On the unbearable lightness

It’s steamy-hot here in New England, the kind of hot I thought I escaped when I left Missouri. The showers they promised us have evaporated, along with multiple other promises of showers, and we’re looking at temperature in the 90s, and humidity at 120 percent — or so it feels. As I type this, I …

So we went to see the butterflies

As academic meetings begin to crowd my calendar, I am already starting to say goodbye to this summer, which has been awesome. And I am trying to get done all the things I meant to do when summer started, save for finding a place to practice yoga  (who am I kidding) and learning to play my …

And — just like that — they’re 5

This weekend, the grandtwins turned 5 with a family party on Saturday, though their actual birthday was Sunday, as they liked to remind me throughout the party. I’m not stupid. I know they are angling for double the presents, but no. I already bought them bikes a few weeks ago, and ball gloves this weekend because …

So how was YOUR week?

I stepped away from the blog to accomplish some writing. In the 10 days since I left my last post, I Wrote a column for the Courant (unlike my usual stuff, it’s light and fluffy, like nougat) Wrote a column for CT Health Investigative Team, but that’s not posted yet Wrote an article for WNPR, also …

And just like that, they’re 4.

Within the blink of an eye, these twins went from being preemies in the NICU to being spunky little kids with more energy than they know what to do with. After a sleepover at Camp Granny’s this week, their dad took them to UConn to see the cows, and have ice cream. And then their …

Come here! Be quiet!

I was upstairs last night when Mr. Dating Jesus hissed up the stairs that I should come down and be quiet. And there, in the back yard, was a doe and her fawn, picking their way through the pachysandra. If you’ll remember, I met this pair a few days ago, when the fawn decided to …

Can Paddington come to your library?

Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, People’s United Bank will accept donations to Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness’ “be homeful” campaign at their branches, UIL Holdings Corp. has committed to a $25,000 challenge grant matching contributions made. Libraries across the state — like my library here in East Haven! On Saturday! and here’s photographic proof! With …

The best day, like, ever

Today on WNPR’s “Where We Live” program, I got to report that Sal Pinna, a 52-year old man who’s been on the streets for something like 20 years, just got a housing voucher as part of Hartford’s 100-day challenge to greatly reduce chronic homelessness. [If you hit the “Where We Live” link above, Sal’s story …

For the babies

See how that happens? Life’s a circle, grandbabies. You are from a fractious family separated by fissures deeper than the ocean, but you also come from a fierce and proud line of folks who, if necessary, will reach out from the grave to prop you up. I know this. It’s happened to me. I’m sorry …

You should go hold a baby.

You can read more about The Wailin’ Jennys here. I am off today, off to hold grandbabies. If you find a baby nearby, I suggest you pick it up and cuddle it. And happy weekend.