I’ve been writing year-end retrospectives for seven years as a kind of exercise to help me process, but also as something to leave for posterity. I started at the end of 2013, which I characterized as a “good year.” It would be... [Continue Reading]
This week, it’s Merry Christmas from the Betts! It’s a low-key, stay-at-home Christmas this year and the Betts have experienced the sacraments, opened the gifts, eaten all the food, and watched the Christmas movies, including showing Home... [Continue Reading]
Warning: Spoilers for season 2 of The Mandalorian follow
I wrote last week about introducing my kids to Sicilian Sunday Gravy, the Sicilian-American pasta sauce that so many of us grew being served to us by our nonnas. I had a mild revolt when I didn’t include a recipe, which in my defense I... [Continue Reading]
Bear with me. I don’t think it’s the months of forced isolation talking, but you never know. I also acknowledge that I co-host a podcast focused on mysterious happenings, including UFO sightings, although we try to remain focused and... [Continue Reading]
On this week’s episode, the Betts get snowed in and prepare for Christmas; face an allergy obstacle; discuss the three kinds of Christmas movies–including ones they’re watching; and then meditate on the beautiful reflection of St... [Continue Reading]
Catholic parishes that immediately began offering ways for parishioners to experience parish life online during the lockdown have seen their offertory stay steady or grow. Those who did not, but decided to shut down and wait things out have seen it... [Continue Reading]
I love Christmas carols. Of course, I love the standards that we sing in church during the Christmas season, but I also love all the ones other people think are cheesy or mock for being about snow and trees and never actually mention Jesus.1 For me... [Continue Reading]
Scout day! This week, Dom and some of the Betts spend the day in the great outdoors doing Scouting, while Melanie and Lucia spend the day making Santa Lucia treats. Plus latkes for Hannukah, Ready Player Two final review, Melanie catching up on Star... [Continue Reading]
As an Italian-American, I love marinara aka spaghetti sauce aka tomato sauce. For most Americans, pasta and sauce is a staple of the dinner table and so it is in our household. When I was a teen, my best friend Ric and I used to make pasta sauce for... [Continue Reading]