I was genuinely surprised. Last week, at a party for my new book, “Got Here as Soon as I Could,” more people than we expected showed up. “More than expected” was an easy benchmark to hit, because I expected no one would come. It all goes back to a Cabbage Patch Kid party I threw […]

Plants are smarter than you think. It’s true that most have a hard time remembering their nine-times tables, and are darned if they know the capital of Nebraska (though even I might need help from Mrs. Google on that). But, for example, they know spring is on the way — even if they haven’t been […]

NEW YORK The cocker spaniel arrives to the animal hospital with a police officer, whimpering and shaking. He has a pus-filled pink socket for a left eye and is so skinny his spine and ribs show through his caramel-colored fur. Because animal abuse is suspected, this dog won’t be handled like the other pets coming […]

SAN FRANCISCO Talk about a loyal employee: Elena Griffing has just celebrated her 70th year working for the same San Francisco Bay Area hospital, and she has no plans to retire anytime soon. Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center has marked Griffing’s milestone and her recent 90th birthday, spokeswoman Carolyn Kemp said. But for […]

A year from now, my husband will retire from the Navy, so I have begun the emotional countdown of “lasts”: last deployment (thank you), last time I see him in uniform (tear), and so forth. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve waited for this moment forever. I was born during my Navy dad’s first deployment and […]

I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready for spring blossoms. My little bulbs like snowdrops are blooming already, but I want my magnolia, crabapples, forsythia and daphne to bloom, too. Fortunately, I can easily speed up the process — indoors. Here’s what I’m doing. I have cut branches with flower buds […]

LAINGSBURG, Mich. Week-old Blake Rodeman is gurgling and fussing. Then, to make it totally clear that he’s hungry, he sucks his tiny fist. Kate Rodeman cradles her son, gently bouncing him to soothe him. She breaks out in laughter as he tries to nuzzle her breast through her sweater. He’s an active baby. “He’s a […]

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho W hen children are damaged by physical or sexual abuse, those who work at the North Idaho Children’s Advocacy Center are ready to help them heal. “I have a really special place in my heart for kids who have been traumatized,” Children’s Advocacy Center Director Tamarah Cardwell said as tears welled in […]

BOSTON Evan Wondolowski was ready to buy his first home more than a year ago. He offered 5 percent over the listing price of a small two-bedroom condominium in Jamaica Plain and started planning where the furniture would go in his new place. Then he heard from his real estate agent: 18 other offers had […]

I talked to a gardening friend who has already started planting a few things in his vegetable garden. Not me. Despite a few warm sunny days, it is way too cold and wet in my garden to do much of anything. Seeds will rot in cold, wet soil. Here’s what I’m doing — or not […]