I hadn't been able to figure out how to talk about the devastating effects of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. After all, Boston barely got a taste of the storm's potential. No trees fell in my yard, my basement didn't get flooded again, we didn't even lose power. The biggest inconvenience I "suffered" was driving into Cranston, RI to discover work had ( Read more... )

The scene: Last night, Fenway Park. I am at the Red Sox game with my MOM, DAD and BROTHER. Due to some awesome family connections, we have amazing seats ( Read more... )

The fam and I just got back from an epic, four-day visit to Brooklyn (and boy, are our arms tired!). Seriously though, we ARE tired. The trip was fun-filled, non-stop and involved so much eating and drinking I need to subsist on leaves and water for the next few months just to undo all the damage ( Read more... )

The scene: The kitchen, this morning. We have just finished our (second) breakfast of corn muffins and bacon. The table is clear of everything but a recipe box and a toy dinosaur. The INSANE CLOWN BEAGLE puts her nose up and goes for the toy ( Read more... )

The scene: My parents' dining room, after dinner. Most people have wandered from the table, but my MOM, SISTER and MYSELF remain. We had been having a legitimate adult conversation with a topic and everything, when out of nowhere MOM grabs my SISTER's sleeve ( Read more... )

It's official. The 2011 holiday season is over ( Read more... )

Why is it that, despite the fact December has really just begun, I feel woefully behind already? I just took a gander at my Christmas gift list, and I feel like it is trying to lull me into a false sense of security. There are lots of items crossed off, to be sure. But I've only gotten ONE present for either of my own children yet. Plus some other ( Read more... )

Sometimes I wonder if Patoot's and the Munchkin's future family experiences will be somehow lessened because there are only the two of them. When you consider The Financial Climate Crisis and my (ahem) age, it doesn't seem likely that we'll have a third kidlet. I mean, I'm definitely open to the possibility, but I don't think there is one. But I ( Read more... )

This is What I’ll Remember ( Read more... )

If you are Irish or Catholic or both, chances are you know about the shrine at Knock in County Mayo, Ireland ( Read more... )