June was a hectic month. With not one but two graduations in my family, I didn't have a chance to relax for one minute. Between parties, and ceremonies, and tears and smiles, I have officially sent my two babies out into the world to be adults. My life has just changed cycles, from the spring of my youth, to the summer of my adulthood as I see my girls, the older one, a nurse, courteous and caring, and the other, the youngest,a cosmetologist (and soon to be in college along with working full time)who's...

chettasmom

I swear I live in a house that is still inhabited by the previous owners. At times, the smell of perfume is overwhelming, and sometimes (like now) the smell of cigar smoke and broiled mushrooms seems to overcome my senses. Now the people who did live here didn't do anything wierd like drink goat blood, or hide dead babies in the basement. They were just a nice old couple who raised their kids here, ran a corner grocery store, and then like all old folks do-passed away (in the hospital thank God!),...

chettasmom

I come from a large family. Pardon. A large, Italian family. And as with all Italian families, food, all kinds of glorious food, and religion, was the glue that held us together while Grandma was still alive. My Gran, she could be described as pure sugar disguised as little old lady with an apron and top knot on her head..And she was as devout as she was a fabulous cook-there was no question about it. Dolly (as her friends called her) had often outdone herself in the kitchen area, and everyone...

chettasmom

When I was in high school,my English Teacher, Mrs. Galvin encouraged us to make a list. Not just any list, but a list of all our "wants" for the years to come..myself, like any self respecting high school girl, naturally included the usual frivolties such as "have a great tan, get skinny and show up at the 10 year reunion to smite all those evil cheerleaders who have now gained weight and look like hell, marry a gorgeous blond body builder, and have tons of money." ..A decade...

chettasmom