ArchivesMay, 2009

It's way past time for my boys to get haircuts. I'm definitely dreading the whole thing, because of the arguments that will take place before, during, and after the haircuts.  My teenager wants to grow his hair; as long as he can see out, he's happy.  And his little brother, who is plagued by cowlicks Continue Reading

Being the squeamish sort, I don't do horror movies. I've tried--really, I have.  In high school, I couldn't wait until The Amityville Horror was shown on TV.  I had read the book multiple times, and was excited to see how it would translate into a movie. I lasted until that really creepy exterior shot of Continue Reading

Graduation season is upon us.  Caps and gowns, Pomp and Circumstance, diplomas, the whole bit. Every school likes to have something that makes their graduation different from every other school.  Graduations are like weddings in that regard, but without Bridezilla.  It's more than speeches and the tossing of the hat these days.  The high school Continue Reading

Of course I realize that Memorial Day is NOT a weird holiday! In fact, this is the most solemn holiday of all.  On this day we remember those soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen who gave their lives in the service of our country.   We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Continue Reading

This is a big weekend for parades--and I can't wait. Memorial Day weekend officially began last night when the Boy Scouts and the American Legion placed flags on the graves of all the deceased veterans in town.  That, the color guard in the parade, and the presentation of a memorial wreath at the monument downtown Continue Reading

If my grandmother were still alive today, she'd be changing her spring curtains for summer ones right about now.  She had different curtains for every season (but they all looked alike to me).  And until she reached her eighties, she would change her curtains herself, and wash the windows as well.  Did I mention that Continue Reading

Last weekend my dad joined our Boy Scout troop on a bicycle trip along a canal path here in New Jersey.   I think he was relieved that this was just a bike trip--last year it was a whole weekend and he had to sleep in a tent.  He's happy to ride 100 miles in a Continue Reading

As summer approaches, it's time to make sure that your first-aid kit is ready.  I was reminded of this last week when we attended a family party.  All the kids found their way outside the meeting hall and were playing pickup baseball in a nearby field.  Of course, my youngest took a spill on some Continue Reading

It's mid-May and we're coming up fast on summertime. It certainly feels like summer around here right now; the kids are in shorts and the ceiling fans are spinning like crazy. I know that we've got a whole week to go before the Unofficial Start of Summer, but I'm ready for some grilled chicken and Continue Reading

This weekend my kids' school is collecting books for an upcoming used-book sale.  I have plenty of books around here that are in good condition and that I am willing to donate.  All I have to do is box them up and put them in the car. Once I get a few boxes of books Continue Reading