This Old House

I want to talk about my feelings for a house. The house we lived in for almost 36 years. Where we raised our kids. Where our granddaughters learned to climb stairs. The house that stores many, many memories. The house we thought we would never leave. Our home for almost 36 years When we were …

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 …

What’s in a Name?

Lo’s vocabulary is growing daily and each day says something cute and funny. My daughter-in-law already laments that she will not remember all Lo's gems and wishes that she had written them down. I accept this responsibility and agree that Lo’s growing vocabulary is certainly worth remembering. She adds new words daily and can now …

Advice for Raisins

Since, well, my last birthday, I have been mulling over the fact that I am turning 60. This milestone is arguably arbitrary, irrelevant and occurs in the lives of most people, if they are lucky. None the less, I have been philosophizing, making “lifestyle” changes and searching for meaning. I have given up underwire bras. …

My Iranian Deployment

The lives of military children (“Army brats”, although we were Air Force brats, a source of snobbery in the military hierarchy) can be difficult. Frequent relocation is burdensome and, since we never lived on military bases, we were often outsiders, the only of our kind. However, there are occasions when being in a military family …

Bookish

Like most shy, awkward children, my refuge was books. All bookworms know this joy. My mother, in an effort to get through those endless summers with 4 children, took us to the library frequently. We were allowed to take any books we liked – no guidance or interference – and the pleasure of a large …

How I Spend My Days

The most paralyzing question for a new retiree is “how do you spend your days?” Or its more accusatory variant: what do you DO ALL DAY? When I was working, no one seemed even vaguely interested in my daily minutia, but there appears to be ample interest in the life of the retired. I am …

Lo and Behold

With many hours per week to watch the development of one infant, I am often pondering “what goes on in that little head?” The other night, we spent a pleasant several minutes watching her trying to navigate putting her pacifier in her mouth. At five months of age, she doesn't understand cause and effect or …