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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…