
Marlene is the author of Back to the Land in Silicon Valley (2020), her memoir about raising children, animals and vegetables on a rural plot of land in the 1970s. When not writing, Marlene speaks to parent groups, teacher in-services and conferences, and walks beside the ocean with her companion Border Collie, Kismet. She still grows, prepares and eats organic food, and is happy to share her recipes.
Take a look at my Grandparenting Matters Facebook Page, where I post current research and commentary about grandparenting.


Recent Posts
- Life Gave Me Lemons February 13, 2026
- Opening the First Page of a New Year of Stories January 1, 2026
- 5 Reasons to Send Christmas Cards December 15, 2025
- Writing on the Queen Mary: A Much Needed Vacation, Part 2 October 17, 2025
- A Much Needed Vacation September 17, 2025
- Digging Out of the Slough of Despond August 8, 2025
- Grandma Camp 2025 July 2, 2025
- Spring Break in New Mexico April 29, 2025
- It’s The Last Day of Winter! Hurrah! March 19, 2025
- Good News — and a Great Loss February 17, 2025
- A New Year – Traditions and Hopes for the Future January 23, 2025