By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.They really should put up a new sign—one that says what they actually mean.The venerable Augusta National Golf Club puts on a good front. The holy grail of the golf world and home of the Masters Tournament is pristine, sophisticated and elegant. The sign out front of the club announcing that you are entering Augusta territory is understated, [...]

By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this column, click the play arrow below.In the midst of yet another Bontempo family water crisis, my husband and son were contemplating the prospect of putting in a new garbage disposal after discovering a leak in the bottom of the old unit.“We could probably do this,” Dave said. Given the fact that the last foray under the sink resulted in the hot and cold [...]

By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.I think I’ve decided on my second career.At this point in mid-life, many folks, after years of soul-searching, decide to embark on secondary careers in which they explore skills and interests they’ve long had but which have taken a back seat as daily life commanded center stage. My new career? Diplomatic negotiator.I realized that I’m pretty good at [...]