Living Vertically,  Our Kids, Our Family,  The Mystery of Marriage

How we keep the ’60s alive in our home.

Around here, of late, I have been referred to as “Eva.”

Over the years, my husband has habitually watched certain movies and announced “she’s just like YOU!” He has too-kindly compared me to Sandra Bullock’s character in The Blind Side (though I’ve never had the wherewithal or sidearm the likes of Leigh Anne Tuohy). And on a good day, I’ve been accused of being like Katherine Hepburn’s Bunny Watson. But most recently, it’s been “Eva.”

Eva Gabor.

It started one evening, right around dusk. We were sitting in the family room watching The Voice and out back, just past the edge of the trees, I saw a large four legged shadow weaving hauntingly through the foliage. I hopped up and could tell it was a coyote. A what??? Naturally I sent a very simple message to Steve. I also sent a text to my always-knowledgeable neighbor from Arizona. She assured me that a lone coyote was harmless and that my 10-year-old Labrador would be enough to frighten away the intruder. Ok good. Steve, on the other hand, sent the following text in reply:


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See, we’ve been in the midst of career discussions involving various opportunities in NYC, LA, Chicago and other such fabulous cities. Frankly, as much as I love my community of people here, I do quite enjoy the action of a bigger city. Steve, on the other hand, appreciates the career realities of The City, but gets endless joy out of tooling about in his Acreage Element, towing something with a tractor and building big things that require lots of amps in power tools.

Therein lies the new and permanent connection to Lisa and Oliver Douglas. Ever since the coyote sighting, he sings the theme song daily. He’s taught Jack the theme song. Jack is in the process of “catching up” on the series on youtube.

It’s all good fun, but some moments just can’t be fully appreciated on i-video. Hearing your eight-year-old belt out his best Jimmy Durante impression from the other room “honey ah luv ya, but give me Park Avenue” has to be about the funniest moment of the week.

Click the image to enjoy an episode yourself:)

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4 Comments

  • Beeka

    I am just sitting here laughing and then laughing again. Can just see the Durante bit! Love you Suzy, very well written!

  • David R.

    Perhaps you should get a pig and name it Arnold.

  • Miriam

    This makes me laugh! I’m with you and Eva about the coyotes, though. When the boys were really young (6wks old and 3 yrs old) we spent time living in the desert and I was surprised one day to look up and see coyote standing about 15 feet from where the boys and I were on the patio. We backed up slowly and got inside but to me it was scary. I wasn’t sure if he had friends nearby! Guess I am an Eva, too! Thanks for the fun read.

  • Elana

    Good stuff! I especially enjoyed the “always knowledgeable neighbor” reference. Thank you!