Category Archives: Memoir
June 1968: All’s Right With the World
Photo: Hank Walker School was almost out for the year, but the morning had dawned brisk, and a little chilly. By lunchtime, though, the day turned warm. I pushed up the sleeves of my green Garland sweater, wishing I’d … Continue reading
Posted in Memoir, Rochester, Schools, Teachers, Transitions
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Rest Well, Old Girl
I woke up early today, and pulled on my black yoga pants and a plain t shirt. I barely combed my hair. No need to look in the mirror; It was not a morning for makeup. I’d shower after a … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Domesticity, Family, Memoir, Transitions
Tagged Cushing's Disease, Death, Dog, family, Goodbyes, Pet, Veterinarian
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What Does Polyester Have To Do With Playing Monopoly?
Aunt Effie was the trendsetter in our family. She and Uncle Orlie built a tidy brick ranch house on what would become the good side of town. She was the first to have a dishwasher, a family room with … Continue reading
Posted in Domesticity, Family, Memoir, Parents and children
Tagged Aunt, family, Ironing, Laundry, learning, Memoir, Polyester, Trendsetter
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Off The Radar: Reflecting On The Common Cold
The first twinge came on Monday – a trace of dryness in my eyes. Maybe nothing. Maybe the lighting at work, or a little eye strain. But I knew better. It was the first sign. On Tuesday, it escalated to … Continue reading
It Started Like Any Other Day At School
The summer before the Columbine shootings, I worked at a middle school. Our French teacher was taking a leave of absence, and we scheduled a full day of interviews. Positions for French teachers were scarce, so we had lots of … Continue reading
Posted in Issues, Memoir, Opinion, Parents and children, Schools, Teachers
Tagged Education, Families, Leadership, Schools, Teaching, Violence
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Parade Day
The first Sunday in December is a big day in my home town. Main Street closes down by 10 in the morning; traffic is diverted a mile or so west, and everyone knew that there will be a few spots … Continue reading
Legacy
The kids were toddlers, and money was tight. The TV ad promised hours of holiday fun with the “Disney Christmas” LP; I must have seen the ad a dozen times before I dared to give it much thought. With shipping, … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Learning, Memoir, Obsessions, Parents and children, Uncategorized
Tagged children, Christmas, Holidays, learning, Memoir, Music, Parenting, traditions
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Turkey Mummy
Yesterday I went to three different grocery stores. Thanksgiving is next week, and my shopping list was ready to go. For everyday shopping, I almost always keep a skeletal grocery list on my cell phone, and browse just a few … Continue reading
Posted in Balance, Domesticity, Holidays, Memoir, Obsessions, Overwhelmed
Tagged cooking, flipping out, overwhelmed, Thanksgiving, turkey
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How Willing? How Able?
There isn’t a corner of Ann Arbor, Michigan that isn’t touched by the University of Michigan. From the big block “M” on the Diag, the campus weaves through town like tangled yarn. When I started college there, my dorm held … Continue reading
Making A List….Checking It Twice
‘Tis the season for making lists of all kinds. I’ve always been a “list” type of person and still find joy in crossing things off of my various lists as they are completed. Friends Jay (www.twowomenblogging.blogspot.com) and KJ Dell’Antonia (http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/should-kids-write-their-own-holiday-gift-lists/ … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Memoir, Obsessions, Parents and children, Uncategorized
Tagged Christmas, family, traditions
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The Quality of the Day 