It’s Grandparents Day today. How to be a grandparent? I haven’t a clue. Why do we do it? I have some thoughts on that one. Read more.
My Ever-Changing Family
Our family shrinks and grows. People die. People get born. People get mad and won't talk to you for a while. Kids grow up and find partners of their own, and pretty soon there are brand-new in-laws. And a grandchild or two.
Petunias! A Shopping Success Story. Sheltering at Home Week 21
The plant nursery down the hill was open for business. Everybody wore masks. Carts were wiped down with bleach. And there were — petunias! Read more.
The Lost Art of the Telephone Conversation — Here’s What Happened to It. Sheltering at Home Week 14
I know why young people do all that texting. It’s because 21st-century wireless phones make for a lousy telephone conversation, and kids want to — talk. Read more.
Grandparenting Via Webcam — Helping Out Those Frazzled Parents. Sheltering a Home Week 13
Babysitting via webcam: The grandchildren are sheltering at home with their frazzled mom and dad. Can grandparents give parents a break from afar? 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.
A Marriage Proposal — The Man Said Yes
On Saturday Jon and I celebrated the 11th anniversary of our marriage proposal: Yesterday we celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary. What’s the catch? Read more.
A Crossword Puzzle Tip — And Poppies, Millions of Them
Six hundred miles and millions of poppies on California’s Interstate 5 — and one more Sunday NYT crossword puzzle bites the dust. Read more.