Austin, my oldest son is going to college. Most of the time I am so happy for him, but where does this leave me? He was an extra appendage on my leg until the age of eight, not that I minded dragging his little body around. To this day, he stoutly denies ever holding fast to my pant leg, a humorous sight to be sure.

Entering the information superhighway via my coffee hole on ramp, I look around to see what usual suspects are in attendance today . . . at Starbucks in Normandy Park.

I like dogs, all kinds of dogs, except “biters” with saliva slathered molars.

What is it about the seventy-plus generation and packing for a trip? How many suitcases full of bathing suits and light summer wear does one need for a month. Packing is a funny thing, you either get it or you don’t.

The month of May is over and we remain sunless in Seattle. We had one sunny day on the third Saturday in May but I was out of town. No place on earth equals a sunny warm day in Seattle, well at least not a location that I have been to. Last weekend, it snowed, yes snowed. A cruel joke from the heavens above.

While conducting “research” in Burien, I discovered a new boutique. “Howard and Marge”, owned by Robin Dunkle and named after her much-loved grandparents. Conveniently located next door to Seahurst Post Office, “Howard and Marge” offers fun contemporary clothing for women/men and children.

Walking on Three Tree Point, I ran into a group of seal-clad divers who were quite talkative due to the high from the surplus of oxygen they inhale while diving. I am a diver and can attest to this glorious feeling

My husband reverts to his carefree days of high school driver-hood when ever we rent a car. Perhaps it is some mothballed memory of a previous beater-car disaster that brings out his crazy driving behavior; whatever, his driving is rarely a good example for our three teenagers.

Every year I look forward to watching the Academy Awards ceremony with great anticipation. This year I decided to throw an “Academy Awards” soiree. What better way to fully digest the glitz, glamour, and the non-ending speeches than with a group of speculative friends? Did you like her dress? I wonder who created that funny-looking bees nest on her head?

You might remember me talking about funny idiot gym attendees who “lose” their lockers. Unfortunately, this happened to me, even now as I write about this, I am amazed about the loss of my belongings as my mind has been razor sharp as of late.