Monthly Archives: January 2019

Bare Legs in Winter

Between climate change and overheated buildings, I never know what to wear in winter. Layers help. Still, I err on the side of caution; gloves, scarf, and hat are always part of my daily attire. Since I became a dog … Continue reading

Posted in aging, commentary, environment, Fashion, Movies & TV, New York City, women, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Knitting as Protest

Frustrated with the delays in her daily train commute, Claudia Weber, an office clerk at a travel agency, returned home each evening and knit. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/16/world/europe/germany-train-delay-scarf.html And knit and knit and knit, each row representing the time lost on her way … Continue reading

Posted in Books, commentary, Knitting, news, politics, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Fire at CT’s Shakespeare Theater

My heart weeps for a Connecticut theater destroyed by fire recently. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/13/arts/stratford-shakespeare-theater-fire.html I grew up attending performances at the American Shakespeare Festival Theater in Stratford, CT. My mother took my sister and me to its shows, mostly Shakespeare plays; it’s … Continue reading

Posted in commentary, Education, Family, Shakespeare, teaching, Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Grandma Diary: Scrabble!

I try to visit my three grands once a week after school. This week I picked them up. As we walked to the car, I asked the eldest, 9, how his day was. “Great,” he replied. “What made it great?” … Continue reading

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Why Voting Matters: Connecting Democracy with Literacy

Originally posted on New Jersey Council of Teachers of English:
By Lisa K. Winkler Looking to bring democracy into the classroom? As a member of the League of Women Voters, I created an interactive, 40-minute lesson that engages students in…

Posted in Writing | 1 Comment

Books, Movies, Television, & A Play: Women

A theme seems to have emerged from my reading and watching these days: Women. As leaders, as in the films Mary, Queen of Scots and On the Basis of Sex; and television series, Madame Secretary. Repressed women, as in the … Continue reading

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Downhill Skiing: Time’s Up!

This year I decided would be my year to either become a better skier or let it go. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with the sport for many years (as I’ve written here: https://cyclingrandma.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/valentines-musings-skiing-then-now/ , and here: https://cyclingrandma.wordpress.com/2016/02/16/utah-skiing-snowshoeing-polygamy-brew/ and with creaky bones … Continue reading

Posted in aging, environment, exercise, Family, Grandchildren, Nature, travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments