Stories About Other Muddles

Overrun with Cats and Kittens

My Latest Infestation

Overrun by cats and kittens

Infestations continue to rule my life. First, came the neighborhood creepy crawling caterpillars and snakes. Then, came the fungus gnats swarming my beloved indoor plants. Now, I face the most insidious infestation of all. My Facebook feed is overrun with cats, kittens, and German shepherds. Read more

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National Award News!

Happy News. Happy Orthopedic Boot Dance.

National award news

Exciting news to share! My Matzo Chronicles column just won a national journalism award. Read more

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Don’t Ask Me. I Won’t/Can’t Dance

A Two-Footed Lament

I Won't/Can't Dance

It’s the start of Week Four after (double) foot surgery and while the pain is finally starting to subside, definitely don’t ask me. I won’t/can’t dance.

“Double foot surgery?” you query, wondering rightly whether I have a screw (or a shoelace) loose. Read more

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Today is My 70th Birthday

Say It Ain't So!

70th birthday

Today is my 70th birthday. Can you believe it? More importantly, can I believe it? Yes, but just barely! Do I have angst about aging? Well … Read more

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Whirlwind European Vacation

Handsome Hubby Orchestrates a Grand Tour

Whirlwind European Tour

Greetings all, I’m back from a wonderful, whirlwind European vacation. We walked, we “museum-ed,” we ate, we canal-cruised, we gawked, we delighted!

Now, to ease my way back into writing, I thought I’d share a few trip highlights. Read more

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Karens of the World, Take Heart

We Coulda Been Irmas, Irenes ... or Igors!

Karens of the world take heart

We Karens have taken it on the chin in recent years, becoming a globally derided meme for racist, elitist, and generally nasty behavior. Well, now Karens of the world, take heart! It seems the only thing worse than being named Karen these days is having an ‘I’ name!

Here’s why: Read more

Packing Boxes and Unpacking A Choice Tidbit or Two

Oceans Aplenty, Sofas Divine, and A Spooky Urn!

Here in Berkeley, Ca., we’re busy packing for the move to the Biggest Little City in the World — Reno, Nv. And since it feels like I’m organizing my entire life around this move, I even cleared out my overflowing inbox. The reward? a clean desk for me AND a choice tidbit or two to share with you. Enjoy!

Tidbit One: Oceanic Happenings

Read more

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Man, Woman, Warriors, Love

Golden Memories

Man, Woman, Warriors, Love

Just like an “everything” bagel, this “sporty” love story has a bit of everything.

It’s the story of my friend Amy and her late husband Robert. And it’s about courtship and marriage over a basketball court. Actually lots of basketball courts. Read more

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Nonfungible Tokens and Me

A Clear Case of I Don't Know What I'm Writing About

NFTs

Yes, the subject is nonfungible tokens — NFTs for those in the cryptocurrency know. Of course, Luddite me is hardly in the cryptocurrency know. But stick with me, dear middle-aged muddlers. This blog promises to be pretty funny. Read more

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Discontinued Products. Loyalty Be Damned

Consumer Beware. Consumer So Sad

Products Discontinued

We all know the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with thoughts of beloved foods from childhood. But what feeling conveys — truly conveys — the feeling we get about recently discontinued products, like favorite cosmetics and toiletries?

Lately, manufacturers have stopped making multiple of my tried and true products. Oh, cruel companies! I’m a creature of habit. You’re rocking my world and NOT in a good way. Read more

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