Category Archives: Uncategorized

When I lived in Brooklyn there was a little park a block away that was the closest, most convenient place for the boys to play. It was run down and decrepit, with peeling paint on the equipment, but was nonetheless well utilized by local families and adults who regularly used the handball courts. Almost allContinue reading “people. make. change.”

From an article in Thursday’s paper: kitsugi, a way to mend shattered pottery, was developed hundreds of years ago in Japan; it was later embraced outside Japan as a philosophy of living: “Bad things can happen that might shatter us. But we don’t have to stay broken or hide our wounds. We can put ourselvesContinue reading “The Two Hour Vacation”

Nearing the End  Ruby is remarkably content in her old age, which is saying a lot. This morning on her walk she crouched down to do her business and then couldn’t get up. This has become more common but today was the worst day yet – she literally couldn’t raise herself back up and IContinue reading “Ends and Beginnings: a Dog’s Life”

Sunday I took a train into the city and the first subway I’ve taken in a year and a half to go and meet my great-nephew. He is so adorable it’s hard to put into words what it’s like being with a happy alert baby – already 9 months old, sitting up and grabbing things,Continue reading “Fighting for Happy”

Now that the weather is warm and businesses are open I’ve opted for a short summer haircut, which means visiting the barber (a hip guy place that also welcomes women with short hair) around every six weeks.  Like many people during the pandemic I’m out of practice with the small talk that transpires in aContinue reading “No News is No News”

On Doing Things You’re not Very Good at Oh to be like Uncle Harold, an exceptional doctor who also grew the best Jersey tomatoes I’ve ever had, or Uncle Zuni, a distinguished biochemist who had the most prolific vegetable garden I’ve ever seen. But alas I am a humble writer with a small plot ofContinue reading “My Purple Thumb”

Behavior: – Manner of conducting oneself: typical adolescent behavior includes being contrary. – Anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation. Monday morning minutes before the school bus arrives, V finds a fleece lined jacket in the downstairs closet: one he refused to wear all winter and I had forgotten all about.Continue reading “b is for behavior”

I had the pleasure of going to a BBQ with some of my cousins this week, with good food and conversation and familial warmth in the cool dusk.  I jumped at the invite, knowing such gatherings will likely be few and far between as the days continue getting longer and warmer and the summer seasonContinue reading “Reimagining Normal”

V had his J & J vaccine last week. I am relieved and grateful. How this came about: As I had written in an earlier post, V’s scheduled vaccine, like millions of others, was cancelled when the Johnson & Johnson shot was paused due to potential health risks. My wonderful cousin S read my postContinue reading “A is for Accommodations”

Earlier this week I was feeling lethargic due to a disruption of my circadian rhythm. I couldn’t have been more appreciative to feel so lousy, to have that unfamiliar sensation called jet lag after going so long without traveling, having spent 3 ½ days out in Portland, Oregon helping B get settled in his newContinue reading “A New Chapter”