March Comes In Like a Lion… Or Maybe Just a Squirrel

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gray squirrel

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Checking the Weather the New England Way

There’s an old saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Here in Massachusetts, that lion has a flair for the dramatic. Some years it roars in with a blizzard, other years it tiptoes in like it’s afraid to wake the neighbors. And sometimes it just shrugs and gives us mud.

So this morning, before I did anything else, I performed the official New England March 1st ritual:
I looked out the window to see what kind of mood March was in.
(Cold, Light rain and snow. Yuk)

Meanwhile, at the Deck Slider…

While I was assessing the weather, Banner and Balboa were conducting their own March 1st investigation. Both were crouched at the deck slider, tails whipping like furry windshield wipers. Outside, the squirrels were running back and forth, pausing just long enough to give the boys a look that clearly said:

“Ha ha, you can’t get me.”

Banner took this as a personal insult. Balboa, ever the dramatic one, flattened himself into full panther mode. The squirrels, of course, remained unimpressed.

If March did come in like a lion today, the squirrels didn’t get the memo.

A Little Spring Inside the House

No matter what’s happening outside — roaring lion, sleepy lamb, or taunting squirrel — March always feels like a turning point. The light lingers a little longer each afternoon, and I start craving small changes that make home feel fresher.

One of my favorite early‑spring rituals is swapping out my heavy winter curtains for something lighter. Even if the weather is still acting up, it makes the whole room feel like it’s leaning toward spring.

This year I’ve been eyeing the Joydeco curtains — soft, modern, and perfect for letting in that slowly returning daylight.
Explore  Curtains here

Lion, Lamb, or Something in Between

Whether March arrived roaring, purring, or just sending squirrels to mock my cats, I’m welcoming it with a warm mug, a hopeful heart, and a few small changes around the house.

Here’s to brighter days ahead — and to Banner and Balboa keeping the squirrel population on high alert.

 

Old‑Fashioned Goulash (or Whatever You Call It)

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What Is This Dish, Anyway?

I’ve been making a simple mix of tomatoes, hamburger, and macaroni for years, and for the longest time I never knew what to call it. I watched my mother make it more times than I can count, and she always called it Goulash. So naturally, I did too.

Then I moved to Massachusetts — and suddenly people looked at me like I had three heads when I said “Goulash.”

The Massachusetts Goulash Confusion

Here in southeastern Massachusetts, I kept running into versions made with stew beef and mountains of paprika. Hearty, rich, and often described to me as a Hungarian dish. Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked, rich broth-based dish

A dear friend of mine made yet another version. Hers was closer to mine but still not quite the same. She called it American Chop Suey, and it used tomato soup and tomato paste for thickness. Delicious — but not what I make.

My Version: Simple, Light, and Definitely Not Paprika‑Heavy

My own dish is SIMPLE. No cheese, no tomato paste, no baking. It ends up with a thinner sauce — almost soup‑like — but not quite a soup either. (Yes, I checked. There are actual “Hamburger Soup” recipes online, and nope, that’s not it.)

Then I stumbled across something called Old Fashioned Goulash, a Midwest classic. And finally — finally — I found something close to what I’ve been making all along.

So here’s a comparison. Maybe one of these versions will become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Old Fashioned Goulash (Midwest Style)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 3 minutes, then drain.
  3. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and onions. Cook 6–7 minutes until browned; drain fat.
  4. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
  6. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust.
  7. Mix in the cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese.
  8. If your skillet is oven‑safe, bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Otherwise, transfer to a casserole dish and bake.

My Simple Version of Old Fashioned Goulash

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound hamburger
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 (26 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions, using the shorter cook time.
  2. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil, onions, and green peppers.
  3. Add hamburger, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 7–8 minutes until browned.
  4. Add diced tomatoes and stir well.
  5. Let the mixture simmer. When it’s hot, add the cooked macaroni and combine. Simmer about 5 minutes.
  6. Serve with garlic bread or Texas toast.

Final Thoughts

Without the cheese, you’ll get a very different dish — but that’s the fun of cooking. Every family has its own version, its own name, and its own memories tied to it.

I’d love to hear what you call this dish and how you make it.

 

Spring Forward… Again?

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 The Semi-Annual Time-Change Shuffle (According to Humans and Cats)

It’s not even the end of February, but everyone is already buzzing about the time change. Daylight Saving Time is early this year, and on March 8 we’ll be springing forward whether we’re ready or not. Humans groan, reach for extra coffee, and complain about losing an hour of sleep.

Meanwhile, the cats? They’re thrilled. As far as Banner and Balboa are concerned, this is the one magical day when breakfast arrives an hour early. A holiday, really.

Why We Change the Clocks (From a Human Perspective)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) started as an energy-saving idea — shift daylight into the evening, use less electricity, and keep society humming along. It became standardized in the 1960s and has stuck around ever since, even though modern research shows the energy savings are… questionable at best.

But tradition is tradition, and twice a year we all pretend we understand what time it is.

Who Opts Out? (And What Cats Think About That)

A few places have decided they’ve had enough of the clock shuffle. Hawaii and most of Arizona skip DST entirely, along with several U.S. territories.

If you ask the cats, these places are clearly run by geniuses. No lost hour. No confused feeding schedule. No humans stumbling around muttering about circadian rhythms.

Is It Healthy? (Spoiler: Not Really)

Humans don’t handle the spring time change well. Studies show it disrupts sleep, metabolism, and mood. And yes — it gets harder to adjust as we age. Our internal clocks become less flexible, and losing an hour hits like jet lag without the beach vacation.

Cats, on the other hand, adjust instantly. They simply declare it breakfast time and stare at you until you comply.

Accidents, Odd Traditions, and Feline Commentary

Research shows an uptick in car accidents and workplace injuries the Monday after the time change. Humans are groggy, cranky, and not at their sharpest.

Cats observe this from the safety of the couch and conclude that humans are fragile creatures who should probably nap more.

Some people use the time change as a reminder to check smoke detectors or flip mattresses. Cats use it as a reminder to sprint through the house at 3 a.m. because “the schedule is already messed up, so why not.”

 

Will We Ever Stop Changing the Clocks?

Many states have tried to adopt permanent DST or permanent standard time, but federal law keeps everything stuck in limbo. Until Congress decides what time it is — literally — we’ll keep springing and falling.

Cats, of course, believe time is a social construct and meals should be served whenever they say so.

Bottom Line

Come March 8, I’ll move my clocks ahead and spend the next week adjusting. Banner and Balboa will celebrate their early breakfast like it’s a national holiday.

If nothing else, the time change gives us something to grumble about — and gives the cats one glorious morning of “See? We told you it was time to eat.”

 

 

The Art of Staying Comfortable: Hosting, Traveling, and Everything In Between

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Have Camera, Will Travel… and Yes, Sometimes My Bed Comes Too

I’ve learned something over the years: comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s survival. Whether I’m hosting family in my little condo, sneaking away for a weekend, or just trying to get a decent night’s sleep, I’ve become a connoisseur of the small things that make life easier. A good air mattress, soft bedding, and a camera bag that doesn’t dig into my shoulder — these are the unsung heroes of my everyday adventures.

Hosting in a One-Bedroom Condo: My Secret Weapons

People assume hosting is impossible in a small space. Not true. You just need strategy… and maybe a sense of humor.

My living room has seen everything from overnight guests to impromptu “Sure, you can crash here” situations. The real MVP? A reliable air mattress that doesn’t leave anyone on the floor by morning. I’ve had my share of deflating disasters over the years, but the King Koil air mattress has been the one that actually behaves. It inflates quickly, stays firm, and doesn’t squeak every time someone rolls over.
Air Mattress

I also keep a dedicated “guest bedding bundle” tucked in my closet — nothing fancy, just soft sheets and a cozy blanket that make people feel welcome. It saves me from the last‑minute scramble of digging through linen closets like a raccoon in a dumpster.

Bedding and linens

Hosting in a small space isn’t about square footage. It’s about making people feel comfortable… even if they’re sleeping next to your cat’s favorite scratching post.

 

Traveling Smarter, Not Harder

There was a time when I could toss everything into a tote bag and call it a day. Those days are gone. Now I pack with intention — and a little self-preservation.

If I’m heading out for a weekend getaway, the first thing I grab is my camera bag. I used to throw my camera into my purse and hope for the best. That usually ended with me fishing it out from under a pile of receipts and cough drops. A padded, organized camera bag has saved my shoulders and my sanity.
Camera Gear

 

And depending on where I’m staying, I’ve been known to bring my own pillow or throw blanket. I’m at the age where one bad night of sleep can derail an entire trip. Comfort is non-negotiable.

I’ve even brought my own air mattress to questionable Airbnbs. When the listing says “extra sleeping space,” I’ve learned that can mean anything from a futon to a yoga mat. I prefer to be prepared.

How My Sleeping Setups Have Evolved

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d say, “Sweetheart, invest in good bedding. Your spine will thank you.”

I’ve slept on everything — couches, cots, RV bunks, and one particularly memorable air mattress that slowly deflated until I woke up shaped like a taco. These days, I choose comfort on purpose. Soft sheets, supportive pillows, and a mattress (or air mattress) that doesn’t betray me in the night.

It’s funny how aging shifts your priorities. I used to chase adventure. Now I chase a good night’s sleep… and honestly, that feels like its own kind of adventure.

Comfort Is the New Adventure

Life gets busy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic, and I’ve realized that comfort isn’t frivolous. It’s grounding and it’s stabilizing. It’s the thing that lets you breathe a little easier when everything else feels like a juggling act.

So whether I’m hosting guests, packing for a weekend, or just settling in for the night, I’m choosing comfort wherever I can find it. And if a few well-chosen tools make life smoother, I’m all for it.

Your Turn

What’s the one comfort item you refuse to travel or host without — a favorite pillow, a cozy blanket, or something completely unexpected?

Tell me — I love hearing what makes your world a little softer.

 

 

The Storm That set the Record- You be the Judge

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❄️ When They Say the 2026 Storm Beat the Blizzard of ’78… I Have Thoughts

2026

Every time a big storm hits New England, the weather folks rush to compare it to the Blizzard of ’78. And this week, after the February 23, 2026 storm dumped heavy, wet snow across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the headlines started again: “Bigger than ’78!”

Well, I was here for both. And I disagree.

Yes, this storm was a beast. Yes, it broke some snowfall records. But the Blizzard of ’78 wasn’t just a storm — it was a shutdown of daily life on a scale we haven’t seen since. And I’ve got the personal scars (and canceled vacation plans) to prove it.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane — snow boots optional.

🌨️ Snowfall: 2026 Wins in Spots, But ’78 Was No Slouch

2026

The 2026 storm dumped impressive totals, especially in Rhode Island. Some towns saw nearly 38 inches. But in Massachusetts, totals were all over the place — heavy, yes, but not historic everywhere.

’78, on the other hand, buried the region. Boston got over 27 inches, Providence nearly 29, and some areas topped 3 feet. It wasn’t just the amount — it was the way it fell: fast, relentless, and with hurricane‑force winds whipping it into drifts taller than cars.

💨 Wind & Duration: ’78 Was a Monster

The Blizzard of ’78 wasn’t just snow. It was a nor’easter that parked itself over New England and refused to leave. Winds hit 83 mph in Boston and stayed strong for hours. Coastal towns were hammered by storm surge for four high‑tide cycles.

Blizzard of 78

The 2026 storm had some impressive gusts — especially on the Cape — but it didn’t have the same destructive, drawn‑out punch.

Blizzard of 78

🌊 Coastal Flooding: No Contest

’78 flooded entire neighborhoods. Seawalls failed. Homes were destroyed. People had to be rescued by boat.

2026 brought coastal flooding, but nothing close to the devastation of ’78.

🚗 Travel: One Storm Stranded People for

Blizzard of 78- Rt 128

Days

Here’s where the difference becomes crystal clear.

In 1978, thousands of people were stranded on Route 128 for days. Not hours — days. Cars were abandoned. Roads were impassable. Emergency crews couldn’t get through. Forecasting wasn’t what it is today, so people were caught off guard.

In 2026, we had travel bans, flight cancellations, and a whole lot of “stay off the roads.” But people listened. And the roads were cleared in a reasonable amount of time.

✈️ My Personal ’78 Story: The Vacation That Wasn’t

In 1978, I was working as a property adjuster and had a vacation to Florida booked. My flight out of Logan was scheduled for the day the storm hit.

Here’s the kicker:
My flight ended up being the last plane to leave Logan before the airport shut down.

And I wasn’t on it.

My company canceled my vacation and made me stay in Boston “in case I was needed.” The irony? Once the storm hit, nobody could drive anywhere. The entire region was shut down. So I sat at home, watching the snow pile up, thinking, I could be on a beach right now.

Meanwhile, the folks who did get on that last flight were probably sipping something tropical while I was digging out my front door.

⚠️ Human Impact: ’78 Changed the Region

The Blizzard of ’78 caused around 100 deaths and hundreds of millions in damage (in 1978 dollars). It changed emergency planning, forecasting, and how New Englanders respond to storms.

The 2026 storm was serious — two deaths, widespread outages, and billions in economic impact — but it didn’t reshape the region the way ’78 did.

🧭 So Which Storm Was Worse?

If you’re measuring by snowfall alone, 2026 wins in a few places.
If you’re measuring by disruption, danger, and long‑term impact, ’78 still holds the crown.

And if you’re measuring by “storms that ruined Deborah’s Florida vacation,” well… ’78 wins that one by a mile.

🌟 Bottom Line

The February 2026 storm was big, messy, and memorable. But the Blizzard of ’78 was a once‑in‑a‑generation event that shut down New England and rewrote the rulebook.

Feb 24, 2026- the clean up

So when I hear people say this storm “beat” ’78, I can’t help but shake my head.
Some storms dump snow.
Some storms make history.

And some storms cancel your Florida vacation and don’t even let you work.

Were you here for both storms? Which one felt worse to you?