The Math of My Life and My Laundry

Mathematics is the language of the universe, the foundation on which all things are built. If I had appreciated that in school, I might have paid more attention and worked harder to understand it. Lately I have been realizing that mathematical principles can apply even to the most mundane activities of everyday life. Proportionality is [...]

Independence Day

As I sat in Schilberg Park watching the fireworks display on this fourth of July, I was wondering what it meant. Why do we create these displays of light and noise every year at the celebration of U.S. Independence Day? This year, when we planned our holiday, the weather was a major consideration. The prediction [...]

On Boys

I have a houseful of boys–even the cat is a boy. When I shop for my clothes 3 people sit outside on a bench waiting for me. I have nothing I did not buy in a hurry. I would not swap my boys with anyone. For them I will endure a blue-denim world devoid of [...]

Fried Egg Sandwiches

I had the delight of a mother-daughter day last week. I had a vacation day, only part of which was devoted to a session at Write by the Lake at UW-Madison. So, I took my daughter with me, planning to spend time at the Henry Vilas Zoo and then my company’s family picnic. As we [...]

Butterflies and Cinderella Angels

For a few minutes I had butterflies in my stomach. I left my daughter back stage in a pink sparkly tutu with silver and feather tiara on her head. I left her, along with eight other budding ballerinas, in the capable hands of her teacher to wait their turn to perform. Becoming a parent has [...]