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The eyes do NOT have it

Ah, the indignities of aging. A long-overdue trip to the eye doctor this week brought them into focus. I have officially become a two-pair-of-glasses lady. The ones currently affixed to my head are essentially a pair of training readers. I must get new ones so I can actually read street signs and other things far away. … Continue reading

Glad the gang is still around on Facebook

All the recent uproar about Facebook’s latest changes reminded me of a piece I wrote for The (Stamford) Advocate and Greenwich Time back in 2008, when I was the features editor there. Back then, I had — finally, grudgingly — given in to using Facebook (sometimes at my desk at work, 🙂 ), and found myself entranced. These days, … Continue reading

Remembering the difference even one person can make

Last weekend, we remembered MayMarie Conte, an amazing lady who lost her battle with cancer recently, but went out fighting — and determined to keep smiling. The service at Zion Lutheran Church in Stamford was lovely, highlighted by some of the hymns and Bible verses MayMarie loved, and punctuated by emotional remembrances from those whose lives she touched. She … Continue reading

Maid in Connecticut

Psst. Don’t tell anyone else, but I think I might be magic. I’ve thought about it a long time, and frankly, magic is the only explanation. Yes, I know many think of me as a witch, or something that rhymes with that word, but hear me out. I have an ability no one else in … Continue reading

Sweet escape

Some people are addicted to food; I’m hooked on food TV. Food Network? Cooking Channel? Bring them on. “Chopped,” “Diners, Drivers and Dives,” “Eat Street,” “Food(ography),” “Iron Chef,” “Unique Eats,” “United Tastes of America,” “Unwrapped,” “The Great Food Truck Race.” If they’re serving up something edible, I’m watching. In fact, I’ve discovered that the crazier my … Continue reading

The beat goes on

My niece posted a video on Facebook of her recent half-time show with the Temple University marching band that has me grinning from ear to ear. The band sounds great, looks sharp and must be practicing day and night — they dress their lines perfectly. It was a show to behold and I can’t wait to see her … Continue reading

DisneyWorld or bust

I’m so excited! Catherine’s school chorus will travel to DisneyWorld in April for a competition. She’s never been there before, and neither have I! Having been raised on Walt’s amazing creations and Sunday evening episodes of “The Wonderful World of Disney,” I’m very eager to go and commune with the stories and attractions that colored my … Continue reading

All roads lead back home

A new house has moved in across the street. When I went to work on Tuesday, the foundation sat ready, and when I got home, a two-story home was resting atop it. Even though we knew the house was coming, it took the neighborhood by surprise. I watched yesterday morning as motorist after motorist slammed on … Continue reading

Switzerland has spoken

We have a kind of running gag in the family. Basil and I squabble over one point or another, then look to Catherine for validation and she solemnly declares, “I am Switzerland.” She’s a pretty smart kid. Last night, however, she broke her silence. Basil offered her full immunity to speak freely. It all started with … Continue reading

Remembering 9/11

Ribbons of love and remembrance are tied to a chain-link fence two blocks from Ground Zero. Photo by Catherine Vanech I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about what to say on this 10th anniversary of 9/11. Nothing I came up with seemed nearly eloquent or thoughtful enough. Catherine was 5 when our … Continue reading