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 [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below. We used to be on “Miller Time.”Way back in the ‘70’s, when my husband and I were young and still dating, our weekend routine consisted of hanging out with our friends, going “clubbing” and basking in our (admittedly marginal) coolness. It was, as the ads suggested, the perfect moment for kicking back and indulging, and although I wasn’t [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.Laura walked into the kitchen to find me rummaging through the freezer.“Hey, Mom. Whatcha doin’?” my daughter asked."Just grabbing a few ice packs for your dad. He hurt himself today,” I answered. “He’s in the family room,” I said, leading the way.“Hi Dad. Are you okay? What happened? Did you start spring training with the soccer team? You [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear the audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.I thought it was love. The other night, Dave and I stopped at a pizza place to grab a quick meal before a meeting. I took several bites of my pizza, then stopped."Yuck. This is terrible," I said as I dropped what was unimpressively serving as dinner on my plate.Dave looked stricken. "Is it that bad?" he asked."It's [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.www.thesuperficial.comSigh.With the final award for Best Picture distributed at the Oscars late last Sunday evening, Hollywood’s weeks-long awards season and self-congratulatory love fest came to a close for another year.If you’re like most folks, me included, the sigh represents sadness that the fun is over and relief that we can finally get on with things without the minute [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.I need a make-under.No, it’s not a misprint. After countless years and dollars spent doing battle with the forces of age and gravity, I’ve finally discovered the secret to looking fabulous—or at least making everyone think I do.And I have Glenn Close, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Mara Rooney to thank for it.This year’s Oscar nominees for Best [...]
