Dear Sophie, Benjy, Charlie, Bobbie, Lucy, Levi, Remi and Zoe, It is now December, 2024. By the way you measure time, I’m sure you are thinking I am ancient – since I am 77 years old. You may be wondering why I am still putting myself out there – pushing limits and boundaries? That is Continue reading

I do a lot of reading about the fine art of grandparenting. Even so, I always seem to run short of the ideal matriarch.  I love when experts urge us to give voice to sharing our past struggles and challenges with our grandkids so they will know that difficulties are surmountable. I find this hard. When we Continue reading

I realize that some of my readers have views in contrast to mine. In all due respect, I submit the following: I am not proud to say this, but ever since the election I have stopped watching the news. I am concentrating on cleaning closets, rigidly following my to-do list and nesting with great intensity. While Continue reading

Thanksgiving was my Mom’s holiday. Not only did she host it for years, but anyone she knew who didn’t have a place to go, knew they had a welcome seat at her and my Dad’s Thanksgiving table. So it’s not surprising I am waxing nostalgic this week and to counteract my churning feelings, I hunted Continue reading

I was thinking yesterday about what advice for living would I give my eight grandchildren if they asked me when I see them over Thanksgiving.They probably won’t ask, but just in case this is what I would tell them:Consciously “handcraft” your own life. What does that even mean? A hand-crafted life is a life that is Continue reading

I am the first to admit I am no scholar of American History. In 11th grade, when our curriculum dictated we learn about the American Revolution and the Civil War, I was way too busy learning how to pluck my eyebrows, apply mascara and, most of all, attract boys.  It’s only in later years, having acquired knowledge of Continue reading

The election is over. I have very strong emotions – as many of us do – about the outcome. Too soon to process it all. Maybe in another few weeks….. For now I’m writing an unrelated column. My mother was an only child. When my parents married, my mom became very close to my dad’s only sister. Continue reading

I’ve been thinking lot about the subject of loss lately – all around me there are people I know who have lost their homes due to Florida’s two unwanted visitors: Helene and Milt. And, of course, the election is just days away. And someone will win and someone will lose – even if the results are Continue reading

Like so many of us lately, I was tired and in a hurry as I zoomed down the aisles of a Publix near me, pushing the cart in front of me. However, at checkout, I did take the time to compliment the cashier on her very cool, oversized lime green glasses. I wheeled my bagged purchases out Continue reading

Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control., we have to re-think and revise. Start with my newsletter – which has never come out on any other day but Friday, at 3pm. And today is NOT Friday at 3 pm. BUT THIS COULDN’T WAIT! When Helene and Milt paid us a visit, my first thought was to cancel the Continue reading