How to Keep Your Mama Happy

One of my sons called me last week – on his way home from work. We had a nice, substantive, fifteen-minute conversation. This is pretty much what we do now that he is married, a father, has a job with big responsibilities and a long daily commute. The next night my phone rang. I glanced at Continue reading


Ten Ways to Stay Happily Married

After the wedding bells stop chiming, how do you sustain the marital magic? After 39 years of being married to the same man, I’ve got a few ideas on keeping the spark burning and the affection flowing toward – not away from – each other. 1. When you get home at night, greet each other Continue reading


What It Took Me 68 Years To Do: Riding the Rails All By Myself

I am not a native New Yorker. In fact, I have never even lived in “The City” for any extended amount of time, though I visit often. I hear horror stories centering on confusion about what bus goes where, the need for exact change in quarters and the intricacy of figuring out bus schedules. So, Continue reading


Lessons Learned From a Less Than Fully Functional Dog

When our fourth son, Sam, unexpectedly brought home a lab puppy I was less than overjoyed. He assured me she was house trained; I then watched in horror as she took a major dump on the family room sisal rug. I was furious. That was three years ago and she’s still with us, though not Continue reading


Laboring to Shatter Entitlement Mind-Set

It’s flu season and the lack of available vaccines is raising concerns, especially among the elderly and those people in the category of “high risk.” Influenza is not joke, but there is another bug flitting around that is just as insidious to our well being. Affluenza – the term grabs my attention as soon as Continue reading


The Exhausting Saga of Trying to Remain Relevant in my Adult Sons’ Lives

Ok, no surprise. I have had a tough time letting my sons venture out on their own. Though that certainly never stopped them. Again, no surprise. I am also prone to negative ruminations over the fact that my sons – now flown and grown – seem to need me so little. And to go even Continue reading