The Trouble With Women

We women are a competitive bunch and we compete for all the wrong reasons.  Decades after women returned to the workforce in greater numbers, we’re still hashing it out over who is the better mom.  The one who stays at home and raises her kids or the one who goes to work every day and … Read more

Guns & Books

I have been in love with my little town ever since we moved here.  In our search for a home in a new state, we found it completely by accident.  As we drove the tree-lined streets that day in October, leaves blanketed the lawns, kids were out playing and neighbors were raking.  I knew we … Read more

Making An Indecision

The Big Daddy and I have been homeowners for the last twenty-two years.  Same crib, same layout, same home owning chores. By outward appearances we seem responsible.  From the front and side we’ve got curb appeal, and anyone who watches HGTV or peruses Pinterest knows that’s where you make your first impression.  That’s what counts … Read more

No Vacancy

Three times over the years we have driven from Kansas City to Spokane, Washington where Mark’s mom used to live.  Since we have never lived near family, our kids were accustomed at an early age to long car trips.  This particular trip was always our longest but there was plenty to stop and see along … Read more

Outed

After we got used to the fact that our son was gay, Mark and I would slowly reveal it.  Much depended on the circumstances and the people.  To be honest, it is one of those things that seems hard to work into a conversation.  Imagine saying to a friend over dinner, “By the way, our … Read more

How Does Your Garden Grow

Mark and I have become crack addicts at the garden center(s).  If he should say aloud, “I think I’m going to pick up a couple more tomato plants,” I jump in the car before he even asks if I’d like to tag along.  Once there we make a pact to keep it reasonable and not … Read more

Logan

There is an effort underway in Kansas City to replace our airport.  It started with a study.  These things always start with a study to make a “want” look legit, and then lays the groundwork for the massive bill that taxpayers are going to be eating sooner or later. I, along with many others, love … Read more

The Taxi Driver

Mark and I have recently come back from a quick trip to Boston.  Mr. Smartypants Scientist was invited to a collaborator’s retirement events at Harvard. How do two bumpkins from Kansas secure that gig?  Well, he worked his tail off for it.  I tagged along like I belonged there and made a note to myself … Read more