecoming at Mary Baldwin College was last weekend. The campus has expanded since my college days, but the hills are...

The Many Joys of Grandmothering

by Mary Jo ShannonGrandchildren are like dessert. They are treats –  not a regular diet. When the baby won’t stop crying, you may...

Remembering Miss Ethel

by Mary Jo ShannonI believe that certain people come into our lives at particular times for particular reasons, of which neither they nor we...

My Vice From The Past

by Mary Jo ShannonPeople who know me are often surprised to learn that I used to smoke. I suppose it seems out of...

Making The Very Most Of Good Fortune

by Mary Jo ShannonI’m sure you’ve heard stories of men or women who became suddenly wealthy through no effort on their part –...