• Life Advice

    Put Money In Its Place

    PT Barnum wrote a book called The Art of Money Getting. It’s about making and keeping money. I could never be author of that book. Frankly, I’m clueless. We don’t have an app on our phone with stock market numbers, and we don’t have a broker. We have a 401K, but don’t ask me how it’s doing or even how much money we have in it. I use coupons only if they fall out of my purse in the checkout line.  Money’s a necessary thing in this world we live in, but it’s not that important to us. A reader recently asked me to write about finances. This request is a…

  • Life Advice

    These Are My Friends

    My cousin recently visited Italy. While he was there, he stayed with friends at an Airbnb.  They were trying to decide where to eat one night, and their host got wind of it. He came over and told them about a great place a short walk away. He then charmingly escorted them to the restaurant, introduced them to the owners, and with arms outstretched, he boisterously exclaimed “These are my friends. Make them fat!” I love this story! Who wouldn’t want to be welcomed like this?!? I come from a long line of hospitable people. My paternal grandparents were Italian immigrants from Castel Frentano. They had 12 children and not…

  • Life Advice

    Meet Grace

    In my last post, I shared my first article in a three-part series about conflict. I talked about how to decide when things need to be addressed with your partner. And I told a story about flying underwear. Yes, I did. About flying underwear.  Here it is if you want to read it first. This time, let’s talk about grace.  My car’s name is Gracie. I love her. A LOT. This is me and Gracie. Oh, and Bobby is there making me laugh…and he’s eating. Just a regular day in the life of us. Gracie is a Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. I distinctly remember the first time I saw one. I was…