Nick Sestanovich is leaving the Benicia Herald as editor. He has done an admirable job in a career that is fading from view: print news. Why buy a newspaper when you can have CNN on all day or Fox News and get your “fake news” quota for the day? I feel for Nick’s plight along […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: Are you a member of the ‘Let’s Have it All’ Club?
Being of a certain age, it has become clear to me that my single friends are making decisions as to whether to pursue having a relationship with a significant other or going it alone in this last quarter of their lives. It made me realize that I have always been a member of my own […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What can we say about race relations in this country?
Spike Lee in “BlacKkKlansman” pretty much said it all in his new upsetting movie. He ran the gamut. He showed police that were racist and those that were not. He underscored the limited choices that blacks have to change things- namely, go the path of Black Power, infiltrate white organizations (the KKK), learn the lessons […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: Is love better the second time around?
It has been six years since my son and daughter-in-law divorced. They spent 20 years together and had two sons. They went through their 30s and 40s together. As Eric, my son, approaches a second commitment, it looks like he learned a thing or two. I have gotten his permission to post a letter he […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: Are you slowing down?
I can finally admit I am “slowing down.” After having a conversation with my much younger sister, Nina (four years younger), I realized that we are both “slowing down.” I had been dubbed the “Energizer Bunny” by Dena Westerman when she observed me at Mills Elementary School. Then there were the years in the yarn […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What turns us into screaming banshees?
The other day I was at Robin and Co. beauty salon. I was looking forward to a relaxing time catching up with Robin, getting my hair cut, my roots covered and a lovely shampoo. I arrived to find her compatriot had a client. Even in close proximity, we were able to have our separate space. […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: Do you trust your professionals?
I was in need of a new veterinarian when Dr. Laurie retired from her practice in Benicia. This search reminded me of my parents attitude to medical doctors. They had little trust for these able practitioners, They believed they were all about the money. When I began my search, the first veterinarian approached me with […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What endears us to people growing up in the Deep South? (Guest column by Larry Fullington)
Larry Fullington has a spring in his step at 87 and a witty retort that brings a smile to your face. I had an inkling that he could write. This piece gives us a chance to see what this funny guy is really about. Enjoy! Recollections of J. Sweetpants Goodbody By Larry Fullington I’ve been […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: What kind of interaction do you prefer?
Recently I was having brunch with my friend, June Gifford. Although we live some distance from each other, she in Lodi and me in Benicia, we have managed to keep our 50-year relationship alive and intact. On this recent occasion I presented her with one of my watercolor montages, that was an overview of our […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: Are you thinking of buying a new car?
Beware! This is dangerous thinking. My sister and her husband thought of buying a new car and they will be picking up their high end self driving Tesla on June 9. Pat Oberdorf thought it might be time to buy a new car and she now owns a Chevy Volt, electric car. Marlene and Garland […]