Category Archives: lifestyle

Devon and me

Posted on June 13, 2012 by jerrylanson

It may be raining, but I had breakfast with Sunshine. Factoid of the day: “Santa is the only guy born with a beard.” Question of the day: “Does Santa give the Tooth Fairy presents?” Dialogue of the day: “Can we … Continue reading →

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Saga of a lost tugboat: Part II

Posted on February 25, 2012 by jerrylanson

“Ada, I have an idea of how we can find your lost tugboat.” It was 7:30 Saturday morning, pre-coffee, and this was the first sentence to come from the back seat. I’d just picked up our 4-year-old granddaughter Devon for … Continue reading →

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Devon and me: After a tough day fighting bad guys, we’ll do lunch

Posted on February 20, 2012 by jerrylanson

Kids sure grow up fast. In the 12 days since I last saw her, for example, Devon has gotten a haircut and chosen a new career path. Gone is my superhero veterinarian, replaced by a pink power ranger. Our first … Continue reading →

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Parlez-vous francais?

Posted on January 25, 2012 by jerrylanson

“Ada,” Devon told me when I got home. “You have to study French now. We’ll read Eloise in Paris.” Of course, my dear. “Zut alors!” Devon, our 4-year-old grand-daughter, is an unexpected guest today. She’s sick, which means Kathy and … Continue reading →

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Kids can say the funniest things

Posted on January 13, 2012 by jerrylanson

Our daughter Meghan and her daughter Devon stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts this morning.  As they left, an ambulance pulled into the parking lot. “Look mommy, a hospital truck,” said Devon, who is 4. “That’s called an ambulance,” Meghan told her. … Continue reading →

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Musings on contemporary American life

Posted on December 2, 2011 by jerrylanson

Love the cover of this week’s New Yorker.  It is titled “Black Friday” and shows a perplexed gray-haired gentleman looking at a saleswoman in what, we can see from the reverse-lettering on the window, is a “Bookstore.”  Only there aren’t … Continue reading →

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During the holidays, the “Gift of Nothing” beats boxes and boxes of stuff

Posted on November 29, 2011 by jerrylanson

Each morning of late, my 4-year-old granddaughter Devon and I have started the day reading a book together.  She often picks a little book, “The Gift of Nothing” by Patrick McDonnell, that one of my graduate students gave me shortly … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Friday, children's books, Christmas shopping, family, grandparenting, lifestyle, Uncategorized, values | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

When Devon’s around, rainouts just start the party

Posted on August 3, 2011 by jerrylanson

“Do you know what time it is, Nana?” Devon asked as thunder rumbled and rain fell. “It’s music time!” Kathy and I have learned that 5:20 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. is not an ideal time for beginning swim lessons in … Continue reading →

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Love traveling with your dog? Visit Bar Harbor, Maine

Posted on July 15, 2011 by jerrylanson

BAR HARBOR, Maine — Dogs aren’t just welcome at Bark Harbor, the Main Street dog boutique in this coastal town at the gateway of Acadia National Park. Their owners are greeted with a full-page, double-sided printout of “places to dine … Continue reading →

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How many bureaucrats does it take to change a light bulb?

Posted on May 29, 2011 by jerrylanson

LEXINGTON, Mass. — I live in a pretty fancy town. It’s the birthplace of the American Revolution, a place known for its good public schools and high test scores.  It’s also known for its high taxes, so much higher than … Continue reading →

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