A Gift From Maryanne – Reprise Introduction This essay was written in 2008 and it remains one of my personal favorites. I’ve made some changes to it. I keep updating it so it is now more a short story than an essay. Every time I re-read it I am reminded of the truly important things in life.… Read More »
Being Honest About Being Old My parents and grandparents (and no one else) ever warned me about getting old. Nope. My parents and grandparents wanted me to grow up big and strong so I had good food, good medical care, plenty of sleep, and all my vaccinations. Back in those days, there were no anti-vaxxers, so all… Read More »
Fancy Phones and Apologies to Beethoven I was looking at smartphones the other day – thinking maybe it’s time to get rid of my old flip phone. Not flip-flops! But it is that time of the year for everyone who does not have toenail fungus – if you do, skip the flip-flops. Please. No. I don’t use… Read More »
Remembering Otis Otis died on this very day, six years ago. It was a Monday. Otis was my best friend ever. I’ve never had a better one. But how can I tell you about a friendship that lasted more than a decade so you will understand? There were so many things Otis and I did together.… Read More »
Instant Gratification Stole the Milkman I’m all for a little progress. Heck, I wouldn’t be here ranting if it weren’t for some clever fella figuring out how to allow grumpy old men to rant over the internet. But progress, in my book, doesn’t mean trading quality for the kind of fleeting convenience that leaves you feeling… Read More »
The Man in the Black Suit One of life’s great blessings is that not one of us knows the exact day we will die. Well, at least I think so. I could not imagine being a teenager and knowing how many years I would live or the date of my death. That would take away the… Read More »