Author Archives: Pat Greene

Diego Rivera was a Communist. The members of the Pacific Stock Exchange were not. That the latter should have commissioned the former to paint a mural for its sumptuously appointed building at 155 Sansome Street in San Francisco (now home … Continue reading →

Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.  H.L. Mencken. Some days, I wonder if Sweeney Todd wasn’t on to something.* *Mrs. Lovett, on the other … Continue reading →

I feel… I’m not sure.  Not quite professional (no pantyhose, no skirt), but maybe businesslike.  I am wearing my black sweater (sleeves pushed up to show I am a serious person), black cords, a faux-pearl and sterling silver necklace, and … Continue reading →

I play trivia almost every Tuesday.  Over half the time I play by myself.  This leaves a lot of empty time between rounds — sometimes even between questions. I find myself writing.  Those of you have seen my handwriting know … Continue reading →

Before I say anything else, I am compelled to remind you that I am the daughter and niece of Marines, and the granddaughter of a Navy pilot. I count members or former members of all four branches of the armed … Continue reading →

[Yes, it’s another Sondheim post.] I have always loved the song “Move On” from Sunday in the Park with George.  It is beautiful, it is moving. It is also incredibly well-crafted, without being ostentatious.  So much so that one of … Continue reading →

Growing up in Florida, I was always curious about snow.  Intellectually, I understood it, but experientially I did not.  I went to the Northeast in part because of that curiosity. Four years of Massachusetts winters cured me.  I left Wellesley … Continue reading →

A few months ago I went to Muir Woods.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Muir Woods, it is a National Monument, one of the best preserved remaining stands of virgin, old-growth redwoods. It was a beautiful day.  … Continue reading →

[No, this is not the most scintillating of posts.  I am a bear of very little brain this afternoon, at least now, probably because great nervousness takes a lot of concentration to hold in check.  I was better earlier.  I … Continue reading →

There is so much to write about.  But after 48 hours which included one six hour ER visit (kid’s okay; nothing lasting), an emergency dentist appointment (another kid, is okay), a badly pulled rib muscle (me — I was on … Continue reading →

Today the Red-Headed Menace and I went to lunch following his doctor’s appointment.  I introduced him to my favorite pizza, the deep dish “Untouchables” at P’izza Chicago in Palo Alto. It is a wonder, with barbecue sauce, red onions, cilantro, … Continue reading →

Okay, here’s the deal.  There was this post.  I was not ready to make it public, because I questioned whether it was fair.  (Yes, believe it or not, those considerations do matter to me.) I accidentally published it. Well, not … Continue reading →

Me: It’s cold out here.Red-Headed Menace:  No, it’s not.Me: You ate, what, 4000 calories yesterday?*Red-Headed Menace: I prefer to measure it in joules. *He is in track — he runs middle and long distance, and throws discus.  He can run … Continue reading →