Stories,photos

176 results total, viewing 1 - 10

I have to say I have always loved this time of year. Cold crisp days with all that bright sunlight. I love a good snowstorm as long as I don’t have to venture out in it, so December is … more

Fran Ostendorf | 12/8/24

Thoughts and ramblings on voting this year

Are you one of the many who has heard enough about politics this season? Don’t be ashamed. I’m a news junkie, and even I have to turn off the noise every so often. But the bigger … more

Fran Ostendorf | 11/3/24

Can we agree to come together as a strong community?

I am grateful for the community we have here in little Rhody. We are a group of individuals who hold each other together and keep each other going when we need to. I am grateful for those … more

Fran Ostendorf | 10/8/24

No hooray in this summer’s last hurrah

Well, it finally got me. For the last several weeks, I’ve been suffering from a bout with COVID. I’d managed to avoid the virus till now, except for one faintly positive test more … more

Fran Ostendorf | 9/6/24

The Olympics are in full swing!

I have to admit it. I am an Olympics junkie. I started getting excited about this summer’s games during a trip to Paris in March 2023. That was more than a year ago! And the anticipation has … more

Fran Ostendorf | 8/2/24

Things change, but family is forever

I’ve spent a lot of time in my childhood home in the last few months. My folks still live independently, but they sometimes need a little help from their children, which has given me an … more

Fran Ostendorf | 7/5/24

Change is in the air

June always seems like a month of transitions to me. There are school graduations and moving up a level in a sports league. Organizations hold their annual meetings. Your son or daughter or … more

Fran Ostendorf | 6/7/24

Pollen and pets and patrons

I have to admit that I dread May. While everyone else is outside, enjoying the nice weather and the beautiful flowering trees, I hide inside with swollen eyes, a scratchy throat and bulging sinuses. … more

Fran Ostendorf | 5/10/24

L’dor vador: Our traditions keep us close

It’s not easy being far from family, especially during different, and sometimes difficult, life-cycle changes. More people than ever seem to be experiencing the trials and tribulations of … more

Fran Ostendorf | 4/5/24

Spring is in the air!

For me , March is a hopeful month. Signs of spring are everywhere. The weather is getting a little warmer. Light brightens our days a little longer. Purim and Passover are coming up quickly. And my … more

Fran Ostendorf | 3/1/24