I’d love to chat with the neighbor I spot on the street. But nothing’s happening in my locked-down life. I’ve got no gossip, no big news. I’m boring. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition
I’m Barbara Falconer Newhall and I’ve got an incurable Case of the Human Condition. And since you do too, I’m counting on you to laugh and cry along with me as I riff on life as we know it . . . Below you'll read about my creaky, old fifties house, my forays into home gardening, my shopping stories, my spectacularly low-fashion wardrobe -- and more.
My Pretty New Clothes — Shall I Just Wear Them Around the House? Sheltering at Home Week 10
My pretty new clothes. I bought them last fall. They’re just hanging in my closet. Shall I take them out and wear them to scrub pots and deadhead azaleas? Read more.
I Need a Haircut. Or do I? Sheltering at Home. Week 9
Nine weeks into the coronavirus shut-down, I’m wondering — do I need a haircut? What would happen if I just let it grow…and grow? Read more.
My Coronavirus Nightmare — I’m in a Crowd of People and I Forgot My Mask. Sheltering at Home Week 9
My psyche is no slouch. It’s keeping up with current events, and it’s invented a coronavirus nightmare to match the times. Read more.
At 78, I Still Have a Lot of Living to Do — Do the Deciders Care? Sheltering at Home Week 8
I’m 78 and I still have a lot of living to do. But I’m feeling marginalized by the coronavirus deciders — corporate leaders, power brokers, TV pundits. Read more.
Hallelujah! Our Porta-Potty Is Back. Construction Work Resumes. Sheltering at Home Week 8
Work on our remodel has been suspended for weeks. So, as construction work resumes, a porta-potty out front is a sight for sore eyes. Read more.
I Let the Maytag Man Into the House. And I Here’s What I Learned About Human Nature. Sheltering at Home Week 7
Plumber, handyman, Maytag Man, flood abatement guy. Four service people came into our house this week, bringing help and simple human kindness. Read more.