My Life 2004

Is it Hurtful to Say Happy Hanukkah?

In last week's Surfing the Net with Kids newsletter, I closed my opening remarks with "Happy Hanukkah." In previous years, I had also included links to sites that explain various... Continue reading "Is it Hurtful to Say Happy Hanukkah?"

The Best Part of Skiing?

Is the best part of skiing wooshing down the hill? Or is it removing your ski boots? Erica and I ventured out for a one-day ski trip in the local... Continue reading "The Best Part of Skiing?"

Travel is Expensive

After my forays to Pittsburgh and Cleveland (with a weekend at home in San Diego in between) I arrived home with a terrible cold. Or so I thought. After a... Continue reading "Travel is Expensive"

Total Lunar Eclipse

Because my son Matthew is an astronomy buff, he keeps me up-to-date on important astronomical happenings. Wednesday October 27, is a total lunar eclipse.... Continue reading "Total Lunar Eclipse"

Samurai Japanese Restaurant

Samurai Japanese Restaurant in Solana Beach is one of our favorite restaurants. We frequent it for special occassions, for ordinary occassions and whenever we have out-of-town guests.... Continue reading "Samurai Japanese Restaurant"

The Groan

Anyone with teenagers is familiar with "the groan," that unique guterral airy sound uttered by teenagers whenever their parents say or do something they think is completely ridiculous. I get... Continue reading "The Groan"

Felix and Nora

Tip of the hat to Carolyn, who wrote and reminded me that I haven't mentioned the new dog in awhile. Well, Felix the new dog is now the old dog,... Continue reading "Felix and Nora"

Those Poor British Cats!

We had a wonderful, two-week vacation in the Cotswolds, London and Paris. I brought my laptop along, and intended to check email and post a few entries about our travels,... Continue reading "Those Poor British Cats!"

Kids in London

My family and I are taking a trip to London and I was wondering if you might give me some web pages that would tell me about some things to... Continue reading "Kids in London"

Paula Danziger: A Tribute

I never met Paula Danziger face to face, but she touched my daughter and me with her books. I am especially greatful for "P.S. Longer Letter Later" and "Snail Mail... Continue reading "Paula Danziger: A Tribute"

I am a Television Sloth

I'm back in the old computer chair now, at least for a few hours a day. My recovery is going well, but I am frustrated by this middle ground. I'm... Continue reading "I am a Television Sloth"

Woo Hoo! I am Home!

Thursday's surgery was successful, and my recovery is progressing nicely. I returned home Sunday, the fourth of July, my personal independence day. I believe I owe my amazing recovery to... Continue reading "Woo Hoo! I am Home!"

Back on the Calendar

My surgery is now scheduled for July 1. I think I am more nervous than I was the first time it was scheduled. And, one more time (I feel a... Continue reading "Back on the Calendar"

Chicken Pox Again?

Still no news on a new date for the surgery. Thank you again for all the warm wishes and prayers. They really meant a lot to me. One reader asked... Continue reading "Chicken Pox Again?"

A Lady in Waiting

The day before my scheduled hysterectomy, the doctor canceled my surgery because my white blood count was high. I can not describe my disappointment. Thank you so much for all... Continue reading "A Lady in Waiting"

Surgery is Scheduled

Because I am having a hysterectomy on Tuesday, I am taking a few weeks off. I've been pursuing alternatives for a year, and now, for me, this is the best... Continue reading "Surgery is Scheduled"

Tower of London: Ceremony of the Keys

After booking our flight to London, I immersed myself in finding hotels. To aid in my travel planning, I went to the library, the bookstore and, of course the Internet.... Continue reading "Tower of London: Ceremony of the Keys"

Fantasia vs. Diana

Last week our Surfnetkids American Idol poll accurately predicted that Jasmine would be voted off. This week is the finale. Can we do it again? Vote for your favorite, but... Continue reading "Fantasia vs. Diana"

American Idol Poll

And what about that American Idol? I was very disappointed to see LaToya London leave. Just for fun, who’s your favorite Idol now?... Continue reading "American Idol Poll"

The Flight is Booked

When I was in my early twenties, fresh out of college, my company (Varian Data Machines) transferred me to Zurich for a few years where I worked as a computer... Continue reading "The Flight is Booked"

American Idol

As an older parent, I've always crowed that having young kids has kept me young. One of the ways they do this is by keeping us in touch with trends... Continue reading "American Idol"

My Spring Break

Like the straw that broke the camel's back, it is often the little things that get to us. In my case, it was a tube of sunscreen. Here's the story.... Continue reading "My Spring Break"

Bravery

Bravery, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Several times this week I have been called brave. Yet the things I did were easy for me. Which does... Continue reading "Bravery"

Not Cool Under Fire

Yesterday morning, before making the kids' breakfast, I put Felix in the backyard . As we ate breakfast, he was watching us from a sunny spot on the patio. But... Continue reading "Not Cool Under Fire"

The Lost TV Remote

Sometimes happiness is as simple as finding the lost TV remote, which I just did. It was on the floor between the filing cabinet and computer desk in my home... Continue reading "The Lost TV Remote"

Felix has Cat Trouble

Felix the dog is having cat trouble. For a few days we kept the cats isolated. Then we slowly introduced them, with Felix on a leash. The cats could certainly teach Felix a few lessons in kitty cat ... Continue reading "Felix has Cat Trouble"

A New Dog

Last night we got a new dog. His name is Felix, and he's a three-year old German Shepherd. It's too early to say much about him except that he's stinky... Continue reading "A New Dog"

Online Book Reviews

Do you like books? Where do you find out about new books to read? In my circle of friends I have two that frequently share their book recommendations with me. They both recommended ... Continue reading "Online Book Reviews"

Dealing with Tragedy

Sunday was a terrible day. My husband walked outside, and our beloved German Shepherd Aster followed him. But instead of going with Howard into the office built behind our garage,... Continue reading "Dealing with Tragedy"