The Neighborhood is Going to the Dogs I like dogs, all kinds of dogs, except "biters" and those with saliva on their molars.

Frozen Turkey Vacations In Hawaii 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.

"Coffee-less in Seattle"
The month of May is over and we remain sunless in Seattle.....

"Yummie For Your Tummie"
While conducting "research" in Burien, I discovered a new boutique...

"Fish Convene at Appliance Store"
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....

"The Upgraded Cartastrophe"
My husband reverts to the carefree days of high school when we have to rent a car...

"And the Award Goes to..."
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 REALLY Happens in the Locker Room"
You might remember me talking about idiot gym attendees who "lose" their lockers. Unfortunately, this happened to me...

"The Gym"
We sit down in his office and begin to discuss goals. Goals, what goals? I just want to get fit again, muffin tops are fine if you hang out in the Costco bakery section but the excess poundage is certainly not a good look hanging over the top of ones pants.

"BooHoo, It's Off to College For You"
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.

"How I Spent My Summer"
At the swim meet tonight, several parents are unbelievably ill behaved.  One parent in particular comes to mind...she LOOKS like your average parent.

"The Weather Started Getting Rough, The Tiny Craft Was Tossed..."
After several days of dicey weather we decided to take out the newly christened, "Loligager". The kids were beside themselves with joy.

"My Data Bank is Full"
So, now I am fifty and three quarters. I guess that would be 600 months in baby speak. Half a century is not a bad place to be but...

"The Point of No Returns"
We don't have an overabundance of sunny days in Seattle, so when the sun does appear, I begin to think of my sun deprived garden.

"Kan I or Kan I Not Rent a Movie?"
There is a neighborhood handy mart at the top of the hill, which I liked to call the store, "Fresh Ice".

"At Least I Don't Wear 'Mom Jeans"
My sons are forever reminding me that I am not cool and my car even less so, but I am sure they will want to borrow the pumpkin any day now.

"Polygons and Heptagons....Oh My"
Being the "special guest" at my nephew's "special person" day can lead to some dire consequences when we attend his math class.

"Twelve Volunteer Hours Accomplished"
The noise level in the bus designed for children, not normal size adults, was simply deafening.

"Let's Invite the Entire Class"
I incorrectly assumed that parents would be traveling with their little darlings to take advantage of the three day weekend. Large mistake on my part. Allowed Lexi to invite boys....another large mistake on my part. Hired my son, Conner and his friend Joe to help with the party....final large mistake.

"Volunteer/ Slave Labor Hours"
Don't get me wrong, I like volunteering at my various children's schools, but there comes a time when even I begin to question this use of time.

"Mom Versus Computer"
I approach the computer with trepidation, yes it appears innocuous as there is food spillage on the keypads, making it a rather friendly looking piece of hardware.

"Driver Versus Snow Wall"
It started with a suggestion on our family ski vacation....perhaps the boys would like to go out and practice driving in the snow, after all it was a useful skill one would need as an adult.

"Teenagers and Driving III, Speedy Gonzales Strikes Again"
Once again I am just astounded to find that I am writing about my oldest son, Speedy Gonzales. I realize that it is perhaps unchristian of me, but I am starting to get really exasperated by his current lack of driving skills. It seems it is taking him an inordinately long time to acquire some finesse.

"Teenagers and Driving II"
It takes a village....we also deal with the friends of our teenage drivers. The Saga continues.... teenagers and driving.

"Teenagers and Driving"
I am now on my second teenager and second set of teeth having gnawed the first set down to stubs with my first son speed Gonzales.

"My Mother Says I am Funny"
My friend Dorkus and I just returned from a local writer's conference where I felt alternately brilliant and stupid during the entire three days.