Ray and I joined our friend, David Bode, up at the Getty Museum today to see the Turner exhibit. (Ray and I took in a photography exhibit before David joined us.) We then had dinner together in the restaurant up there. This was to celebrate Ray’s upcoming birthday on March 18, Wednesday. What an absolutely…
Category: Memories
FaceTime with Luna
I have officially moved into the modern age. I used FaceTime for the first time tonight to communicate with my almost two-year-old granddaughter, Luna. Well, actually, my son-in-law arranged the call and my daughter, Sarah, officiated, but Luna spent at least 20 minutes showing me all her toys and books via the telephone screen. This…
Mahler at Disney Hall
Ray and I went to Disney Hall tonight to hear the LA Phil perform Mahler’s Sixth Symphony. This is Ray’s favorite and also a favorite of mine, so having Gustavo Dudamel conduct it without the need of a score was fairly thrilling. The LA Phil proved once again that it is filled to overflowing with…
My Dad’s Comfort Food
When I was growing up, any time I didn’t feel well, my dad would make me milk toast. This consisted of toasted bread in a bowl covered in sugar with warm milk poured on top. This is pure comfort food for me. Safe, warm, mild. Reminders of my dad’s loving care. Tonight I arrived home…
A Reflection
I have been depressed, I will admit, over the events of this past week. The event, I mean, which is the suicide of my friend, Joseph, who was exactly my age. The difference in Joseph and me is that he had been suffering for years with major mood swings, and as a result had been on…
My Dad, Sweet Memories on the Eve of His Birth
Tomorrow is my father’s birthday. Here is a piece I wrote about him a while back, but that still rings true for me. This provides a window into my world with him: “Have I told you today how much I love you?” This was a question my father asked me every day I was growing…
Mother Shireen Visiting at St. Thomas
Last night for the Latin Vigil Mass and today for the High Mass (read lots of bells and smells), I had the pleasure of serving with beloved Mother Shireen Baker, who is St. Thomas the Apostle’s own homegirl. She is the Assistant Rector of St. Clement’s by-the-Sea in San Clemente, but she was gracious enough…
4-Star Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe
I made this recipe tonight for a family dinner to celebrate Rachael’s full ride to Chapman Law School. I got the recipe from Food and Wine Magazine. This makes a creamy lasagna that is full of flavor. Everyone – especially Rachael – seemed to love it. Let me know if you try it! Pumpkin Lasagna…
Anthology Piece Recently Published: My Mother and Her Pain
“Please don’t share our family tragedy,” my mother whispered to me while we stood in church together in Pottsboro, Texas in 1990. I understood what she was saying to me. “Please don’t tell these people. I can’t bear to deal with this now.” Tragedy was not too strong of a word. We had just learned…
Ceramics Class, Liz and the Full Moon
I am taking a first-ever ceramics class – slab, not wheel – and tonight was our third class out of ten. The teacher showed us some examples of coiled pots and here is one that I have done inspired by what she showed us. I am proud of this pot. I love that the lines…
20 Minutes a Day 