the sunday puzzle

I recently subscribed to the New York Times — Sundays only. Not really as a way to keep up with my old stomping grounds — I find the idea that New York is still considered by some to be the center of the cultural universe no longer convincing, but more as a way to stay connected with ideas and my roots. I grew up in New Jersey, and my newspaperman dad bought the local papers as well as some from farther afield. But he was born on 14th Street and grew up in the Bronx, and the Times must have made him feel connected to his roots, too. He would buy it sometimes during the week, but always on Sunday. It didn't have funnies, so it held no appeal for me at first, but I grew up watching my mom attack the puzzles and started waiting for my turn to have a crack at them, as well as take a look at the arts and leisure and style sections. These days I have it all to myself, as my mom, who has dementia, really can't read anymore. But she can flip through the magazine, and maybe my daughter will watch me spend a lazy day reading and tackling the puzzles and grow up wanting to do that one day, too. And yes, I'm one of those people who use a pen on the puzzle page.

Pin It