This microwave may or may not be safe – anyone got a canary?
Approximately two weeks ago, the scene in our kitchen was a lot like scenes in any other kitchen where three generations try to find something to eat without killing each other. In front of the microwave, my kids lined up with their oatmeal, behind Husband with his coffee, behind Mom with her tea, and behind [...]
Can’t you read the signs?
I’m a big believer in analysis. Life doesn’t always come at us in obvious ways; most of the time we have to be able to see messages from beyond in the subtlety of signs. It isn’t easy. When I walk two blocks from the office, why do I get lost walking back? I am able [...]
How to talk to your children… when they are middle-aged and moody
I feel bad when I hear people who are my age complaining about an estranged relationship with their parents. I’ve always been close with my parents, despite so many differences, and yet what works for us doesn’t always work for others. A good relationship requires work. Let’s face it. Our parents didn’t understand us when [...]
Two ways to watch World Cup action with grumpy old men who think soccer sucks (without killing them and then yourself)
My children are sports fans. It doesn’t matter if a puck or ball is involved, or even a race car; they enjoy the rivalry, drama, intrigue, and suspense surrounding physical competition and a winner’s trophy. Husband loves this about them. Not that he would love our sons any less if they were into Tom Cruise [...]
How to get along with your parents when they lose their hearing so you won’t lose your mind
Dad handed me a brochure. “Improving communication with the hearing impaired,” I read the title out loud. “This isn’t going to suggest I watch Wheel of Fortune so we have something to talk about during happy hour, is it?” “My doctor said I should let the family read it.” He tapped his ears. “I have [...]
No sex please, unless you’ve earned it
Camille Paglia’s op-ed for The New York Times last week made me laugh. While entertaining and a great way to learn new words for grad school, her column is nonetheless way off track. I agree with Paglia that most women suffering from low libidos don’t need a Viagra-like pill; however, we disagree on a) why [...]
16 ways to enjoy a high school reunion
This past weekend, Husband and I attended another one of those “let’s get together and reminisce about a time when we could bend down and touch our toes” events. Reunions are tricky, I tend to avoid mine, but this particular crew of groovy graduates is terrific. They love my husband and don’t seem to mind [...]
Fun conversations with my parents – ongoing
Have you met my dad? He’s a kinder, gentler Archie Bunker who looks a little like Dick Cheney. For years, we worried about his health, but recently, through sheer will and determination, he put his love of pork products on hold to lose about twenty-five pounds and cut his diabetes meds in half. We are [...]
“But I’ve been drinking cranberry juice.”
Seven months ago, my doctor’s office called about a blood test. Focused on my platelet count and thyroid numbers, I didn’t really pay attention to her other concerns. “The test shows you have a urinary tract infection,” she said. “But I’ve been drinking cranberry juice for years,” I said. “Cosmopolitans don’t count, Catherine.” “Besides, I [...]
When you grow older in the town you grew up in
Isn’t it fun running into people who know you from somewhere? If you are growing older in the same town you grew up in, surely you have conversations like this almost everywhere you go. It can’t just be me, right? With few exceptions, Blast From the Past and I relive our youth, determine how we [...]
Catherine Durkin Robinson
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VOTE!
she’s crafty
