Thanks very much for your kind words, sguzman. I really appreciate it. Dark side indeed. Lord Feathers, or some such. Best, Marek View Comment

Yeah, we heard Orpingtons were the Golden Retrievers of the hen world...we figured the kids would like her. And, yes, we know a few people with small flocks. I agree--it's always important to exchange ideas. As for Rhode Island reds, the first time we get another it'll be one of 'em. Definitely. We'll name her NancyB. Best, Marek View Comment

I think I should go back to buying eggs in the supermarket too...but it's too late. As in most aspects of my life, I had no idea what I was getting into. In all seriousness, though, I do think that it could have been easier--and cheaper--if we did not live on such a small plot. In other words, the dog kennel option wasn't a for us: we didn't have the right space. We built a run in the sliver of space we had and did it with some room to grow; in case, a half dozen chickens isn't enough. Fat chance, there, huh? Best, Marek View Comment

Thanks so much for the kind, kind words, Punky. Best, Marek View Comment

NancyPants: I appreciate your thoughts, but--well, the situation might be a touch more complex than you are allowing. In fairness, the college essay can be tough, requiring way more than can ever be taught in an English class. Remember: most adults could not (even at gunpoint) write with insight, context, humor and texture...about themselves. And colleges are asking 17 year-olds, who have few life experiences to draw on, to do just that. Seriously, look at a couple of those essay questions. Give yourself a couple of days. I'll bet you a nickel you'll be crying for help. Best, Marek View Comment

I hear you...I really do. But this college application craziness holds a special dark place in my heart. I know taking a stand won't make the problem disappear. If I take a stand, tho, and the next guy does and the next guy and....Ugh. I'm starting to sound like the only thing I hate more than a college application profiteer: a romantic. Best, Marek View Comment

Mom? Is that you again? Thanks, but I already know you think I'm a genius. In all seriousness, punky, thank you very much for your kind, kind words. I appreciate it greatly. Best, Marek View Comment

You sure you weren't excited just a little bit, just thismuch, that they were out of your hair? Look: maybe you were excited only and exclusively because your kids were excited (though the kids I saw going to school that first day weren't purely excited anyway.) But, well, that's kind of what I'm talking about. Most who work with kids have a gallows humor about it all. So did generations of parents. But--well, maybe it's the limited sample I see, but their is a certain earnestness afoot in our generation of parents that I'm not quite buying. Best, Marek View Comment

The glitter and glue not war crack was joke, part of my point that parents these days are a bit earnest and humorless, which is why the "let's party" battle cry was so refreshing. Also, I understand that school is a challenge for kids...but this was about parents...and having kids at school is less of a challenge than summer. Best, Marek View Comment

Well, I'd like to see any thorough modern study that takes into account stiff competition from, for example, online retailing. I've seen a few studies, but they were done when the Internet was only a gleam in Al Gore's eye or when Amazon was in its infancy. Now, that local stationary store has to worry about me going to Staples, where I don't feed a meter, and Amazon, where I don't even have to get into my car. And this is one of those issues, too, that's a bit hard to measure. The issue of NOT buying local is guilt inducing. For many I talk to, it's a guilty little secret--not something that would always become apparent in a study, even one that took into account the modern retail environment, so rife with competition. View Comment

Sure: people are willing to pay for location and quality; fact is, though, a lot of smaller villages don't have the ability to attract too much quality. Most of their stores are workaday enterprises---like, say, stationary stores. But when we are asked to "buy local," we are effectively being asked to pay more (for stationary or printer cartridges) than we would at Staples at the local strip mall...AND feed meters for the privilege. No wonder Main Streets are dying. Best, Marek View Comment

Hey JReader: Shopkeepers I've spoken said the free parking helps them, big time...but that's anecdotal evidence, nothing scientific. I do, though, agree that every hamlet is different. Moreover, right now, too many are going with the catch-all strategy: meters. If you don't have a corporate presence in town, with people shopping during the day (or have a big shopping mall opening nearby, like the Rivertowns) I think it's self-defeating. Best, Marek View Comment

Mr. O'Toole: Amen to that. Best, Marek View Comment

Hey History Guy: We might have to agree to disagree. I said that villages struggling to attract shoppers should not discourage them with meters, when competing strip malls allow parking for free. But I didn't say (nor do I even remotely think) that ridding ourselves of parking meters would be a magic bean or pixie dust cure for local retail ills. Best, Marek View Comment

Wait, is this the Rob Cummings of Armonk fame? If so, it's great to hear from you. If not, nice to meet another Rob Cummings. Either way: I'm so sorry if I didn't get back to you: once in a while I lose messages in the shuffle or the spam receptacle...can you try one more time? Lemme know if it doesn't work. Best Wishes, Marek View Comment

All I do is whine and complain? Hey, I resemble that accusation! In all seriousness, malls are destinations and The Westchester, in far better shape than the Galleria, doesn't even have the sort of meters that require a store of change. You pay with bills or a card, far easier. No tickets involved for shopping extra either. Moreover, high-end malls like the Westchester need to charge for parking so kids won't loiter the whole day. The Galleria appear to be failing...and should (like many of our downtowns) lift the meters. In fact, they should probably pay us to park there. The other really important thing to remember is this: most downtowns compete with local strip malls, where parking is free and you don't have the hassle of change or tickets for getting caught up in your shopping and going two minutes over... View Comment

Yes, there are issues beyond the meters. But I love what you say about allowing for less stress in shopping. Great retailers know this. Local officials do not. Best, Marek View Comment

Hey History Guy: I wasn't trumpeting a meter-less world as a one-step solution to save local retailing as we know it. I only wish the business world were that simple, especially these days. But the meters (especially in villages that have no corporate presence and have a huge mall complex opening up nearby) are a self-destructive measure. Lifting the meters policy (as many of these villages do during the Christmas shopping season in a nod to reality) would be a good first step. Best, Marek View Comment

Isn't the mark-on-tire-ticket-after-3-hours best for businesses? In other words, with meters, I'm often uneasy shopping, looking at my watch, ready to scurry out. I'm rarely in the relaxed state stores prefer. And retailers don't want frenetic turnover, with customers rushing in and out. At the same time, you don't want squatters. Granted: if someone is going to shop for hours, I'm sure that's fine with retailers. You don't, though, want people to ditch their car in town, taking up a space, before hopping on the train to the city. So have a traffic cop put a chalk mark on a tire. If it's still there in 3 hours: ticket. If not, enjoy shopping in a village while in a relaxed state...just like you do at a strip mall. View Comment

That was beautifully said, squirtom. I have noting to add, save for the fact that I received a few emails saying how your words struck a chord. Please stay in touch in this space, if you have the time and inclination. Thanks again. Best Wishes, Marek View Comment