Paula Johnson

by Paula Johnson “Soda?” or “Pop?” “Coke?” or “Pepsi?” White or brown? Passions run high for Americans and their beverages.    I remember, years ago, a man said that the brand of coffee didn’t matter – coffee was coffee. I … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Soda or Pop?

by Paula Johnson    We had company this past week. Anne and I met in grad school at WMU over 40 years ago, and have maintained our friendship through classes, marriages, children, jobs, moves in and out of states, and … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Pineapple Cream Cheese Cake

by Paula Johnson Mold vs mildew raises many questions. What is the difference? How to tell the difference? What to do with each issue?    Both can generate in a moisture filled environment, and we are in the rainy season of … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Mold vs Mildew

by Paula Johnson How about a bit of fun trivia and “bits and pieces” of folly?  Questions 1. What poem means “nonsense?” 2.What other handy ingredient can you use as a substitute for eggs when making a boxed … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: May 2026 Trivia

by Paula Johnson Sometimes one can get so old that we take things for granted. Like seeing things or reading something.     A few weeks ago, I was reading an article, and the writer mentioned a steno pad. For whatever … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Pondering

by Paula Johnson One thing I have often believed is that reality exists more in the comics section than on the front page. It was true fifty years ago, and sadly in national papers, it is true today.    What brought this … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Favorite Cartoon Character

St. Maarten by Paula Johnson This cruise turned out to be a great trip. What made it great were so many events that I could take back as wonderful memories.    Fifth on the ports of call was Roseau, Dominica. We had … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Cruising the Caribbean Part II

St. Kitts is the larger of the two Caribbean islands that comprise the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It’s known for rain forested mountains and beaches of white, gray, and black sands. by Paula Johnson This particular cruise was … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Cruising the Caribbean Part I

by Paula Johnson This year the cruise was eleven days stretching six of the southern islands from St. Maarten (18ºN) to Barbados (13ºN) – the heart of the Tropic of Cancer to the Equator. I was in sheer heaven on Earth.    … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Getting Aboard 2026

The Johnsons all packed and ready for Winter Trip 2026 by Paula Johnson When my farmer and I were newly engaged, he told me that he wanted me “to help him have fun.” I raised my right hand and said, “You have come to the right … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Winter Trip 2026

by Paula Johnson Beware the Ides of March! For Ceasar it was his looming assassination plot, for us it is likely this crazy weather. Here is some trivia to help take your mind off the crazy. Questions:1. Where are carrier pigeons … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: March 2026 Trivia

Paula in Amsterdam with her manual “Not an Alfa Romeo” by Paula Johnson Bro John continues to be a good source of information for me to consider for my columns. John just takes a shot in the dark with sending me his articles and … [Read more...] about Bits & Pieces: Shifting Gears