In Bologna they call them umarells, men hanging around building sites, watching people working with their hands. I’m an umarell. Here’s why. Read more.
ON THE FUNNY SIDE
Need some levity? Read on!
Quarantine Hair: I’ve Got Curls All Over My Head. How Did That Happen? Sheltering at Home Week 22
Out of the blue, my hair has begun sprouting Shirley Temple ringlets. I’ve got curls, adorable curls. What the heck? I didn’t know my hair could curl. 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.
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.
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.