It’s been just about exactly twenty-one years since I last painted the upstairs bathroom. I’m not always so clear with years and dates, but this one is easy to remember because I was pregnant with my second son. My water broke as I raced to get the newly renovated third floor of our house prepared … Continue reading Painterly thoughts
Tag: family
Memories of the 2020 Pandemic
Even when the skies are grey and intermittently spitting some combination of rain and snow, one must believe that the sun will come out again and shine. It just has to. One day we’ll reflect back on these times and what we learned from the unimagined challenges of today. I wonder how we’ll be different. … Continue reading Memories of the 2020 Pandemic
Where to stay in NYC?
Over the years I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in New York City. Most of them have been perfectly fine, especially since I’ve only required accommodations for a single night or maybe two. There have been a couple that I won’t book again - The Empire across from Lincoln Center comes immediately to mind. … Continue reading Where to stay in NYC?
Recuperation under the watchful eyes of a Labrador nurse
Being a patient is not really my thing. I’m not sure if that comes from growing up without the presence of an overly indulgent parent or simply being uncomfortable with too much personal attention, but either way, I prefer to be alone when I’m not feeling 100%. Meniscus surgery recovery has been remarkably undramatic. The … Continue reading Recuperation under the watchful eyes of a Labrador nurse
The cost of Free Lunch
Monday, YALSA, the young adult librarian services arm of the American Library Association, awarded the 2020 nonfiction award to Rex Ogle’s Free Lunch a small book that left a huge impact on this reader. The memoir tells the story of Rex’s first semester of sixth grade in Texas. He’s just entered middle school, a milestone for which … Continue reading The cost of Free Lunch
Weepy in the light of the full moon
Generally, I’m not much of a cryer. I’m not boasting when I say that. Trust me when I say there are moments when I wish for little more than a sob session to release the emotions that at times well up inside me and practically beg to get out. Honestly, tears would be welcome. But, … Continue reading Weepy in the light of the full moon
Holiday gifts, 2019
Christmas Eve dinner with all my favorite guys at our favorite Chinese place. Learning the blue jay song on a walk with Jeter at Albany Muni. Now I can identify two bird calls! A new kitchen faucet and dish draining rack, because I’m a 50 something homeowner. The gift of safe travel via train and … Continue reading Holiday gifts, 2019