This is going to be a happy tale. And as with all happy tales, there’ll be a happy ending.

Erma Bombeck published more than 4,000 syndicated columns from 1965 until she died in 1996. I don’t know how she did it.

The U.S. Special Forces can breathe more easily now.

CANCUN, Mexico -- There are two things that strike fear in my heart: Trying on swimsuits under fluorescent lights and then actually having to wear my swimsuit in public.

We like to watch our favorite reality shows, but now that Amazing Race and Survivor are over for the summer my husband, Bill, is into old movies.

springcleaningyardworkshoppingdancebicylingfamilygetogethersbloggingcampingtalking.

At times, I’m confused about politics. Things just don’t add up.

You and I can get through a “bad hair day.” Yes we can!

OLYMPIA — The next time you think about walking in someone else’s shoes, find out where they’re headed.

If there’s one milestone that all kids look forward to, it’s the moment they can lay claim to the family car keys.

SPOKANE — I’m not a women’s libber, but I can’t skirt this issue any longer.

When a friend asked if I wanted to join a new book group, I said yes.

Pennies. They’re commonplace, not worth much, outdated to some.

Looking back, it seems like only yesterday.

SPOKANE It was the Lilac Bloomsday Run in Spokane this last weekend. And I was a late bloomer.

April showers bring May flowers.

Everything is catawampus at our house.

Spring has sprung at our house.

Obviously, this date was going nowhere. I thought I knew the reason.

RCIHLAND — Sometimes words pop out of my mouth and it smarts — especially when I see my faux pas on television.

It’s amazing! My iPhone can do just about anything.

It’s hard to fit in at our house — if you meow.

My mood has been in the toilet, and I can’t seem to get a handle on it.

Can one person change the world?

Sniff. Sniff. Achoo!

It seems there’s a lot to worry about lately.

With all the twittering, texting and talking, can God still tweak our ear? Can we feel the tug of His Presence when technology leaves little time or the temperament for tuning in?

I think I’ve discovered Victoria’s secret. She kept her mouth shut.

HOPE, Idaho — It’s probably not a good idea to air one’s personal laundry — dirty or not. But vacationing with relatives has been quite revealing — especially for me.

HOPE, Idaho — We were looking for Hope — Hope, Idaho, that is — as our headlights penetrated the darkness.

My past has caught up with me.

February is the month of love and love notes.

Listen to this! I’ve found a way to look forever young.

Somewhere, Martha Stewart is weeping. And it’s not tears of joy.

We’re on a staycation.

There are certain warnings mothers pass from one generation to another.

It’s a pink letter day!

Was it a coincidence? Or was it a “small miracle?”

iHave an iPhone and iAm in a state of confusion.

May I make a suggestion? It’s time to try something new.

There are some things you just gotta’ do in spite of warning labels. And those darn things are attached to anyone who isn’t still struggling in the birth canal.

I may be skating on thin ice by saying this, but don’t grow up. Please!

People who have birthdays right around the holidays have a reason to complain.

The stockings are hung by the chimney -- who cares? I just hope that my Christmas cards soon will be there.

Have you lost touch with old friends and acquaintances?

Laughter is the best medicine. But sometimes it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

They are the words every mother longs to hear.

Buried under snow with the threat of more to come, my husband, Bill, and I decided to stay home this Christmas.

Sometimes, mischief happens in our corner of the Earth.

Santa is comin’ to town.