I learned a trick from a book I never read, just skimmed: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, by John Gray. I would probably have fits at some of the things Mr. Gray teaches. But I remember only one point, and it made sense to me. He said when your husband is in his […]
And Won’t Come Out Read More »
—see previous post here— Without making too many blanket statements, let’s try this one on for size: Every man has a hobby or two that his wife finds at best, excessive—at worst, little short of completely ridiculous. (Hurray for marriage! I truly love this journey.) I call these hobbies Man Caves. I don’t mean in
What To Do When He’s In His Cave Read More »
Confession: I’ve got a lady-in-training around my house, and I’m terrified. Boys are difficult in their own way—bullheaded and rash—but they’re soft-hearted beneath, easy to get to. This girl thing of angel one day, minx the next is harder to get a hold of. And without big sisters, her only day-to-day pattern is her mother.
Sugar and spice, and snark Read More »
She calls him “Ampa Eli” and he calls her “little dumplins,” though he does not understand who she is, or where she came from. Enya sings One by one my leaves fall, one by one my tales are told… She says adios, says adios, goodbye.
What we did this weekend Read More »
…because it begged to be written. But I must specify–this is an angry wife, specifically. Do not try it with your next irritable cashier or irate colleague. *** 1. Shut up. By all means. 2. Take a moment to ponder in silence a couple of very important questions: Is she a) miffed, or b) furious?
The Ten Best Ways to Comfort an Angry Woman Without Losing Your Hide Read More »
Confession: This time of September is always slightly morbid for me. In 1997, my great-grandmother passed, just when the news was full of the passing of Princess Diana. Death struck close to me for the first time since early childhood, a chilling reminder of frailty and mortality. In 2001, a boy from my youth group
Till the current ends Read More »
Once upon a time, back in the dim antiquity when I was young, I sat with my father at a picnic table, our plates heaped with goodness. My father had helped me through the food line, sat with me to eat. Across the table sat another father with a younger girl, blonde hair braided and
A childhood memory Read More »
Confession: I stayed up till 1:30 am one night tracing it all the way back, as far as I could, until Krabill was spelled Krayenbuhl and there were names without dates. No Native American that I could find, though I’m not done yet. I have a new fetish: ancestor hunting. I chased them back across
120. Exit 147A, the most lovely in the country. I’m home! 119. Safety in travel 118. A chance to see my grandpa one more time 117. Living generations of faithfulness 116. An extended family that loves and accepts me, cares about my life Confession: Going to family reunions is an education in itself. You learn
Learning about family Read More »
Confession: All you need to mother a teenage boy is a shooting range, nerves of steel, and about a ton of provender. We adopted my kid brother for half a week while my parents toured Ireland. Based on this extensive experience, I compiled a list—Traits of Adolescent Boys. They are starving an hour after lunch.
Observations on a 13-year-old boy Read More »