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Stress enough for all in back-to-school routine
Today we register my son at school. As we approach the brick entrance, he mutters, “Man, I hope I don’t run into anyone I know.” Seconding that motion, Kee-moe-sah-bee. I’m hefting around an extra 10 pounds since May. I’m out of my fat jeans, into …Read More
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You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to ... but frappé?
Rolling home in the vanster, I asked my youngest if he was hungry. That’s such a foolish question, considering he is male and a teenager. A pediatrician once prophesied that I would never be able to keep a food supply in the house once my …Read More
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Channel surfing enough to wipe out a TV viewer
The family is fed and post-dinner, the dishes soak in sudsy warm water in the kitchen. I grab a glass of ice water and pad into the bedroom, intent on watching the news. Any stress I had is amplified listening to the grim anchor, from …Read More
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Ashes to ashes: Eulogy for the emerald ash tree
Before we dropped him off, my son’s friend gestured upward. “Look at all the trees dying,” he said. “It’s from the emerald ash borer.” As I stared, the turn signal from the van’s dashboard seemed to click louder. I began counting. One, three, seven ... …
Seeing oldest son off to work is job unto itself
My oldest son landed a part-time job this week. His new employer is a local grocery chain. He’ll be a bagger and all-around worker. We’re thrilled, of course. It’s a terrible economy and he’s really lucky. Inevitably this brought back memories of my first part-time …
