Going for Gold!

There is a bridge on the road to my parents’ home in New Jersey. Ten years ago, it washed out in a Spring flood. It was replaced with a temporary bridge… that has stood in that spot for the ten years since. Recently, construction for a new permanent bridge was begun. It is being funded…
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is a Thanksgiving morning tradition in our home. This year’s parade provided more than colorful floats, melodic bands, and giant balloons, it provided comic relief: During a commercial break, Patrick and the kids were telling me about the Smurf float in the parade. Now as a child of the 80s,…
“Gandma, we moobin,” announced Connor to my Mom at dinner tonight. “You are?” chuckled Grandma. “Wes, to a house wib a parm!” (Translation: to a house with a farm). We have often joked that we are raising two little farm boys in a town home in Northern Virginia, but plans to move to a farm…
Driving home from swimming lessons today, Connor announced he was starting a new collection. Now, in our family, this is by no means an outrageous announcement; we are a family of collectors. And so, without much thought, I asked, “What kind of collection?”“A pet collection, Mommy!,” came the excited answer. “Connor,” I said, “You already…
Today Connor was bouncing and climbing up and down the stairs, over the back of the couch, on the kitchen chairs,… he was in constant motion! I chided him saying, “Connor, you are such a monkey!,” to which he replied straight-faced, “I mot (not) a monkey, I a sheep!” Connor’s class has been learning about…
The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love was on the radio. Connor listened carefully, and then stated emphatically, “Incorrect! That song’s not true! You need water and food and shelter and maybe friends, too… not just love.” And he was right… sometimes, love is not enough: In Memory: James Coburn II July 30, 1975 –…