Category Archives: Family

Espresso Shots Part 2: We Added Stuff And Now We’re Fancy

It’s cold here today, at least by southern standards. My run was done at 36 degrees this morning because the cowards I swim with voted to close the pool. Seriously, why do that? The pool is heated. OK, getting out and dashing through the dimly-lit chill isn’t a thrill, but it’s not that far toContinue reading “Espresso Shots Part 2: We Added Stuff And Now We’re Fancy”

WWHD? (What Would Hilda Do)?

To misquote The Beatles, When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary does not come to me. The question, WWHD, or What Would Hilda Do, is what I often ask myself instead. Hilda Bernstein was my great-aunt, my father’s aunt, and his mother’s sister-in-law, to make things clear (or not). She was quiteContinue reading “WWHD? (What Would Hilda Do)?”

Mom’s Life In A Box

My mother passed away almost 10 years ago, and it was time to finish what we started a few years back: getting rid of the paperwork mountain she collected over the years. My mother did not own a shredder, or a computer, or a belief system that allowed her to part with any piece ofContinue reading “Mom’s Life In A Box”

My House Is Stupid Clean Now

The place has not looked this good for 106 days. That’s how long it’s been since my foot surgery, when I panic-cleaned for a week. I know. Even I am shocked by this. It’s been since Thanksgiving, 2019 that company has crossed our threshold. Prepping for visitors is hard work. Even if they are peopleContinue reading “My House Is Stupid Clean Now”

Company’s Coming! Or, The New World Version Of Face Time With Family

Next weekend, we get to do something we have not done in a year and a half. We host a family member in our house. Funny how strange this is. Pre-COVID, I never would have thought about it, beyond the usual tidy up the place and make sure our visitor (my niece) will be comfortableContinue reading “Company’s Coming! Or, The New World Version Of Face Time With Family”

Well, You Asked Me For An Honest Opinion, Right?

Why on earth do people start out a conversation with “Can I get your honest opinion about something?” only to get mad when you provide the requested honest opinion? And worse, why do you ask an older person for an honest opinion? Most of the time, we’re going to give you just that, because weContinue reading “Well, You Asked Me For An Honest Opinion, Right?”

I Ate Bread In The Car And Turned Into My Mother

Did you know it’s a mistake to go into a grocery store early in the morning? It’s true. Not because it’s a bad time to shop (it’s actually pretty empty and easy to get in and get out fast), but because it’s a bad time to know the store has a bakery. We may eatContinue reading “I Ate Bread In The Car And Turned Into My Mother”