My heart remains full from last week’s Laker gathering in Saratoga in honor of my brother’s milestone birthday. Being able to spend a couple of nights with friends we have shared since middle school is a gift none of us take for granted. We’re very, very lucky. The timing of my brother’s birthday coincided … Continue reading Fiddling while home burns
Category: aging
My kidney stone baby
More than a quarter of a century ago, as I labored to deliver my second son (VBAC, pitocin, sans pain medication), his uncle passed a kidney stone. For a short time, distracted by his own pain, Uncle M’s delivery eclipsed my own. The family didn’t learn about the new Lilly until later in the day … Continue reading My kidney stone baby
In a swoon over Schroon
Aloysius, one of my oldest friends, and his wife have a home up north which they bought in the last couple of years. He describes the lake it is on as being similar to Greenwood Lake, where we grew up, but with the benefit of not having been trashed by a combination of long ago … Continue reading In a swoon over Schroon
5 8
Beyond the fact that it is inevitable, growing old isn’t easy in any fashion. While I certainly have moments of feeling frustrated by changes in my skin, brain and body, most days I feel pretty comfortable with the process. I think it helps that I try to remain aware that most of the women presented … Continue reading 5 8
I haven’t forgotten
It was a new school year, my first in the school district where I later received tenure for the second time. The book salesman was late for our introductory meeting. When he arrived he was flustered and he apologized in a distracted fashion. ”A plane flew into one of the twin towers,” he told me. … Continue reading I haven’t forgotten
Wellfleet, 2024
It had been close to a perfect day. There was a breakfast which was not only tasty af but also kicked two items (a Mac’s fish burger and the dregs of Saturday’s wedding’s artichoke dip) off the leftovers list. Later, yet still in the morning, warm blueberry crumble, with a dollop of plain yogurt, also … Continue reading Wellfleet, 2024
My dog days
As the annual week in Wellfleet inches towards its end, the level of connection I’m feeling with my dog is at its maximum. He and I have been doing this together for a long time. Never do I understand him more than here, on the Cape, in late summer. I’ve learned that he follows me … Continue reading My dog days






