Fashion for Interesting Times

The change of seasons is always a difficult time for fashion.  In the last couple of weeks, temperatures have fluctuated wildly.  Is it too  hot? Is it too cold?   I, for one, rarely get out of  old, stretchy clothes and my only sartorial efforts are finding matching masks and fitbit bands for my “outfits.” Luckily, …

Grampy Duke

I have written about my Nana and Papa’s mother Joan. Today’s featured celebrity is my father, grandfather to my children, great grandfather to Lo and Cora: Ray Martin also known as Grampy Duke. Today is Grampy Duke’s 90th birthday!   Because of Covid19, we were not able to have the big party we were planning, and …

Summer Vacation

How are you doing? The only answer anyone wants to give or get is “everyone is still healthy.” And, I am happy to report that is true for us. Since June, based on everyone’s health and commitment to following guidelines, we have rewarded ourselves with the formation of a “pod” with our kids and grandkids. …

The New Normal?

I suspect everyone is a little weary of the pandemic. We “locked down” on March 13th. Nearly 3 months later, I have adjusted to and perhaps embraced the so-called “new normal.” As I mentioned before, isolation isn’t much of a hardship for retirees. We had no jobs to lose or convert to remote working nor …

Four

Today, Lo joins the ranks of people celebrating their birthdays in quarantine. As a very social child with an instinct for party planning, it has been difficult for her to understand why she can’t have a party or see her friends. It about broke my heart to hear her explain “Nana, after the sick is …

A Birthday in a Weird Time

I wasn’t sure I was up to writing my annual birthday essay (see this and this). Like all of you, we are now leading a different life than we could have imagined just a few short months ago. On the one hand, social distancing is not a whole lot different from any other day in …

Question: Is Cora the cutest baby ever?

Is Cora the cutest baby ever? I am sure you are rolling your eyes and thinking that I am affected by grandparent myopia. However, I made that bold statement in my last post so now I feel I must back it up. The photo evidence may be enough, but indulge me as I prove my …

Things I Think, 2020 Edtion

In recognition of a new year/decade and in compliance with the subtitle of the Lo and Behold blog “Things I think”, I offer this window into what I have thinking about. Albeit not as crazed as this, I do have a rotation of obsessive thoughts to guide me through sleepless nights, throughout the day and …

Happy Birthday, Cora!

Yes, the year has flown by. Our little Cora turned one! Here are 10 amazing things about this happy, little creature. 1. She is happy. Despite my early reservations about her, she has evolved into the happiest, smiliest little person. 2. She passionately loves stuffed animals. You can pull any random stuffie out of the …

Raising Girls

All the experts tell us what we know intuitively- we should limit the amount of television that our little charges watch. But, let’s be real here, there are times when you gotta do what you gotta do. Personally, I am team PBS. Our kids were reared on Sesame Street. Arthur is a great show. But, …