Monthly Archives: March 2011

Ephemeral, Evanescent and Fugacious

I remember one dinner table conversation years ago when all of us kids were challenged to present and defend our favorite word.   My father’s favorite word was “magnolia,” which I thought was a sissy word for a family patriarch, and … Continue reading

Posted in Such is Life, What Words Mean | Leave a comment

Santa Claus, Mr. Potato Head and the Hangnail Fairy

I suppose childhood can be characterized as a process of sorting out misconceptions from reality – the misconceptions can either by foisted upon you inadvertently by adults, or intentionally by perpetuating cultural icons or mores (think Santa, Easter bunny or … Continue reading

Posted in Such is Life | Leave a comment

Our Fridge/Ourselves

I arrive past midnight after a long day of traveling – a one day round trip from Chicago to San Francisco and back –  and the house is still.  Only the dogs are up to greet me, but instead of … Continue reading

Posted in Such is Life | Leave a comment

A Piece of Myself

It has been almost two years since my parents died and we cleaned out the house, but I still have a few boxes of random mementos sitting here in my office.  Every month I have promised myself to do the … Continue reading

Posted in Nature, Such is Life | Leave a comment

Just Hangin’

A previous Fanagram discussed the refined art of puttering, an activity that I have mastered.   Hanging out is a related but distinct discipline, and one that I completely suck at.  Puttering is a solo act that involves some physical activity, … Continue reading

Posted in What Words Mean | Leave a comment

Home Style Chunks

I set the five cans on the kitchen counter, awaiting Ellen to conduct the taste test.  I will only try one, since to open all of them would be too wasteful; my choices include Harvest Moon, Wild Buffalo Grill, Mediterranean … Continue reading

Posted in Food Stuff, What I Did | Leave a comment

Artisans and Decadence

As someone who enjoys fiddling around with words, I have always found in interesting to consider how food is described, either on menus or on packaged goods.  Here the copywriter has a very limited space to convey as many messages … Continue reading

Posted in What Words Mean | Leave a comment

TMI: TP

  As I complete my 59th lap around the sun, I have accumulated quite a few pet peeves, one of which was on display that other day as I accompanied Nick on his dog walk.  Three times he had to … Continue reading

Posted in Such is Life | Leave a comment

Oh So Clever

When I think of the word “clever” I think of a particular kind of intelligence, one that implies a problem solver, i.e. the ability to find an efficient work-around for an obstacle.  Additionally, the work-around typically involves a fresh approach, … Continue reading

Posted in Nature, Squibs | Leave a comment

Chapter 4. SAT – The Reveal

(This is the concluding essay of a series of four describing my late in life SAT retest.  The other are filed under the category of SAT experience.) It has been one month since I took the SATs and while awaiting … Continue reading

Posted in SAT Experience | Leave a comment