To me, “the farm” has always meant the farm where my mother grew up, one of 11 children. Every book I ever read that was set on a farm, and many other books as well, all took place in my imagination a... more

I met my former mother-in-law, “Mama Lou,” and my former father-in-law, “Poppo,” when I was not yet 20 years old. I hitched a ride to meet them, terrified because I’d spoken to my future mother-in-law... more

I have never been a gardener.... more

The old wooden folding table belonged to my grandma. I don’t remember her ever using it.... more

The tree was lying on its side when I got to it.... more

March is winding down and my sister-in-law, Lori, is going with it.... more

Throughout the past year, my husband, Peter, and I have been seeing no one except Peter’s sister, Lori, and her husband.... more

“I’m going to bake bread!” my husband, Peter, announced.... more

This has been a year that defies explanations.... more

I’ve been reading to Lori.... more

I don’t think it’s my imagination that Father’s Day seems like a last-minute add-on.... more