The candles flickered. The dip was hot and bubbly. The wine was chilled. The tables were set with bowls of tasty treats, score sheets, and trios of dice. I was dressed appropriately in a trendy top, dangly jewelry and fashionable flats. Everything was ready. Soon after the first ding-dong of the doorbell, the apartment was…
military spouses
How You Play the Game
In the fall, through the magic of associative thought, a whiff of fallen leaves evokes echoes of marching bands and whistles blown. We feel the cold aluminum bleacher seats and the prickle of wool scarves around our necks. Like Pavlov’s dog, our mouths water as we bring to mind hot coffee at 8 am soccer…
Fighting to Keep the Flame Alive
Walking home with friends last night from the base movie theater, we passed a flagpole on the parade grounds of Patch Barracks. At the base of the humongous pole was a tiny plastic pot with one white chrysanthemum sprouting from its soil. “There’s our flower!” bellowed our friends’ four-year-old daughter, Megan. Puzzled at first, we…
The Doodies of Dog Ownership
I own a dog. A big dog. With this privilege comes innumerable benefits. Warm companionship, unconditional love, hilarious entertainment, just to name a few. When the idea of dog ownership came up five years ago, my husband jumped on the opportunity to give me something cute and cuddly to nurture that would not need a…
What I believe about Hell and hand baskets