Monthly Archives: October 2012

Naming: Sisters, Pets, Daughters, & Storms

Posted on October 29, 2012 by lisakwinkler

“If the baby’s a girl, can we name her Madeline?” My  sister Naomi, then five,  asked my parents, who were expecting their fourth child. We both loved Ludwig Bemelmans’ 1939 Madeline.   And when my mother gave birth March 22, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, commentary, daughters, Family, Knitting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Charity Solicitations: Zap My Zen!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by lisakwinkler

I’m at the checkout at the grocery store. I brought my own bags, and did my own bagging. I’m about to swipe my credit card to pay when the cashier asks if I want to donate a $1 to help … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Finished Projects: Uri’s Sweater & Marina’s Scarf

Posted on October 24, 2012 by lisakwinkler

I finished the color block sweater for the second grandson, Uri, nearly 18 months. It sort of matches what I made for the eldest grandson, Simon.   Hopefully we’ll get photos of them modeling their hand-knits together soon. I had … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Family, Fashion, Grandchildren, Knitting | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Fur Coats & Pearls= Future Jobs?

Posted on October 22, 2012 by lisakwinkler

One of my fall rituals is picking up my fur coat, inherited from my Grandma Mae, from storage. I wouldn’t have bought my own fur coat but happily wear hers. There’s nothing like it on a freezing day and I … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, daughters, Education, Family, Fashion, interviews, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Healthy Candy? UNREAL!

Posted on October 19, 2012 by lisakwinkler

It doesn’t take long after I’ve entered the door of my childhood home in Connecticut before I gravitate to the long cabinet near the dining area of the kitchen. Out of habit, I inspect what there is to eat. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, Family, food, Grandchildren, health, holidays, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

A Few Fall Books: Kolpan, Trigiani, & Ephron

Posted on October 17, 2012 by lisakwinkler

Magic Words: The Tale of a Jewish Boy-Interpreter, the World’s Most Estimable Magician, a Murderous Harlot, and America’s Greatest Indian Chief by Gerald Kolpan How can you not read a book with that title? Browsing the new fiction shelves of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Cycling & Doping: Caffeine & Advil

Posted on October 15, 2012 by lisakwinkler

Even sports avoiders like me can’t overlook front-page news stories exposing athletes as they fall from grace due to doping. It’s time for true confessions. I’m a cyclist and I’m chemically dependent. Preparing for a ride requires a significant amount … Continue reading →

Posted in bike riding, commentary, Cycling, exercise, food, health, sports | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Factory Tours: From Poultry to PEZ

Posted on October 11, 2012 by lisakwinkler

“How many of you had eggs for breakfast?” my mother would ask a group of squirming school children or scout group on a field trip, and a few would raise their hands. Their tour of our family’s poultry farm began … Continue reading →

Posted in daughters, Education, environment, Family, food, Grandchildren, holidays, parenting, reviews, teaching, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Scarecrow Invasion!

Posted on October 9, 2012 by lisakwinkler

Scarecrows have invaded downtown Madison, CT in a competition sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Any business or community group could enter by creating a scarecrow that represented their organization and paying a nominal fee. Citizens vote on-line to select … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Books, Family, holidays, Knitting, travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Ninja Turtles, Hoola-Hoop Bags: What’s the Next Big Thing?

Posted on October 5, 2012 by lisakwinkler

They’re back! Those four nunchuck- wielding, anthropomorphic reptiles named after Renaissance artists. Yes, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are returning, determined to lure a new generation of (mostly) boys into their three -fingered grasps.  First introduced in the late ‘80’s … Continue reading →

Posted in collections, commentary, exercise, Family, Fashion, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments