family life

On yacht rock, Watergate and the charms of car chases

"Follow the money." Deep Throat "Are you a moviehead now?" our younger daughter asked. I'd been texting a list of things we've been watching -- many of them requiring English subtitles but with All the President's Men and the occasional Jason Bourne flick thrown in to give my husband a break. ( I may have… Continue reading On yacht rock, Watergate and the charms of car chases

gardening, recipes

House-itosis simmering pot

“The house smelled musty and damp, and a little sweet, as if it were haunted by the ghosts of long-dead cookies.” Neil Gaiman, British author I once had a friend who was a commercial herb grower. Her gardens were immense, of course, and filled with all sorts of interesting things. What fascinated me most about… Continue reading House-itosis simmering pot

outdoors

Savoring winter

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Hal Borland, American journalist/nature writer This time of year, I try to think like a skier, savoring what remains of winter rather than looking longingly at the March and April calendar pages. It's winter. And, while spring-like warmth is sneaking in a bit here and there,… Continue reading Savoring winter

family life

How to stay warm

"A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.” Markus Zusak, Australian writer, The Book Thief It is freezing here. Literally. Snow is falling outside the window seat where I am working. Tiny flakes, but it's dense enough one can tell it means business without consulting The Weather Channel. Yet more… Continue reading How to stay warm