In our simpler past life (that is, before both our kids got old enough to have schedules of their own), we used to tune in religiously to the kids’ show on KUSP. It was called Castle Cottage and it was very wonderful. Except for the stretch where our local actress Billie Harris read a chapter…

I was talking to a parent recently about keeping kids from eating too much sugar. As we talked, she revealed that her child hadn’t ever tasted candy. I said that my son didn’t even know that donuts existed till he was four. She was wondering how she was going to introduce her child to Halloween…

A friend of mine was in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve, and she said it was a blast. She came over to give my daughter a New Orleans ragdoll, which, as one might expect, is an African-American ragdoll. She has adorable cornrows with colorful bows, a dress and apron, and very black skin. My…

In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re in the middle of an economic meltdown. I’m just telling you in case you’re living in a more comfortable bubble than I am. We are living in a bubble here in Santa Cruz. It’s a nice, comfortable one where Walmart hasn’t yet shown its cheap ugly face, where we…

I was out the other day with a friend I’ve been trying to see for months. Finally, we had the sort of date that only two busy people can put together: she had an errand she needed to run over the hill, so I went with her so we’d have the time to talk. That’s…