Life + Family - Courant.com

Author Michelle Alexander To Be Honored At Stowe's Big Tent Jubilee

By CAROLE GOLDBERG, Special To The Courant — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Registration is open for the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center's big event, the Stowe Prize Big Tent Jubilee, which will take place on May 30 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the Stowe Center grounds, 77 Forest St., Hartford.

Gyms Just For Boomers? More Like Gyms For Wussies

Jim Shea — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Fitness facilities aimed at meeting the exercise needs of the nation's 78 million aging baby boomers are beginning to pop up.

Revolutionary War Reenactment In Wethersfield

By ERIK OFGANG, Special To The Courant — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:21:00 GMT

Former Pilot David Loda Grabs A Different Ride For Wethersfield War Encampment

Sometimes David Loda feels like a time traveler.

West Hartford Resident Publishes Ancestor's Civil War Letters

By SUSAN DUNNE, sdunne@courant.com — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:00 GMT

Ancestor's Correspondence Before And During Civil War, Until His Death At Gettysburg

In 1972, Hurricane Agnes swept through Quincy Abbot's hometown in Forty Fort, Pa., and left four feet of water in the first floor of his parent's house. He went down to help out and wound up renting a U-Haul to bring a very old desk home with him to West Hartford.

One Mom's Venture Helps Others Realize Their Creative Talents

By SARAH CODY, FOX CT — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

As we begin to find our footing as moms, we develop some unexpected skills. Maybe we bake the most delicious brownies, throw incredibly elaborate birthday parties or sew beautiful dresses. But how do we make a "venture" out of our new creative talents?

World's Markets, Malls: A Great Bucket List For Shoppers

By KORKY VANN, kvann@courant.com — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Like a lot of folks, I've got a bucket list of things I want to do and see before I head to the big mall in the sky.

Even Nursery-School Grads Need a Good Commencement Speech

Jim Shea — Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Skip college, be a plumber, live in the basement

The-shining-beacon-on-the-hill season, also known as commencement, is upon us again, and this year I thought I would share my sage advice with graduates of all educational levels.

Pet-sitting Etiquette: What To Consider When Asking Friends To Help

By Deborah Filipek, Special to Tribune Newspapers — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Points to consider when asking friends or family to watch your pet

For pet owners, it's great having a friend or relative watch Fluffy or Scamp while you're on vacation. But extra consideration is in order. This setup may be cheaper than hiring a pet sitter, but you can't put a price on a good — or strained — relationship.

Author Christopher Buckley To Speak At Hotchkiss

By CAROLE GOLDBERG, Special To The Courant — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

C hristopher Buckley , the Forbes editor, journalist and author whose books tackle political and cultural sacred cows with a satirical twist, will give a free talk Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at The Hotchkiss School, 11 Interlaken Road., Lakeville.

Jim Shea: Are More 150-Year-Olds On The Horizon?

Jim Shea — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to life expectancy, baby boomers sentiments might best be captured in the song lyric from Fame: "I want to live forever."

Angelina Jolie's Surgery Brings Words Of Caution From Experts

By Joseph Serna — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:11:00 GMT

Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy because of a rare gene has generated great interest.

Relationship Based On Sex Destined To Fail

By Ruth Westheimer, King Features Syndicate — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:29:00 GMT

Q: I'm dating my personal trainer, and we get along really well, but we don't do anything but have sex. Sometimes we go out, but usually we see each other at night. He says he sees me as more than just a friend, but he is scared to get serious with me. Should I continue dating him, or end this now?

Keep Emotions In Check When Reacting To Rude Teens

By JOHN ROSEMOND, McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:42:45 GMT

I went into my 17-year-old's bedroom to wake him this morning. After some urging, he eventually got up and then told me he hated me. What is the appropriate consequence for this sort of disrespect?

Groups Organize Hikes For All Ages And Ability

By STEVE GRANT, Special to The Courant — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

May and June offer some of the most comfortable hiking conditions of the year, and the hiking opportunities for people of all ages — children through retirees — are abundant.

A Mom's Mission To Get Early Screening For The Disease That Has Devastated Her Son's Life

By SARAH CODY, FOX CT — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:48:00 GMT

Every few minutes, Jean Kelley touches her son's shoulder or knee as she speaks directly to him.

Love Story: Couple Overcome Giants, Patriots Rivalry

By M.A.C. LYNCH, Special To The Courant — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

For years TiffanyRobin Jantzer pretended she was a bride at Savin Rock Beach in West Haven. "I was practicing at that gazebo since I was six," Tiffany says.

Korky Vann: In Salisbury, Prime Finds Sells Antiques For Charity

Korky Vann — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to a perfect country destination for a perfect spring day, it's hard to beat Salisbury. The little spot, just a few miles from the New York border, features all the things you'd expect in a picture-perfect New England town — beautiful stone churches, art galleries, country inns, charming tea rooms and unique emporiums.

Boys Have Eating Disorders, Too

By ELAINE X. GRANT, egrant@hartfordmag.com — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:51:00 GMT

With Fewer Treatment Options, Males Suffer Silently With 'Girl' Problem MORE HEALTH-RELATED NEWS

In February 2010, Jonathan Noyes' uncle died suddenly. Several months later, during a summer trip to see the Statue of Liberty, Jonathan's much-loved grandmother started feeling ill. She was diagnosed with cancer and died two weeks before Christmas. Not long after that, Jonathan's father lost his job.

When You Have A Good Hair Day, Ride That Lucky Streak

Jim Shea — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When you have one, ride that baby

I almost had a good hair day last week.

A Not-So-Subtle Hint About That Mother's Day Gift

By KORKY VANN, kvann@courant.com — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Sunday is Mother's Day, the day to pamper moms and show appreciation for all they do throughout the year. Yes, I know it's a made-up holiday, promoted by card companies to guilt trip kids into shelling out to buy gifts.

Charmin's Charming Gesture For An Autistic Boy

By GRACE CLARK, Special to The Courant — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:58:00 GMT

Lots of people throw their banner into the ring as autism advocates. It's easy to do, particularly when the astounding increase in the number of people affected (1 in 50 according to Autism Speaks) constantly casts the issue into the mainstream media. Most people are generally sincere, and I've met some amazing supporters.

'For Adam's Sake' The Saga Of A Slave And His Owner

By SUSAN DUNNE, sdunne@courant.com — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Nonfiction Book By Allegra Di Bonaventura Of New Haven Tells The Story Of Joshua Hempstead Of New London

Allegra di Bonaventura, assistant dean at the graduate school of Arts & Sciences at Yale University, wanted to write a book about the history of the early American family. She hit the jackpot when she was told about the diary of Joshua Hempstead, a Colonial-era settler in New London.

Boomers Should Exercise To Handle Driving Tasks? Really?

Jim Shea — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

You know that the times they are a changing, and not for the good, when you start seeing articles advising baby boomers on what exercises they should be doing so they can drive.

John Rosemond: Raising Kids In 1950s Vs. Today

By JOHN ROSEMOND — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When I was a child, back in the Parenting Stone Age (a.k.a. the Parentocentric Era), your parents were the most important people in the family. They paid the bills, bought your clothes, prepared the food you ate, took care of you when you were sick, drove you to where you needed to be, tucked you in, and kissed you good night. They were essential.

Peri-Menopause Can Affect Sex Drive

By Ruth Westheimer, King Features Syndicate — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:43:00 GMT

Q: My boyfriend and I have been together seven years. I'm 50 and he's 60. I have a lot of medical problems. Until recently, we've had great sex, but now our sex life has dwindled. He has a strong sex drive.