Politics and Life Choices

I drove my daughter to the bus station this morning.  She’s heading into Boston for several professional meetings and to attend a seminar.  She is in the final year of completing her doctoral dissertation, and honestly, my heart was bursting with pride as I saw her go.  There was a lively conversation on the way up about the progress – the final chapter is going to her advisor next month.  Yes, indeed.  Her mother and I could not be prouder of her.  What a wonderful feeling as parents.

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Selecting Baby Names

My lovely niece and her husband are expecting a baby in the fall, a happy event in the family and another heir to the “royal” line.  To that end, I am lending my expertise to the naming process.  My assistance really wasn’t asked for or embraced, but I offer it none-the-less.  And further, this writing will serve as a general guide that expectant parents may use to wisely select a name.  In this case, the baby is a boy, and although there are any number of perfectly acceptable gender-fluid names, I’ll limit my recommendations to those that tend to suggest a male.

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Expanding Her Inheritance

How much really is too much?  Can you have enough wealth?  Most of us, and our immediate circle of friends, are what we used to call “comfortable”.  Our immediate needs are met – we don’t face “food insecurity” or being homeless, at least I don’t think we do.  As many of my readers know, I’m still chasing that illusive lottery payoff.  My big check from Publishers Clearing House has not arrived, despite them telling me it’s on the way.  They even have my address for delivery.  

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Remembering My Grandfather on St. Patrick’s Day

I never knew my grandfather, as he died about six months before I was born.  But stories – family legends really – about him abound, along with a few pictures and a number of his quotes: “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with facts” is my favorite.

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