This has been a season of transforming for us. I’m not referring to Poppy’s final summer in elementary school or the courtyard of our home evolving from a dirt patch resembling Pigpen’s playpen to something closer to the pebble-infused grounds owned by people who wear...

Our local pool seems to be suffering from some sort of bipolar disorder. On the first day we went this year, my family was greeted with strict instructions on how to enjoy ourselves safely. The guard at the counter told us to shower before entering the pool, which...

When it comes to music and appreciation thereof, I feel sorry for my daughter Poppy having me as a father. I’m just too opinionated (and rather obnoxious) about that art form and I can’t seem to help myself. At home, while I’m composing a white bean chili for dinner,...

My brother Crazy Eddie: “Little sister, gotta jettison. Binks is calling and I’m late for Turtle 5.” Means: “Hello, older brother. Sorry to cut our conversation short but I have to go. My daughter needs my attention and I don’t want to be tardy for...

For many, Easter represents the resurrection of a holy entity and our family is no different, though our special little guy wore no robes and swam through water instead of walking upon it. On Easter, we remember the death of our first and only pet (please bow your...

A lot has been written lately about Bratz dolls including an article from a writer friend of mine (and new father) who bemoans the fact that Barbie was bad enough with her disproportionate body but at least she held a variety of jobs that included stewardess,...

What your child drags into your home can change the course of your life, at least temporarily. I’m not talking about the occasional stray mutt or nasty case of impetigo (although those can really wreck your workweek); in our case, it was a simple song. If I were a...

I called my dad the other night to check on him. His arthritic knee has been bothering him though it hasn’t slowed him down one hobble. I’ve grown accustomed to Ben’s refusal to admit that he’s getting older even though an injury like his should make him want to sit...

When it comes to animals (and lovers thereof), I’ve learned it’s not okay to be neutral. Because my daughter is crazy about mammals that have yet to form the habit of speech, a few times a week I am confronted by the presence of these enigmatic creatures and asked to...

Even though Halloween was still a full moon away, London was shielded in a blue rubber breastplate highlighting the recognizable S and a faux six-pack unfolding like fancy drapery beneath. Since the Velcro had been torn away after too many tall leaps over a single...