Curiosity and Chairs
A few days ago, my husband and I visited Fred Dodson, a furniture and cabinet-maker in Charlottesville, to discuss chairs for the dining, coffee and end tables that he made for our mountain house. Walking through the back door of his workshop, we sang our greetings...
I clean therefore I am
One of my favorite childhood possessions was a book titled How to Grow Up in One Piece. Each page contained a humorous lesson about people, places and things around the house, such as, doors. Doors were either open or closed, the text explained, but one could never...
New Year’s Resolutions
Last week, I wrote about my son at age 10, the beginning of the double digits. This week, I begin the New Year with a story about my daughter when she was 10 years old. As recorded in a letter to my parents, here is what she wrote on her marker board on January 2,...
Christmas Gifts, Then and Now
Wednesday, November 10, 1993 Dear Mother and Daddy, It is another cool, grey day with a promise of sun – typical late fall in Dallas. Thank you so much for the 12 days of Christmas glasses. They are so pretty and will help us remember the lyrics. After 8 Maids ‘a...
I’ve been a good dog
Dear Santa, I was a good dog this year. Every morning, I made sure that Keith and Carole got up early, and I took Carole for her walk. Then I helped with leftovers from breakfast and lunch. All day, I guarded the house, growled and barked at intruders: delivery...
Christmas Cookies
At Christmastime, many of us decorate our homes and offices, send greetings, visit family and give gifts more than usual. My children and I always baked cookies to thank teachers, neighbors, friends and colleagues. After my children left the nest, holiday cookie...