Can you imagine the overwhelming number of photos that today’s twenty-somethings will be able to show their kids in thirty years? I grew up hearing Mom and Dad say, “I remember that picture; where did you find it?” I would listen to their descriptions. They recalled the event because someone else took the photo, and…
I picked out three shirts that belonged to my old man. I took them from the closet with permission from my mom, who had taken an out-of-town break after Dad passed away. Some of his shirts fit me well, some not so much. As expected, I went through the pockets—his pockets. He might have left…
Bright sunny skies, warm breezes, and smiles were on tap for Monday’s Happy Hour at Chez Ellie. I shut down all the heat sources in the house, opened windows, and swiped right on the sliding window on the screen door that leads to the back deck, saying a hearty yes to cross ventilation. We only…
My dad told me a few stories about trudging to school. That’s what dads born before 1945 tended to do. He told me a few times he wore sneakers year-round through the western Maine winters. He explained he had to wear thicker socks in cold weather. Any kid worth his salt on the baseball diamond…
My new nest, next door in an empty apartment bedroom, is taking some time to get used to. The Significant One was here last week when I set it up. But I left it for a time to season. She’s back, taking meetings in the dining room, not too far from my most common seat…
Sleep was sound but short. I take a lot of heat for getting up at four. Most often, I am questioned what the point is. Today, I arose at three. Thinking something intelligent would erupt from my fingertips if I merely opened the laptop after making coffee, I gave up quickly when nothing remarkable became…
She dropped the tiny human right in our laps. He’s my grandson, but it’s been over five years since I changed a diaper on anything this small.The first official babysitting duties were underway. My Daughter-in-love gave me a rundown on the milk bottle. These are much more technical now. The cap and nipple break…
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,…
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…
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…