Our shabby old patio was a mess when we first laid eyes on it forty-two years ago. Today, it’s still not a pretty sight. Time for a redo. Read more.
DON'T MISS!
I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.
Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."
Why Do ‘Those People’ Make Me So Mad? A Philosopher Sheds Some Light. Sheltering at Home Week 20
When we address “those people,” do we really want to be heard? Or do we just want to get mad, feel righteous and force our desired outcomes on those “other” people? Read more.
World Hunger — Is It Up to Me to Fix It? Sheltering at Home Week 20
The bare dirt spot in my garden is taking up more real estate in my brain than world hunger, homelessness and disruption. Read more.
I Finally Got to Go Shopping. Here’s How That Worked Out. Sheltering at Home Week 19
After months of sheltering at home, I got in my car to do some actual brick-and-mortar shopping. A favorite retailer had other plans for me. 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.