Faces and Places
A Homeless Man Whose Face I Won't Forget
“Faces and Places.” The title comes from a gentle, sentimental Tom Paxton song written decades ago. Yet, it now comes to mind in a completely different context. Read more
Stories About Arthritic Adventures
Today’s Magic Words? Two-Day Free Delivery
Throw in "Easy to Return" and It Really is a Magical Retail Moment
Most girls go gah-gah when their guy whispers “I love you.” While those words are sweet, I, a die-hard New York shopaholic, prefer a man who murmurs a decidedly different set of magic words: “I can get it for you wholesale.” Better still, if he — tall, dark, and a retailer, proclaims he can provide two-day free delivery, I’m all his. If not, I’m just as likely to shout in my best Brooklynese, “fuggedaboudit.” Read more
Wildfire Evacuation Critics
I Thought I Had My To-Go Bag in the Bag!
We just weathered a wildfire evacuation alert. We were warned that come morning, we’d likely need to leave our home. I prepared for the worst, loading the car with clothes, medicine, and irreplaceable photos and mementos. Thanks to the skill of firefighters, we didn’t have to leave. Still, afterward, there were consequences! I faced a choir of wildfire evacuation critics, who complained my emergency packing measures fell short of “their” expectations! Read more
Sweating the Small Stuff
Classic Kitchen Conundrums
Some people ponder big philosophical questions — the meaning of life, who wrote the book of love. Weighty stuff like that. Me? I’m stuck sweating the small stuff. What’s the difference between a large and a small shallot? Can I refreeze meat I’ve already taken out of the freezer? And do you have to rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher? Read more
My Kid Won’t Call, but My Doctor Won’t Quit
Doctor's Office Reminders Are Making Me Sick
It’s truth. My kid won’t call, but my doctor won’t quit. He’s relentless. Texting. Emailing. Calling. Nonstop reminders about upcoming appointments. He’s a regular pain in the neck! Read more
Horsing around … Seriously!
A new hobby contender?
Get ready, Olympiads. There’s a new sport on the horizon. Hobby horsing! And I’m not horsing around … Seriously! Read more
Overrun with Cats and Kittens
My Latest Infestation
Infestations continue to rule my life. First, came the neighborhood creepy crawling caterpillars and snakes. Then, came the fungus gnats swarming my beloved indoor plants. Now, I face the most insidious infestation of all. My Facebook feed is overrun with cats, kittens, and German shepherds. Read more
National Award News!
Happy News. Happy Orthopedic Boot Dance.
Exciting news to share! My Matzo Chronicles column just won a national journalism award. Read more
Don’t Ask Me. I Won’t/Can’t Dance
A Two-Footed Lament
It’s the start of Week Four after (double) foot surgery and while the pain is finally starting to subside, definitely don’t ask me. I won’t/can’t dance.
“Double foot surgery?” you query, wondering rightly whether I have a screw (or a shoelace) loose. Read more
Giving Your Guy Grief
"Ba da ba ba ba. I'm lovin' it"
Sometimes, Ladies, there is no greater joy than giving your guy grief. I mean the joy of a good “I told you so” is a thing of beauty. Am I right or am I right? Of course, I’m right! Read more