The other morning, I came to my kitchen desk and found a picture of my Texan mother-in-law, Joyce, who passed away five years ago. My son Paul had put it there while rummaging through some papers. The unexpectedness of seeing her got me thinking. What would my pretty, dark-haired mother-in-law say about the pandemic […]
Life is stressful. But there’s one thing my mom and I do that takes the edge off. The New York Times publishes a daily game called “The Spelling Bee.” You’re given seven random letters to make as many words as you can. One of the letters (which they select) has to be in each. […]
In these turbulent times, there’s one thing I do daily that keeps me on track and gives comfort. I turn to it, whether in the mood or not. And almost always, I feel better after. It’s an odd thing to find solace in. Some of you will think I’m crazy. Some of you will understand. […]
There’s a rumble happening. It’s mean and nasty and you can cut the tension with a knife. It doesn’t help that our Yorkie terrier is the instigator, getting everyone riled up and on edge. According to Libby there are too many birds on our back deck and even worse, they’re joined by the biggest […]
One test of luck in life is our first boss. A bad one can fill you with insecurities and limitations. But a good one will give you knowledge and confidence and when it’s time to leave, let you go with grace. This happened to my son, Paul. Paul’s first boss was Chef Walter, who manages […]
It’s a spot I’d driven by thousands of times, a little country farm with a storefront, tucked away, across from our town’s middle school. In all my years here, I never went in. But Covid made for strange bedfellows and one day, needing eggs, I entered. Now “The Farm” has become a staple in my […]
Thank God for sons. My oldest, Patrick, offered to do something so wonderful this Christmas, so stupendous and magical, I’m pinching myself. Okay, the real reason he’s doing it is because I’m incompetent. But I’m all right with that. In fact, I couldn’t be happier. Patrick is putting up our Christmas tree. No doubt, my […]
All families have unique ways to celebrate Turkey Day. Some like a lot of drama. Some watch football. Some go jogging. Our family has a strange tradition that only gets worse with time. It always starts innocently enough. Then someone throws down the gauntlet. Last Thanksgiving was typical. We’re eating turkey, with all the trimmings. […]
It makes no sense. A series about muffins and quick breads should put everyone to sleep. But I count the days until the next episode of “The Great British Bake-Off” like I used to wait for the newest Beatles song. For an hour, I’m transported from tense America to the “baking tent,” amid the bucolic […]
