I found a beautifully-bound book in Mother’s library –  The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region (1994). Recalling her Audubon Club membership during her college years, I inquired about her bird-watching experience while wintering in Florida since the book is for the Eastern Region. Had the book been a gift to her?

At the ranch, we would pursue this interest in bird-watching! It definitely fit our setting next to our old woods. This photo captures Mother greeting her birds at daybreak.

For individual bird-watching items in the collection, please scroll down.

Published in 1994, The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region is a lovely book. The first half includes four-color photos of birds, names, size in inches, and a page number leading to the last half of the book with a full description.

Indoor / Outdoor climate. Resistant to UV rays. Washable surface.
• Suitable for summer house sign, garden signs, garden shed plaque, or patio.
• Decorate the garden, door of garden shed, door of summer house.
• A fun gift!

We purchased our bird bath from a local landscaping company. It looked very similar to this one found on Amazon.

Being close to the woods, many trees, and squirrels, we soon replaced our first bird feeder and bought one that was advertised as “squirrel resistant.” Still the squirrels came. We finally found one which helped to keep squirrels from entering.

One of our very generous caregivers brought her shepherd hook from her garage for us to use with these early birdfeeders. Soon we were gifted with a second birdfeeder by another caregiver and her family.

So grateful for these thoughtful gifts! …especially when I would see Mother singing to her birds.

In the book, we used red tabs to mark those birds which frequently returned to the feeder. We kept it close to the window where Mother is standing so that we could look up those we did not readily identify.

As we observed the turnout of an array of diverse birds at the birdfeeder, we began to see a connection between the kind of bird food du jour – and the size of the turnout!  We made quite a number of changes over the years to see which product brought the largest and most diverse turnout to the “table.”

We were so close to the birds that we did not need binoculars!  But if we had been able to get out into the woods, we would have searched Amazon for this set.

From the kitchen sink, we had a wonderful perspective on the birds at the feeder and we did not really need a hat. If we had needed one, Mother’s hat would surely have been a great pick.  Or this one from Amazon which looks like a great multi-purpose hat. I would still be wearing it in my all-new environment south of the border.

One of many long-lasting memories of nature surrounding us at the ranch was witnessing a most magnificent cardinal! I just happened to look out at precisely the right moment. Being the most brilliant shade of red, he emerged as only a tiny speck from the top of the green leaves of the tall trees close to the highway. He was strong, beautiful, and gracefully propelled as he swooped in, creating a huge dramatic arc. And he landed right in front of me – on our birdfeeder – heartily partaking of our offering. An indelible memory! I was awe-struck by being back close to the wonder of nature. Mother’s still-present interest in bird-watching which had prevailed since her undergraduate days had re-awakened me to the drama in nature.

During a couple of our years at the ranch – in the mid-2000’s – caregivers began to arrive talking about their new GPS. It sounded quite novel to me, but I knew I would not be needing a GPS for my road travel to and from Chicago. For caregivers, however – those who travel within a region to deliver care to an always-changing caseload – this would be an ideal gift.

To this point, we had not had a uniform dress code at the ranch. For the first time, we purchased a scrub top for each caregiver to snap on over street clothes when entering the kitchen for food preparation.

We purchased vinyl gloves by the case from that point until departing the ranch. In addition – new attention on handwashing between “tasks”!

One of our caregivers re-introduced me to the Melaleuca product line. Sol-u-mel is great for removing spots on clothes, fabrics, and carpet. EcoSense is a concentrated bathroom cleaner. Some of these products are available on Amazon. For the full line of Melaleuca products, please contact a local dealer.

We didn’t actually have a sign, but this is what we began to ask. “Please remove your shoes.” We had a heavily trafficked off-white carpet – with some of our caregivers  arriving directly from a shift at the local nursing homes during flu season. Compliance of all who entered – perhaps 95%.

By the time we learned of Airborne, Mother and I were the only ones at the table – as it followed Dad’s death in early 2005. Oprah was interviewing the founder and developer of Airborne. Our ears perked up when we heard she had developed this formula while she was a 2nd grade teacher. Since Mother and I were both former 2nd grade teachers, we followed the interview with rapt attention! Who would better know about the need for this product than its developer – another 2nd grade classroom teacher?

Mother took it daily. I used it daily during flu season – November to April. During our years together, we were able to find Airborne at the local CVS and on Amazon in the $5.99 to $7.99 price range. We loved it, but would not have considered the prices currently listed. Here is a link to one in our price range.

3-pack hand wash purifying gel with pump
• Quick-drying with vitamin E protection

Soft skin-friendly paper towels – 3-pack
• 3-ply facial tissue
• 320 tissues per pack

Tub O’ Towels – Heavy-duty 10″ x 12″ multi-surface cleaning wipes, 90-count per canister
• No water required.
• Removes heavy stains others won’t – including: grease, tar, ink, paint, permanent marker, wax, scuffs, lipstick, nail polish, food and drinks, pet stains and more.
• These moist towels are gentle on hands and skin: contain lanolin, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
• Tub O’ Towels can be used as automotive and car cleaning wipes, for the office, boating, and RV’s, and around the home.
• Use on fabric and carpet, leather, vinyl, metal, counter tops, walls, appliances, tile, cabinets, toilets, tubs, and more.

We switched to paper towels from terry cloth hand towels in both bathrooms.

It was during this period that I purchased what was considered then to be a high-end Electrolux vacuum – sold today under the Aerus brand. I would be needing a good vacuum when I returned to my Chicago condo – and meanwhile, we would use it at the ranch. . . This traffic pattern needed to be kept clean – due to my parents’ vulnerable health status. And I did not want to have another cold like the one prompting these measures. Some Electrolux models may be found on Amazon. For your preferred model, contact a local dealer.

We welcomed them and always had an indoor garden area.

We had one operating in every room at the ranch and simply loved our brand! The one unit I brought with me to Mexico has been working perfectly for 20+ years. Today, many different systems are available. To find one to meet your needs, visit the website for Environmental Working Group.

During our shared time together, we followed historical events including the Bush-Gore election face-off; witnessed the shocking devastation of “9-11” first-hand as it occurred; watched sadly and helplessly during the early dark days of Katrina; listened somberly to news of the biggest economic crash since the Depression in 2008; were inspired by the 2008 Obama-McKain campaign, and watched the Obama celebration in Grant Park – my front yard in Chicago.

We listened to reports from around the country as Obama pulled the economy back from a financial precipice – and potential collapse – as he took immediate action during the fragile days following the inauguration.

Optimizing every square foot of our shared quarters, we used space savers for mounting TV’s on the wall in every room. Why? It was important to stay in touch with the outside world – regionally, nationally, and internationally. During breakfast, Mother and Dad took in the Today Show. At 4:00, it was Oprah who often elicited interesting comments about controversial issues over our early supper together – followed by the regional and national news. Yes, in between news reports in the morning and the evening, it was non-stop music, usually on the CD/DVD player

The internet was beginning to come into its own in the early 2000’s. It kept us connected from the comfort of a home office where I was able to continue a healthcare consulting business. My 33%+ financial contribution was essential to the household budget – and required in order to maintain our lifestyle. On occasion, Dad would roll his wheelchair into my office – calling it the “presidential suite.”

Easy for both Mother and Dad to hold, the speaker phone was a good way for them to keep in touch with voices of friends and family. One phone was placed on an end table next to their reclining love seat in the living room. The other was on the kitchen counter top so that a caregiver could pick it up quickly when her family needed to reach her. On Mother’s birthday, she stood talking on the phone at the counter for the 3-way call. The camera caught her just as she was hanging up.

In the photo, Dad is still talking – with the phone to his ear. Note: Dad’s comforter was made by a hospice volunteer.

We would put the phone on speaker to sing our birthday greetings, accompanied by one of the variations in the Jazzy Birthday book. Because of busy schedules on both ends of the line, we would frequently leave our musical message on voice mail. After hanging up, we felt very energized, connected – and “in touch.”

For my vision, this was the essential lamp – not only for piano but also for office area.

We kept a calendar at the piano, so that we could easily check who had a birthday – as we sat down to sing every day.  Birthdays entered on the calendar included Mother’s children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her siblings, and a few friends. The calendar was essential to keep this tradition of musical birthday greetings on-schedule. Who is celebrating a birthday today?

13 variations of Happy Birthday for the piano, including swing, sentimental, blues, rag, waltz, ostinato, ballad, Latin, birthday bells, capriccio, and fugue. Once we had this book, we never missed the birthday of any family member from Baltimore and DC to Scottsdale – so long as we were still able to get to the piano.

We used a speaker phone similar to the one shown in this gift gallery to leave our singing voice message. On our end of the line, it was a fun and entertaining tradition for remembering each family member and celebrating each birthday.

Dad’s fleece comforter was made by a hospice volunteer. As he read in the loveseat close to the piano, he seemed to enjoy our music-making – as always – and appeared quite content.

By the time I arrived in Santa Fe from Chicago, I needed both a stand-up desk and a sit-down desk – to avoid sitting for too long.

Winsome Wood – Antique Walnut
• Wood console table
• Drawer with pull for storage
• Traditional styling
• Sturdy square legs which taper downward
• Sleek design; Easy to assemble with parts and tools included

A multi-purpose bench sold online as a piano bench, it was purchased at the ranch for playing my harp. It has also served well during these years as a desk seat. It still looks “new.”  The height can be easily adjusted.

These shelves provided some additional storage at a reasonable price. And if I could assemble them, then I guess anyone could!

High performance laptop PC | Intel Core i5-7200U | 8GB Ram | 256GB SSD | Bluetooth | WiFi | Windows 11 (Black)
• Powered by 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U mobile processor. Smart dual-core processing performance for HD-quality computing. 15.6″ LED backlit touchscreen with True-life HD. Enjoy your favorite movies, shows and games in stunning 1366 x 768 resolution.

Continuing to do healthcare consulting during daytime hours when a caregiver would be present, as well as doing desk work late at night, it was important to treat eyestrain as a high priority. Replacing fluorescent lamps many years ago, I found these great high-density, natural lighting Full Spectrum Solutions provided tremendous relief. I also purchased a desk model for the piano. While “expensive” for my budget, I’m still using them after making several residential moves. For my long hours at the screen, they have become “essential.”

Adjustable clip holds portrait and landscape documents for easy viewing. Bottom ledge keeps up to 150 sheets securely in place, Black.
• 3M copy holder keeps documents in an easy to read, upright position.
• Simple desktop design.
• Unique spring action clip secures documents up to legal size 11×14″ with a sheet capacity for 150 sheets.

23-Inch floating shelves; industrial metal and rustic burnt brown wood; adjustable wall-mounted 3-tier display shelf unit rack
• Black metal brackets and adjustable torched-wood shelf boards
• A blend of refinement and industrial utility
• Perfect for displaying small plants, knickknacks, framed pictures or memorabilia

• Commercial-grade – vertical file features four high-sided drawers that accommodate legal-size, hanging file folders.
• Three-piece, slide suspension allows maximum drawer extension.
• Steel ball bearings provide smooth, quiet drawer performance.

Legal Rule, 50 Sheets, 12 Pack – A reliable everyday writing pad
• Perforated sheets detach easily
• 8-1/2″ x 11-3/4″; canary paper

Paper Mate – medium point
• Retractable design is ready to write with just a click
• Includes: 24 black ballpoint pens

Mixed self-stick note pad for office, book, note message, 3 x 3 Inch, 1.5 x 2 Inch, 100 sheets/pad
• Upgraded: They have improved stickiness to avoid the problem of notes falling off easily.
• Mixed size combination: 22 pads in total.
• Individually packed. You’ll have ample choice to organize activities, groceries, office, work.
• 4 colors include pink, green, yellow, blue.

Metal binder clips medium/small; paper clips; assorted rubber bands; page markers; push pins; for home, office, school, etc.
• Packed in a rugged reusable plastic organizer case with 5 separated compartments for quick access and protection.
• Starter kit: Everything you need to start school, business, new job, or a project with high quality products.

Metal binder clips medium/small; paper clips; assorted rubber bands; page markers; push pins; for home, office, school, etc.
• Packed in a rugged reusable plastic organizer case with 5 separated compartments for quick access and protection.
• Starter kit: Everything you need to start school, business, new job, or a project with high quality products.

Deluxe Two-Tone Black/Silver
• Weighted base for one-handed dispensing
• High-quality cutting blade lasts for years
• Attached hub won’t get lost or misplaced

1000 staples for office or desk, 10 sheet capacity, non-slip, black
• Desktop office stapler that holds up to 200 staples; 10 sheet stapling capacity.
• Full rubber base keeps stapler securely in place during use.

1/3-cut tab, assorted position, letter size, manila, 100 per box.
• An office necessity in a variety of tab cuts
• Each folder is scored to expand 3/4″
• Made of 11-point sturdy paper stock
• Letter size (11-5/8″ W x 9-1/2″ H) manila folders
• Contains 10% recycled content and 10% post-consumer material

Assorted colors. Medium, small and mini binder clips; jumbo and small paper clips; and rubber bands in reusable plastic container for easy storage.

Our dear Uncle Max, Mother’s youngest sibling and only brother, tilled the ground for “Dad’s Garden” on a very hot, humid June day in the Upper Midwest. Once tilled, quite a number of people voluntarily lent their hands to the garden soil over the years … including family members, caregivers and their families, neighbors, and reps from a lawn-garden company who came on a weekly basis. A local landscaper planted a tree for Dad’s birthday every year. It was our community garden – with Mother and Dad’s oversight.

Indoor / Outdoor climate. Resistant to UV rays. Washable surface.
• Suitable for summer house sign, garden signs, garden shed plaque, or patio.
• Decorate the garden, door of garden shed, door of summer house.
• A fun gift!

Great gardening gifts!

• Contains trowel, transplanter, hand rake, cultivator, weeder, pruner, sprayer, plant rope butterfly garden stakes, plant tags label, garden seeder, glove & tote organizer!

8-pack, globe, solar-powered garden light. Waterproof for yard, walkway, landscape, pathway.
• 4.9″D x 8.1″W x 16.9″H
• Add a charming, decorative glow to your pathways. Decorate your garden, porch or yard. Usable as path lighting or as a decorative element.
• These solar path lights automatically turn on at night and turn off at dawn.

• Beautiful hand-painted lavender in the meadows.
• Manufactured using a unique blend of the finest clay.

High quality wind chime hand-tuned to the inspiring tones heard in the opening measures of “Amazing Grace,” a widely known hymn.
• Dimensions: measures 24-inches in overall length. Total hanging length is measured from top of ring to bottom of wind catcher
• Expertly crafted: features an ash wood top with a beautiful cherry finish that is weather-resistant.
• Quality you can trust: created by Grammy award-winning musician and instrument designer Garry Kvistad.

• 5 adjustable positions.
• This breathable rattan design provides excellent stretch performance.
• Suitable for different settings, such as living room, dining room, kitchen, garden, poolside and beach.
• 36″D x 24″W x 13″H

Metal side snack table for the patio … anti-rust steel coffee table for garden. This waterproof accent table is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It can be used for snacks, books, and drinks. (H) 17.55″ x (D) 15.60″ – Black.