Many have impressions of our nation’s biggest city as being dirty and just plain nuts. But it can also be a place of great togetherness.

I belong to the subset of folks inexplicably eager to take the blame for everything. This can crop up in unexpected ways as I go about my daily routine.

Relaxation is all one can ask for a major milestone birthday. Well, and perhaps lots of gifts and attention, too.

With each passing year, I realize just how precious lifelong friendships are, and am so grateful for them. But even small regular in-person interactions can make a difference.

For me, scents often trigger associative thoughts and feelings. A whiff of sewage triggers a very specific recollection.

An aging body isn’t a liability; it can be considered a badge of honor and a result of accomplishments.

Military health care doctors and services should provide more to their patients than the bare minimum.

Even though I was a lawyer, I never took steps to protect myself financially in the event that our marriage failed. My Navy husband knew what I’d given up for him, and showed appreciation. In return, I trusted him to protect my future.

No matter how much failure may turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long run, it still feels bad in the moment.

The value of military challenge coins isn’t intrinsic -- it’s in their recognition of a job well done.