What do you do when you’ve got a grown-up kid in the hospital half a continent away? Jump on a plane? Stick by the phone? 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.
I Took His Name. Isn’t It About Time He Took Mine?
I took his name when we got married. Would my husband like to return the favor by adding my name to his? Read more.
A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri
We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.
Kids and Money: A Six-Year-Old Learns the Art of the Deal
Some kids dream of growing up to be an astronaut, a vet or a rock star. Our kid had his eyes on the bottom line — on the folding stuff. Read more.
The American Flag Is Flying in My Liberal, Elitist, San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhood Today. Here’s Why.
‘The right wingers don’t own the American flag flag,’ I said as my husband hung the Stars and Stripes from our garage. ‘It’s my flag too.’ Read more.