I held her hand through the forty-five minute MRI scan of her brain and chest. We had not shared such extended proximity to one another in decades. That afternoon she had crumpled on the sidewalk outside the senior center. After refusing medical attention, she was eventually lured into the ambulance by my cousin, who lives…
Category: Family
Color Magic
I finished John Kralik’s memoir, 365 Thank You’s, shortly before Valentine’s Day, that holiday extravaganza during which visions of treats and surprises burrow in the imagination of yours truly, a girl raised on fairy tales. Especially after reading about Kralik’s quest to recognize opportunities for gratitude and express appreciation, I made a conscious effort to…
Celebrations
Remember my grand-pup, Penny Lane? I call her the neighborhood Miss Marple. This is her favorite perch, where she stays on top of all of the comings and goings streetside. There is just something about the tilt of her head that feels regal, and that chubby paw pad — irresistible. I hadn’t been in the apartment…
Full House
We’ve had company this week: Penny Lane the basset hound, my very own grand-pup. Actually, she’s two, so she’s a tad beyond puppyhood. But still, it’s been like having a toddler again — whining when I’m out of sight, even for a minute; lots of messes to clean up; daily outings for fresh air and…
Last-Minute Holiday Knitting
It was a last-minute inspiration, but five days before Christmas I decided to make “His” & “Her” Dog-walking hats for my son and his girlfriend. After a conversation with someone in the locker room at the gym, I decided that a polar fleece lining would make the hats really cozy, for those 5:00 a.m. treks…
Artist Date: Audio Style
My Uncle Milton (on the right) and his four-hand piano partner, John, tell us about the Mozart sonata they have been practicing in preparation for a Labor Day concert for their wives. Today I was fortunate enough to sit in on a dress rehearsal. What a treat! The stars warm up and settle their nerves…
Gratitude
If in the darkest hours, one can recognize gratitude, the whole world begins to look different. Brushing and braiding my neice’s hair on Sunday afternoon was just what I needed. That and a little puppy therapy.
Valentine’s Day Photo Essay
Heart-y chocolate chip pancakes for my sweetheart. I made my own “forms” using strips of folded aluminum foil. If you want to see the how-to pics, just post a comment and I’ll get back to you. I was particularly excited about setting up this little photo shoot, as I received a macro lens from hubby…
Christmas in January
We celebrated Christmas this weekend. With my hubby’s clan. Whether there’s a holiday or not, there’s always lots of good food and a beautifully set table at their place. This is the Zig Zag hat I made for my very appreciative mother-in-law. The yarn is Claudia’s handpainted merino, a delight to work with. Blocking flat was recommended…
Monkey Quilt Finished Just in time
Omar found his package, wrapped and ready, under the Christmas tree when he came to visit on Boxing Day. We don’t really celebrate Boxing Day, but I think it’s nice to have an official holiday name to give that day following the Big One, when there’s still visiting and gift exchanging to be done and…