Monthly Archives: September 2011

When the Spit Hits the Spam

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Liza Blue

My interest in idioms was prompted by an offhand comment by my cousin Susie who remarked that she had enjoyed a slim volume called “Hog on Ice,” which provided derivations for common American idioms.  I then began to notice that … Continue reading →

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Simply Christmas

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Liza Blue

This year we enjoyed an immensely satisfying Thanksgiving, filled with a harmonious family of 28 with ages ranging from 2 months to 85 years old, representing 4 different generations.  We hosted the event at our house, and I had adopted … Continue reading →

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The Shape of My Container

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Liza Blue

In my second year of medical school, I subscribed to an odd little periodical called “Disease-a-Month,” basically a Cliff Notes for the aspiring doctor.  Each month the bright yellow pamphlet would provide a summary of the most salient facts about … Continue reading →

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My Saggin’ Wagons

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Liza Blue

A couple of years ago we decided to break the pattern of our holiday celebrations, unchanged for the past 25 years.  Instead of traipsing from one suburb to the next to touch bases with as many family members as possible, … Continue reading →

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Chapter 2: Clean Plate Club Murder Mystery

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Liza Blue

Prior and subsequent chapters are posted in the murder mystery category.   I met Penny at a Starbuck’s near the dreary complex of cinder block dorms at SantaTeresaUniversity.  On the phone, her baby doll voice made her sound like a … Continue reading →

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Author’s Commentary 1: The Clean Plate Club Murder Mystery

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Liza Blue

Introduction One of the anticipatory pleasures of summer vacation is lining up your reading.  Generally, I like to consider different categories fitting different moods and times of day.  You can always tote work with you on vacation, but let’s be … Continue reading →

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Pathologic Memories

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Liza Blue

As an anatomic pathologist, I am frequently in a dilemma when asked what kind of work I do.  For non-physicians the answer almost invariably requires further explanation.  Sometimes I include the explanation all in one breath, “I’m a pathologist.  We … Continue reading →

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Let Yourself Go, Part 2

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Liza Blue

My father began to contemplate retirement in the early 1980s, and thought computers might be a suitable focus for his newly acquired free time.  When Nick spotted a computer seminar, we thought that this would be the perfect introduction.  As … Continue reading →

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Let Yourself Go, Part 1

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Liza Blue

One day I was sitting in the kitchen as my mother arrived from the grocery store and starting unloading groceries, as she had probably done almost once every day for at least 30 years.  But she hummed and there was … Continue reading →

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