Welcome to Ask Frank & Jane, a lighthearted advice column where domestic dilemmas are reviewed thoughtfully, often by a very small frog, and always from a place of concern. Dear Frank & Jane, I live in such a great little neighborhood. Everyone
Meet Frank, the long-legged velvet frog who once kept order in my music classroom and somehow became my most faithful writing companion. Here’s how, years ago, he hopped into my suitcase for Honduras, and why he still has a seat
Dear Frank, You would have enjoyed this morning. Mitzi’s been staying with me some — which I love — and she was in full porch-patrol mode, squinting into the sunlight like a sentry guarding the azaleas. She’s perfected her squirrel-surveillance stance:
Dear Frank, I’ve been enjoying a fire in the fireplace this morning and it has been so satisfying to see the dreamy results of setting it ablaze successfully! This hasn’t always been the case. In the past, I’ve watched with disappointment
Dear Frank, The sign says "Mejor Cada Día" (meaning "Better Every Day"). On one of our forays down unknown backroads between Atotonilco and San Miguel, it was posted at a bridge crossing the river. I examined the sign, debating inwardly as
Dear Frank, It's early morning at Casa Alfaro and the place is running at full pace with workers on every section of the property. There are 17 men, a mix of maestros (typically older gentlemen) who are experts at their craft,
Dear Frank, Señoras y Señores, Off I go to the Querétaro airport after many double kisses and handshakes in the courtyard of Casa Alfaro. Those dedicated and kind folks had gathered there for my departure, as is their tradition. Mexican hellos
Dear Frank, Here’s a little post I thought I’d send to you, in case you need any help with this certain, particular part of housekeeping. It’s truly a vital thing to consider but, on the other hand, I think perhaps you
Do you remember that time someone said they had a frog in their throat, and you quickly retreated to hide under the table? I had to explain the saying to you to coax you out and get you calmed down.
Dear Frank, Boy, do I have a story to tell you! There we were, us two Texas girls, all gussied up. Bess and I both had slipped on pretty cotton maxi dresses, our summer slides, the requisite jewelry. These were, of course, all