America the Beautiful as sung by Mrs. Peck’s grade school choir

America the Beautiful as sung by Mrs. Peck’s grade school choir

If you want to know what really makes America the Beautiful, listen to those words sung by a second and third grade choir. Watch their proud little faces beam as, eyes trained on their music teacher, they find the notes that give those words lift. "America! America! God shed his grace on thee. And crown [...]

An unconventional, though apropos, birthday dinner

An unconventional, though apropos, birthday dinner

The birthday boy has requested an unconventional, though apropos for him, meal. He wants everyone to eat exactly what they want, and he's offered to drive around the city collecting their goodies. So, one person will enjoy a Shamrock Shake and a McCrispy sandwich. Another will eat the Jerk Joint's oxtail. One stubborn person will [...]

A heartfelt, though not led (at least by the picker) game

A heartfelt, though not led (at least by the picker) game

The lessons shuffle steadily, through generations and decks of cards. You can be young at heart, they say, but for criminy sakes, don't lead with hearts if you're the picker. Obviously. Saturday afternoon, my husband Vince joined a merry band of Sheepshead players whose founders first formed an alliance at Southside Junior High 85 years [...]