The antique bricks in our garden staircase are pavers. They were made for the streets of San Francisco 100 years ago. Too bad the staircase is falling apart. Read more.
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
I’m Worried About the Hagia Sophia: A Push to Make It a Mosque Again
Turkey’s Erdogan wants to dismantle his country’s secular traditions. I’m worried about the Hagia Sophia — will he turn it back into a mosque? Read more.
This Summer I’d Like to Travel to the Ends of — My Back Yard. Sheltering at Home Week 16
With COVID-19 cases spiking, it seems riskier than ever to travel. My back yard beckons — but our rickety garden stairs pose risks of their own. Read more.
Our New Digs — A Room-by-Room Video. Sheltering at Home. Week 16
We took out that kitchen wall. We weren’t sure we’d like all that openness. Check out this room-by-room video and decide for yourself. Read more.
My Nasty New Hair Stylist Has Given Me a Cool New Look. Sheltering at Home Week 15
My hair is getting really long, 4-plus inches, and kinda loose and sexy, thanks to my nasty new hair stylist, COVID-19. Am I done with the Judy Dench look? Read more.
The Lights Are On. But the Guests Have Yet to Arrive. Sheltering in (Our Brand New) Place. Week 15
See the renovated details of our brand new place. Lighting. Millwork. Floors. All designed to wecome guests who, sadly, won’t be coming by any time soon. Read more.