Did you know that circus monkeys are capuchin monkeys? Their name comes from their coloration, which resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of Roman Catholic friars. When it comes to things that are not our concern, we often say, “not my circus, not my monkeys” This Polish proverb describes something we have no control over and do not want to be bothered with. Since it’s rude and inconsiderate to say, “not my problem,” especially if someone is making an un-reasonable request for your help, “it’s funnier to say not my circus, not my monkeys.” In Polish it is Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.

Our family is blessed to have all four grandparents living close by and active in our life. When our first daughter was born and I went back to work part-time, both sets of grandparents took turns watching her. When our second child was born 20 months later, the grandparents were instrumental in helping out with watching our toddler as I fed and got the baby to sleep. And in reverse, when our toddler needed some alone time with mom, the grandparents read, sang to, and played with our baby. As a result, both our kids, now 3.5 and almost 2, have a special relationship with each of their grandparents.

What is the difference between an elder and an older person? According to Webster, an elderly is a person who is old or who is aging. And if you look up the definition of old, it is described as having lived for a long time, no longer young. But the difference is an earned and respected position in the family by having a growth mindset.

Or, maybe you are a Grandpa or Jaja? Traditionally, families in Poland were three-generation affairs, with grandparents, parents, and children sharing a household. Typically this was a patriarchal structure, with adult sons living with their parents and adult daughters moving to the households of their husbands. The older generation held the greatest authority.

Let's do a quick survey. How many are in favor of child labor? Against?

Child labor…these words conjure up images of children working from dawn to dusk in spinning mills, shucking clams, or spraying arsenic on cotton fields in the 19th century or early 20th century. All of us would say that we have moved to a better place.

Growing up in a Polish American house provided the opportunity for an array of Polish cuisine. From homemade Polish sausage and pierogi to my favorite dessert, potiza, pronounced (paw-tee'-tzah). I remember it as a tasty bread with a sweet, nutty filling. As I reminisce about my favorite foods and memories, I picture my mom and grandma cooking diligently for the family feast. My grandma with her house dress and my mom in her slacks, both adorned with an apron. This nostalgic look at the past had me thinking about the lost item used in cooking, aprons. What were they used for, and why are they no longer in everyday use?

The theme song of the sitcom “Friends”, written by The Rembrandts, is appropriate for all stages of life.

“So no one told you life was gonna be this way (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

Your job's a joke, you're broke

Your love life's DOA

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month

Or even your year, but I’ll be there for you.”

What secret agent did you want to be like when you were growing up?

James Bond, 007

Secret Agent

Man from Uncle

I Spy

Get Smart

Mission Impossible

I loved the cone-of-silence (Get Smart); as children, we would put a blanket over our heads to mimic it. Under the blanket-of-silence, we could whisper secrets to each other. Fun memories.