I skimmed a story the other day that offered gift ideas for loved ones. The article listed all the normal presents: flowers; jewelry; chocolate, and experiences like massages or weekends away. When I saw the list, I was shocked that the author neglected to include a run-of-the-mill rock or stone. I considered writing the editor,... Continue Reading →
In one ear and out the other
(A version of this piece first appeared in July 2020.) I should have listened. Before we even left the house, I saw the weather report calling for the possibility of passing snow squalls. In the car, I heard the radio announcer caution listeners about how the snow was coming down West of us in big,... Continue Reading →
On the edge of my seat
My memory is playing tricks on me. Here's what I know. It was the early 70s. We were at the beach and I was very young. We didn't go on a lot of vacations, which makes the memory stick out even more in my thoughts. On one of the vacation days, I remember being a... Continue Reading →
Unfinished business
I see it clearly in my head. "Yes, your honor, forgive me. I plead guilty as charged." I'm standing in front of an angry looking judge in a black robe. He looks over his glasses at me. I'm in the center of his line of fire. His face gets redder and angrier anytime I make... Continue Reading →
Six unwritten rules of life
There's unwritten rules in life. You're walking into work or a store, you hold the door open for the person behind you. If you see an older person or someone walking with a limp, you hold the door an extra beat longer. It's an unwritten rule. Life is full of rules like this. I'm noticing... Continue Reading →
Repairs, cars, and stand-up comedy
I had a few thoughts last week. A technician had to come to our house to take a look at our wifi connection. In the email, he mentioned that he would be coming between 9 and 11 a.m. on the agreed upon date. The time kept running through my head. If I operated like that... Continue Reading →
‘I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost’
I’m starting to believe in ghosts. In fact, I think I have proof that we have one in our house. Oh, it's friendly enough, but still a ghost. Our long time family pet, Nittany, died in February. In the last week alone, my wife has twice found wisps of wavy white hair. Nittany was a Lhasa-Apsa... Continue Reading →
My obsession: Beating the early bird
(A version of this story ran on May 31, 2016. I've made updates throughout the piece.) The clock in my head was going off: beep, beep, beep. The blaring sound got louder with every passing moment. I was late and the alarm wouldn’t stop until I got to my destination, my local county courthouse. I... Continue Reading →
I am the hero!
I have to gloat. I am . . . The Man. The Myth. The Legend. If you had a camera on me right now, you would see me strutting across my kitchen floor. My arms would be up in the air and a big old smile would be across my face. Queen's We Are the... Continue Reading →

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