It was time. Dad escaped from his failing shell of a body this morning. He waited. He decided to surprise his mother on her birthday. What a gift—to both of them. Beyond showing up on time for his meeting with the Lord, we determined he was most pleased to see his Mama,…
Author: Tim Cotton
Goodbye to January
I’m out of words for a variety of reasons. If winter was a fishing reel, someone set the drag two notches past perfect. It’s an expected doldrum. It usually hits me before February pulls into her parking space. I’m happy to help January pack up its black Samsonite filled with moth-chewed wool sweaters and socks…
The Center of My Compass
My thoughts today are off the cuff; there will be very little scientific theory or research for you to follow. It’s relative to writing but more about perceptions based on where we are at any given time. I consider myself to be the center of the universe. I hope you do the same. I am…
The Three Degree Sneak
When the thermometer indicates three degrees, I know Ellie won’t be gone long during her morning constitution. Cold doesn’t bother her regularly, but the frozen, crusty snow tingles her toe pads a modicum more when she leaves the comfort of cozy carpeting. She’s a sneak. Even if I don’t step outside with her, I can…
Orlando Frati—I Will Miss One of Bangor’s Best.
Whenever I encounter a perception that is not a reality, I tuck it away. I’ll use that in a story someday, I say to myself. I’ve had this one under my hat for well over forty years. It’s too bad I can only share now that not all pawnbrokers are cut from the same cloth….
Just a Boost
I only needed a boost—just a little. But most of the time, it’s enough. The tiny ladder came to me by happenstance, luck, more or less. I’ll take some credit for the find, but only because I watch the ditches and wood lines while I drive. Way down in the grass on Route 202, a…
Generators, Keurigs, and Elf Pee—Merry Christmas
If you want to find out what kind of power draw your appliances need, run your home on a generator for four days. Many folks have installed whole-house generators that automatically kick on when the power goes off. Some tell me the transition is almost unnoticeable. While an excellent option, I’m okay with my ten-minute…
Santa Was On My Roof, So I Know He’s Real
While sweeping the back deck, I noted several shards of broken concrete. Leaves and pine needles were the focus of my attack. The wind storm left plenty. Yesterday, I picked up tree branches; today, I took on clearing out the detritus from the driveway and the decks. Naturally, perplexed by the discovery, I picked up…
Reflections from a Smoothly Swinging Door
Each time I enter the house from the back deck, it crosses my mind. I perform the task at least six or seven times daily; it’s Ellie’s portal to the potty. It’s not a fancy door. It’s functional, swings well, and closes tightly. I participated in the installation. Oh, I’ve installed doors before, a…
Hearts
He came after breakfast, and our first meeting was via the FaceTime application on our Apple device. Both parents looked fantastic, but Mom was tired, as one would expect. Parents should be the ones who make birth announcements, but I can tell you that he is heavy and healthy. His sister was with us,…