July 29, 2019 Raise your hand if you and your partner have ever argued over how high to hang a picture. Raise your other hand if you have ever lazily hung a picture on a nail left by the last resident. Okay, now that we’ve created a nationwide wave, put your arms down. My friends, […]
July 22, 2019 “Are you okay?” My husband asks, coming into the family room worried, as he should be. I am doubled over crying with laughter, holding my ribs. I can barely breathe let alone explain. What started as simple research for a column turned into a binge […]
July 15, 2019 Three years ago, when their youngest child was 15, Paula and Paul Loftus ran the numbers, and, after a brief analysis, foresaw that this child, too, would very likely finish high school, and go away to college, just like his older brother and sister. And that meant one thing: They would be […]
If you want to cause a stir, put two experts on the social graces together, and bring up the subject of thank you cards. You know, those little notes your mother told you to write that you thought were a waste of time and postage? “My friends and I all roll our eyes about this […]
July 1, 2019 “What do you want for your birthday?” my brother asked. This is the same brother who once suggested my parents give me to a couple who couldn’t have children. Our relationship has improved. I had zippo ideas. Don’t tell DC this, but I don’t need anything. In fact, I need a little […]
June 24, 2019 My husband, DC, and I are in the doghouse. That is, our house is under canine government now that the dogs outnumber us three to two. The newest member, recently rescued from one of our kids, is a 14-month-old, exuberant hound mix. Luke, whom we renamed after a saint whose help we […]
June 17, 2019 As soon as I sized up the situation, I knew, despite my selfish reservations, what to do. Someone had once done the same for me. I got a confirming nod from my husband, DC, then said to the kids, “We’ll take the dog.” DC’s son and his wife were in a tough […]
June 10, 2019 Years ago I got my hair professionally done for a wedding, and I remember the stylist saying, “I’m going to make it look like you did it yourself.” At which point I thought, “Then why am I paying you?” Never mind that my hair didn’t look at all like I did it […]
June 3, 2019 “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” ― Chinese proverb If you are breathing right now, thank a tree. While you’re at it, thank it not only for giving off oxygen, but also for cleaning the air, conserving water, preventing soil runoff, […]
May 27, 2019 It’s just stuff, the decluttering experts and articles tell you. Well, I say, it’s not just stuff. And now I have backup. In fact, I will go as far as to say the word “just” doesn’t belong in the same sentence as “stuff.” This point came driving home to me boldfaced and […]
