sherryderen

Passover Passed Over?

I have participated in an annual Passover Seder all of my life. I grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home, and my mother prepared this ceremonial meal most of her married life, until she ceded the activity to my older sister. After I married, even though my Jewish religious affiliation changed to Reform and thenContinue reading “Passover Passed Over?”

Just in Case

As I look at many of the items I have accumulated in my home over the years, I see things that I have kept that are not very useful. As a child, when I left home my mother would remind me to take certain items just in case. This included a hankie or tissue inContinue reading “Just in Case”

To Dye or Not to Dye

I started dyeing my hair about 20 years ago. I have very dark brown curly hair, and when gray appeared it was quite obvious. My mother, who had a similar hair color and texture, had very little gray up to her death at 85. Given our many physical similarities, I thought my hair would alsoContinue reading “To Dye or Not to Dye”

Enjoying the Quotidian

During this COVID time, at least until vaccinations are widespread, I follow public health recommendations and am less likely to leave my home. Many things I loved doing—visiting friends and family, eating at restaurants, going to the theater—have all become less frequent or even impossible. And being retired, I am not working from home. ButContinue reading “Enjoying the Quotidian”

Across the Ages

My newest grandson, Lucas, is five months old, and has become responsive to my talking and smiling. He spends much of his waking time, when he is not being fed or diapered, kicking his feet in the air, waving his arms, and making cooing sounds. What a pleasure to watch. I eagerly anticipate spending timeContinue reading “Across the Ages”

Don’t Save the Best for Last

I have a new New Year’s resolution. I have dusted off the old ones- related to weight loss and increased exercise- they are always easy to make, though not to follow. I now have a new one. Saving the best for last has been a pattern of mine that I plan to change. At mealsContinue reading “Don’t Save the Best for Last”

Holiday Repairs

Technology is wonderful and makes life easier. But it can also be frustrating when something stops working and requires attention. This year, the end of year holiday period has required many repairs. My husband and I went to Florida in November for a five-day trip to visit my ailing sister. The first night in ourContinue reading “Holiday Repairs”

Rock Collections

I needed to call the telephone company, buy a carton of milk, return a friend’s telephone call, pay a bill… what happened to the day? I accomplished several items on my To Do list, yet there was a feeling of dissatisfaction. I remember taking a course on time management and the trainer used some props-Continue reading “Rock Collections”

Embracing the Aging Role

I have had many roles in life— daughter, mother, wife, scientist, neighbor, friend, and others. In every case, I had some choices about how to play the role, even though there were some requirements or expectations. Now that I have moved into an aging role, I’m not sure how I want to play that part.Continue reading “Embracing the Aging Role”

My New Housemate

I have a new housemate. My son-in-law Jay recently decided to update my wi-fi and bought me a google nest (with wi-fi router and point). In case you, like me, had no idea what this was, it consists of two items that are about three inches high and three inches in diameter and look likeContinue reading “My New Housemate”