Modern Family used to be appointment viewing for Lauren and me—we frequently watched it and another show or two with friends, usually while sharing dinner. A number of its episode themes have become shorthand for us. For example, Lauren had occasion to say to me two weekends ago, “Did I just wedge salad you?” ThisContinue reading “Coke Zero Orange Cream is Delicious . . . Just Ask Carrie”
Category Archives: Adult Years
Bowie Hates the Cone of Shame
Never underestimate the ingenuity and determination of dogs. When Lu and Brayden lived with us, Bowie and Benny were constantly escaping and dashing all over the neighborhood. Before I could get them corralled, someone would post in the Highland Woods Facebook group something like, “Just saw two fluffy black dogs dash through my yard! LeashesContinue reading “Bowie Hates the Cone of Shame”
Treadmill, Deadmill, Dreadmill
Early in the pandemic, we canceled our membership to the YMCA and bought a treadmill. It was more than just a Dick’s Sporting Goods treadmill—we were told it was a grade just below a gym treadmill. For a year or so, it worked fine. But then it developed some curious traits. The deck seemed toContinue reading “Treadmill, Deadmill, Dreadmill”
Walking Pickett’s Charge and Catching Pokemons, but not Fish
Years ago, I worked with the American Battlefield Trust to create an augmented reality app. It’s a free download on the app store. We returned to Gettysburg on Saturday, and while Graham ran ten miles, the rest of us hiked Pickett’s Charge. Before we started, we assembled at the step-off point of the Virginians justContinue reading “Walking Pickett’s Charge and Catching Pokemons, but not Fish”
Mo Would Not Make It to the Gettysburg Address
Thursday night, we were winding down in the hotel—the kids were taking turns in the restroom, getting their showers, brushing teeth, etc. Eli got frustrated with his twin, and exclaimed, “Geez, Emma. You are slower than molasses.” He paused a moment, then said, “I really don’t know who this ‘Molasses’ is, but I guess thatContinue reading “Mo Would Not Make It to the Gettysburg Address”
The Real Winner of the Battle of Antietam
On Thursday, I took the cousins and Graham to the Antietam National Battlefield, and oh boy. Before we went, I looked up some family ancestry. We picked someone from the Laws family tree and someone from the Settle family tree. Eli’s job was to learn all he could about Charles Foster Settle and the 5thContinue reading “The Real Winner of the Battle of Antietam”
The Waffle Stomp Is Still Unsolved, and Life Is Not Fair
Wednesday morning, we embarked on the Laws cousin roadtrip to take in Antietam and Gettysburg. We had a solid eight-hour drive to Hagerstown, Maryland, where I had booked our hotels. The ride was amazing, incredible even. And by amazing, I mean, “Wow, I didn’t know this was possible,” and by incredible, I mean, “You willContinue reading “The Waffle Stomp Is Still Unsolved, and Life Is Not Fair”
The Revolution Is Here
I collect Civil War, Revolutionary War, and Colonial-era ephemera—nothing too exotic, just old soldiers’ letters, tax receipts, ship manifests, that sort of thing. (Don’t come rob my house, stalkers—I’ve never paid more than $100 for anything.) I had to work this morning before taking the afternoon off to take the cousins to Lexington and Concord.Continue reading “The Revolution Is Here”
Cousins for Lu’s Birthday
The Laws cousins from Houston arrived on Monday. They’re escaping the hurricane-wrecked city and roadtripping with the boys this week. Graham and I headed into the urban hellscape known as Logan to pick them up. The twins, Eli and Emma, have never been to Boston while their older brother Will hasn’t visited in a decade.Continue reading “Cousins for Lu’s Birthday”
A Camp Cliffhanger
Last Monday, Graham headed to Church camp, which was held at University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. He stayed in the dorms, and his buddy Elijah was his roommate. He had his phone and could use it whenever. His updates from camp the entire week were as follows. MondayGraham: Some of the kids inContinue reading “A Camp Cliffhanger”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 