THE SONIC BOOMER
Well, Easter was a disaster.
Not Easter, the religious celebration of renewal — that went fine. I’m talking about Easter, the dinner that had grandma quietly weeping into her mashed potatoes — that was the disaster. Worse yet,...
THE SONIC BOOMER
Let’s talk “Voodoo.” For some, it’s a quirky West African-based religion, barely believable in the “vastly evolved society” we call America. For others, it’s a revered faith that focuses on the veneration of ancestors and nature to...
THE SONIC BOOMER
While cleaning out my deceased mother’s desk to prepare it for donation, my sister came across a small parcel of love letters to my mother from my father — not texts, or e-mails, or social media posts...
THE SONIC BOOMER
On a whim, I bought an undeveloped lot in Bella Vista, Arkansas. I bought it because it was only $7,000, because my daughter owned the adjoining undeveloped lot, and because owning it gave me all the rights...
THE SONIC BOOMER
I have just returned from Los Angeles, where my poor sister Pam had her knee replaced and, temporarily immobile, needed me to help with ice, water, meals, pillows, exercises and general encouragement. There were also various errands,...
THE SONIC BOOMER
Like many other 11-year-old girls, my granddaughter Tess has a collection of plush toys. Formerly known as “stuffed animals,” these cute little critters have now extended well beyond the “animals” category. Yes, there are cats, dogs and...
THE SONIC BOOMER
There’s a scouting event out in the middle of a field in nowhere, Kansas, that my two Missourian grandchildren look forward to each year. Kids from troops for miles around pack up anything they think they can...
THE SONIC BOOMER
My mother was something else. I thought I knew a lot about her, but at her funeral last month, people really opened my eyes.
There was story after story — meant to be funny, of course — but...
THE SONIC BOOMER
Twas the day after Christmas,And all through the houseEv’ry laptop was stirringEv’ry keyboard and mouse.
Ev’ry game board and console,New cell phones and such,’Lectronics of all kinds,(Santa hadn’t skimped much.)
The fam’ly had turkeyTo eat, and a ham,Leftover biscuitsAnd...
THE SONIC BOOMER
Life is so unfair.
And that is why we are rewarded with death.
On Dec. 7 (a day which will live in infamy), my wonderful mother died, just four days short of her 97th birthday. She was ready to...
THE SONIC BOOMER
My 11-year-old granddaughter, Tess, is about to be issued a punch card from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where she lives. (“After 9 visits, get the 10th one free.”) They don’t have such a thing but,...
THE SONIC BOOMER
Last weekend, I went to the Chicago Toy Fair... by train. It was an experience!
First of all, it should be mentioned that I haven’t been on a train since I was seven. Second of all, this next...
