Small Talk

To young mothers: It’s all in a name

This bit of cheap advice is for every woman about to give birth. Be very, very thoughtful about what you name your child.

I am one of the proud

Tonight was something new for me and rather special. My political opponents might be a bit surprised, but tonight I had the privilege of dining with and then cheering as my 18-year-old godson went off to Marine boot camp.

I didn’t fear the dentist, until now

What the heck happened here? Dentists used to ask me if I even used my teeth. Apparently, pride goeth before the fall and the dentist’s appointment.

All of these electronics are draining

I have been having dreadful dreams of being neck-deep in bowls of spaghetti pasta, or having to wrestle with herds of octopi.

Siblings do know how to share

Most of the time, I’m delighted my two children are close in age. They get along well, and I’ve been able to hand down jeans, sneakers, sweatshirts and toys. I also got full use from my crib, playpen, high chair, walker, bibs and stroller.

Wanting to impress is in our DNA

Some people dislike surprises, but I love them, excluding, of course, practical jokes and car breakdowns. But like an old warhorse, I am at my best when the bugle sounds.

Her just desserts

I was something of a baker in my youth. I learned at my mother’s side, making some things from scratch, smugly shunning packaged mixes or ready-made pastries.

Getting the best of a sticky situation

I would wager that more than the average amount of ridiculous happens in my life. I am still chuckling from the latest installment.

Let’s try flipping the holidays

OK, ladies. I had what I think might be a brilliant idea. It struck me as I was buying my daughter a space heater.

All the right moves

OK, maybe it’s payback.