Author: Duchess Diaries

Kale is having a moment. Much like fat-free cookies and artificial butter, it won’t last. Thank Sweet Baby Jesus. The day kale packs its suitcase to join the other food fads in the diet annals can’t come soon enough. Despite throngs knealing at kale’s altar, the simple truth is kale has uses. It’s supposed to… Continue reading Kale Is Having A Moment…

“It will take a long time for your mouth to open all the way again.” This doctor is a stand in for my regular cancer guy. He assures me my tiny mouth opening won’t stay miniscule forever. Again, it’s a gift from radiation. Kind of like a boomerang, it just keeps swinging around to whack… Continue reading Cheeseburger In Paradise…

  As full circle would have it, yesterday found this girl hiking the mountains of Colorado on the very day, five years ago, that my husband died hiking the woods of Colorado. There’s a message in there somewhere but I’ll be damned if I know what it is. No, we aren’t in those woods. I… Continue reading Full Circle…

Everyone knows I love my car, as well as my car dealer, Big Al. Once more, I sent a friend over and he couldn’t be happier. He’s even going back for another car. He couldn’t believe a car dealer could be so nice. And there is no back and forth, talk to my manager stuff.… Continue reading Who Loves Their Car Dealer?…

One of cancer’s gifts is its’ many indignities. A breast cancer friend tells us she is headed to the doctor for yet another “groping.” Yesterday, for my final surgery, I disrobe in front of a doctor and a nurse in preparation for port removal. After so many surgeries, they dispense with a dressing room and just… Continue reading Snip, Snip, Tug, Tug

Writers spend a good amount of time in their own heads. When they do come up for air, they are attracted to the most interesting people and fare. After all, the real world has to compete with all that fantasy lodged in those slightly twisted brains. Lately, this girl has been running into some fascinating girls.… Continue reading Thoughts, Ladies?

Each year, four chicks trek to LA. It’s been going on for years. The Goddess, River Rafter Girl, Sweetest G and myself soak up the less intense California sun, check out Groundlings and celebrate the birthday of The Goddess’ granddog, Lola. Oh, and cocktails are involved. The weekend in June is also the annual trek… Continue reading Does Vanderpump Rule?…

The Duke tells us, “Number one in the summer is to protect your car from the heat. Just like everything else, your car needs to be shielded from the brutal sun.” Don’t know The Duke of Cars? He’s only our expert on buying, selling and caring for one of your most expensive possessions. We asked… Continue reading Protect Your Car From Heat…

Curiouser and curiouser. Did you know Barbie clothes are on Pinterest? And no, we're not talking tennis outfits and miniature lab coats. We're talking designer duds worthy of the Met Gala. I see them and find myself thinking (besides whose fingers are that small), I'd wear that. ​​ According to Yahoo News, it's a craze for… Continue reading Barbie Takes Over Pinterest…

Summer is in the air—Here in the Dale the weekend found us fanning our faces, repeating, “It’s a dry heat.” It’s 115. Summer, in other parts of the country, brings weddings and anniversaries. Our house is deluged with invitations, celebrations and love merriment. Jealous? You bet. The Norwegian and I would have been married thirty-two… Continue reading Aim For The Heart…