Who can resist a good kitchen gadget?  Our kitchen is full of them:  the mandolin is great for slicing, the ice cream maker gets a regular workout, and the pressure cooker makes a mean pot of rice or roast beef.  I wish we could get a little more use out of the Italian-made pasta machine, [...]

Years ago my brother wrote this poem for my father.  Our grandmother passed away in 1990, but her hearty and giving spirit still stays with us.  Her little house in Fresno has not really changed much since she moved out 24 years ago, but every time I visit Fresno, I have to drive by for [...]