The Middle Sisters

Mitzi, Afton and their dad, Stan, are shooting the breeze on a Saturday afternoon in November. Memories of a Boise bookstore, past employment, dreams of writing novels, and future employment are the topics of the day.

Mitzi joins the podcast today. We discuss the meaning of “Going Dutch” and after a trip to Dutch Donuts we were curious about the reputation of the “Dutch” name and how it’s associated with quality and hard work. Have some laughs with us.

Build a Reading Life! Stories are gifts. Literacy is extremely important for our brain development at any age. Visit a bookstore or library. Find a book club or exchange books with friends. #literacy

Season 2; Episode 1

Afton, a solo host shares her take on family, midlife medical issues like a hysterectomy and uncertain cancer diagnosis. She shares her story of the women’s pull in a Mormon trek where she doesn’t have the stamina to do what’s asked of her. Do you have to fight, or is just showing up good enough?

Afton and Mitzi took a few weeks off from recording for a wedding, funeral, surgery, and cold. Mitzi has two jobs to balance. They discuss the importance of having a work life balance. Self-care is important when facing the stresses of life.

Afton hosts a solo episode as she shares the journey of journaling to publishing. Afton discusses her memoirs: Enduring Miracles, Enduring the End and Enduring Grief. She reads her children’s picture books: The Blonde Volcano, ‘Twas the Last Day of School Before Winter Break, and Nora’s Noisy World. Keep dreaming and never lose sight of your goals. www.aftonzapatascow.com #kidsbooks #bookish #teachers

A New Era lies ahead with the passing of Marlene and the birth of new life, new jobs, and building new relationships. Afton recently returned from visiting family in Hawaii, and Mitzi reconciles with her dad after 4 months of estrangement. Remember the past, reconcile the present and gauge the future.

Afton and Mitzi fly to Southern California to eat at Ruby’s, shop the Carlsbad Outlets, admire the Sand Castle Mansion, sunbathe on La Jolla Shores, tour the San Diego Temple, eat expensive donuts and spend quality time with their brother Rob and sister-in-law Angela. Take time to visit your loved ones. You never know if it may be the last time you see them.

It’s a federal holiday, death date anniversary and the beginning of Father’s Day weekend. Afton and Mitzi reminisce past memories of when Afton’s husband, Juan died, the explanation of Juneteenth, and sometimes having shit for brains when making mistakes. Be safe and smart in summer.

Afton and Mitzi discuss what it’s like to cohabitate as adult siblings. Their family has had a history of sharing a house together while people transition from new housing or divorce. We all learn strategies on how to get along and be grateful we have each other to lean on for support.