Recently, I was at my mailbox when I heard the familiar low rumble of a school bus. I stood watching it drive past. A young female driver sat behind the wheel, map in hand, learning her route before school begins. I waved and she waved back, giving a bright smile. I’ve always had a soft […]
My husband Randy went out of town this week and it occurred to me how things change when he’s away. Not super-dramatic, but enough to rock the usual rigorous, Swiss-clock precision of the Stone house (kidding). And here, in no particular order, are the changes… Dinners become a joke. Okay, who am I trying […]
Okay, when they handed out canine perfection, Simon was standing in the wrong line. He has a German shepherd head, Corgi legs, Terrier fur, and Australian cattle dog body. Name any breed. It’s in there. Yet Simon is more than the sum of his parts. In fact, in his own way, he is perfect with […]
(Full disclosure: My husband Randy rolled his eyes so much at this post, I almost didn’t run it. However times– and deadlines — being what they are, I decided to go for it.) A few weeks ago I made the mistake of watching “Long Island Medium.” Oh my God. Never again. I’m just not good with […]
It’s nice to be in a family of musicians. I never know when an impromptu concert will start. Lately it’s been in the mornings when Patrick, my oldest, is making breakfast before heading out for work. Usually while the coffee’s brewing or the egg’s frying, he’ll grab his acoustic and start noodling around. The air fills […]
Something happens to me a lot. My husband Randy’s in a wonderful, local band. He, Warren, and Danny are a power trio, lighting up the local pubs and bars with great, danceable music. The crowds love them. It’s a great party. People are always asking what time I’ll be there. They assume I never tire […]
“Everyone in the world has gone to bed one night or another with fear, or pain, or loss, or disappointment – and yet each of us has awakened, arisen, somehow made our ablutions, seen other human beings and said: ‘Morning, how are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks – and you?” –Maya Angelou I started reading about the late […]
The other day I stood in my yard when I heard that lovely sound. Against the blue sky was the familiar V-formation of a dozen geese, trumpeting their arrival like noisy house guests. I watched, feeling that familiar stirring. Spring is here. I’ve grown to love these animals. I follow their trail in the sky […]
I have a confession to make. I’m in an abusive relationship. No, it’s not with my husband, sons, or family member. It’s with my cat. I try and do the right thing with Rocky. I give him salmon treats and cat nip toys. I greet him lovingly when he enters the room. I pat his velvety brown […]
