I did not vote for Donald Trump. But I will not be disrespectful of our country’s newest leader by raging about him. For one, complaining only makes me powerless – a victim – and that does nothing towards having him removed from office earlier than his elected four years mandates. Worse, though, if citizens don’t show respect for our country, then who in the WORLD is going to? Imbibing in such weak behavior only sets the stage for terrorism to creep onto our land. There are many respectful ways to impeach the president-elect, if that’s what you desire. Hey, I […]

There’s a backstory to this post: My husband was mayor of a large city, so I have the most minuscule taste of what it’s like to be recognized on the street. Little nothing me helped run his grassroots campaign. And because he was a populist, I could actually feel the prayers of those who wanted him in office. Now, for the post: I just got done reading Dark Star, by Robert Greenfield, and was moved by a line from Dr. Randy Baker. “The most likely way for Jerry to die would have been from something sudden. I think he might […]

Raise your hand if you’d go here! Photo: this sign was seen by my daughter Tara and I yesterday as we walked in DuPont Circle. Since we both have a sick sense of humor, our minds were drawn directly into the gutter when viewing it! #BeNice, #LoveToLaugh

I am a terrible mother – just ask my son Andrew, he’ll tell you! The designation today, though, comes from me. I missed my Italian exchange daughter Anna’s wedding, because I couldn’t bring myself to get on a plane. But loving child that she is (she’ll always be a child to me!) she and her new husband Marco, couldn’t have been kinder. I have a tradition going that I gift newlyweds with an antique, perfectly seasoned, Griswold cast iron pan. Those who are not in the know have viewed the present like it was the cheapest thing! When really, a […]

Living with a brainiac is so boring. Why? Because I know things that I really don’t care to know. For instance, what is a debt ratio, and how does a city balance its books. Funk inherited quite the disaster when he became mayor in 2007. The city’s credit rating (the ability to borrow money) had a negative outlook, and Kansas City was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Most of his time in office was spent reversing that situation. When he handed back the reins in 2011, he left the city with an AA rating and a stable outlook, and […]

It’s not my fault. THEY created this animal! From the time I was little, I couldn’t wait to be a wife and a mother. Once Funk and I started dating, I couldn’t wait to do his laundry! Problem was, my knight in “grey” armor was a feminist to the extreme, and wouldn’t have any of it. When we married, he wouldn’t even “let” me take his last name. It probably took me 15 years to be grateful that the Gods didn’t allow me to hook up with the type of guy I was looking for. Because now, I can’t imagine […]

I hope Funk doesn’t have a Walk-In inhabiting his body: A spirit that calls someone else’s earthly body home for a little while. Why the concern? For the first time in our almost 38 year marriage, he said to me yesterday, “Babe, why don’t we do something fun for Valentine’s Day.” My eyes almost shot out of my head when he said that. Because never in all our years together has my husband said that we should do something FUN! If Funk does have a spirit taking up residence within him, I sure hope it doesn’t leave until after we’ve […]

This post is actually a tribute to Donna Jean Godchaux of the Grateful Dead. I try not to listen to Row Jimmy too much, because I don’t want to get sick of it. Last Sunday, I was in just the right mood, and listened to a rendition from 1974. Her voice. How old must she have been, 25-30, to be calling it down like that, embodying the Goddess! Her sweetness, mingled with Garcia’s heartbreaking voice is just incredible. I always expect to hear it, and miss it, whenever I’m listening to favorite songs where she is absent. Anyway, thank you, Ms. […]

Dear Friends and Family, It’s been 2½ years since we left Kansas City, and DC finally feels like home. That’s probably because we moved. Again! I thought we’d stay in our initial apartment for the duration, but after getting wind that management sold my view of the Italian garden, I spent six months looking for another place. One snowy day last January, something came on the market that was only a few doors down. Once I spotted the garden and courtyard, I made the realtor wait on me while I ran back to our apartment for reinforcement. Andrew was still […]

One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are, and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying ~ Joan of Arc, she takes my breath away. Funk was a living example of this quote in his 30-year tenure as a public servant/mayor. If we had more politicians like this, what a different world we’d be.