My Dad’s birthday was last week. It would have slipped away unnoticed, but only because I forget birthdays just like my Dad did when he was here. While that sounds odd, and might indicate there is some sadness or bitterness, there is none; none at all. That’s why my Dad had my Mom. In my…
Author: Tim Cotton
Branches
The initial wave of retirement arrived in mid-summer of 2022. After stepping away from police work, I spent the rest of that summer completing the septic system at the camp in the woods—a huge undertaking. Not long after, autumn crept in unexpectedly, and before I could fully adjust, winter settled in suddenly, catching me off…
The Thaw
One cannot discount, or even underestimate the welcome respite of winter. We refer to it as the January thaw, as if its right there in the Webster’s Dictionary. With no meteorological skills, and barely a basic understanding of science in general, there is typically a February thaw, too. God knows how much you can handle;…
Role Reversal
She’s been home two weeks, but we’ve yet to go out to grab a meal at one of our regular haunts. Since her bags are on the bed, cavernous, preparing to gulp up refolded business attire, shoes, and stuff that ladies use that I do not, I offered a brunch. No one wants to cook,…
Whisker Burns
Missing him, more often after nightfall, sometimes on long drives, or after waking up in a fog from a dream where I hear his voice as clear as if he’s in the living room, gives me pause to take a moment to remember. Just last month, I pulled into the Denny’s parking lot to look…
Friends or Friendships
I’ve unfollowed a couple of excellent creators over the past three weeks. Originally, I followed them because of their skills at writing, building, mechanical know-how, and humor. I knew their views were not mine, but I can overlook that for the sake of sanity. I don’t need to know every detail of what you dislike…
Noogling (Nude Googling,FYI)
Noogle; it’s a thing. For those of you who shower on the regular, this is a warning. Towel off your fingers before you use your phone in or near the shower. Recently, I learned to Noogle—Nude-Googling, Noogling, in verb form. Noogling is alive and well in the Cotton Compound. Here’s how it went down. I…
Living (Successfully— So Far)Separate
It’s not lost on me that there is some confusion regarding my strange but workable living arrangements with my Significant One. We lived together for a very long time, exactly like other married couples do. Intertwined with that was our management of an intergenerational home. My Mama and Dad lived in an apartment located at…
Extrication before Entanglement
Extrication before entanglement is a valid strategy to protect oneself from pitfalls; I reached the conclusion during a night of fitful sleep. I finally got out of bed, much to the delight of my dog, at 0215hrs. I walked outside, the cold concrete patio giving me a rude wakeup call through my bare feet, taking…
Breezes, Dad, and Late Night Snacks
For many years, my Mom and Dad lived in the apartment connected to my last home. Their apartment was significantly larger than my section of the house, both sides having three bedrooms, but my parents dwelled on one level, outside the nifty loft over their great room. One-level living is not to be overlooked as…