Sometimes I think it’s a shame When I get feelin’ better when I’m feelin’ no pain. Gordon Lightfoot What a day this has been. First snow of the winter and low, low temperatures to add to the celebration of this season of little daylight and bone chilling nights. You have to love this great state … More What is Happiness?

I awoke this morning just as it was light enough to make out shapes in the yard. It snowed! And it was still snowing! And now about five hours later it is still snowing. Here is the “Snow” essay modified to fit The Castle. I hope you can stand to read it. Dear Diary: August … More Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

A quiet descends upon the land. The day after Christmas and the majority of inhabitants have finally stopped obsessing about this yearly event where for weeks there has been shopping and spending and returning and wrapping and baking and boiling. Now comes the day after and the land is silent, no traffic, very little of … More The Morning After The Night Before (Was it good for you?)

My favorite time of year is Thanksgiving…because it involves good food and a few friends. I take part in Thanksgiving at a local restaurant in Boothbay Harbor where the price of the meal is a direct donation to one of several charities. I always donate to the food bank. I go and I usually find … More This Time of Year

DO YOU LOVE ME? There are some questions that cannot be asked. The one that comes to mind immediately is “Do you love me?” It is a question that is loaded with angst and dependence and the need for validation. The need begs and indicates that the person asking is not in a good place … More “What Are You Thinking?”

My friend Sharon is home from the hospital and I was able to visit for a few minutes yesterday. I think she is the loveliest person I know. I was fortunate to be her maid-of-honor at her wedding here in Boothbay. That was truly an honor for me. The days have reached the winter solstice. … More Wagging Their Tail Behind Them

Here is a story from 1964. A Christmas story when I and my shipmates were away from home. I know you will enjoy it. It was written by one of my mates but I’m not certain who. I think it was the doctor. When I find out for certain I’ll let you know. Beware, it … More So Sweet a Memory!

I’ve seen real estate you wouldn’t believe. A few days ago I thought about how lucky I am. In 1976 I was due for another transfer to a new duty station in the Navy. I was winding up a two year tour at “Fighter Town U.S.A.”, Mirimar Naval Air Station in California. I was Director, … More No Balls, No Blue Chips.

Way back in those days before we invaded a country for no other reason than wicked greed…well that’s not accurate. We, as a country, have done that repeatedly. Let me start over. Long ago, late in year 2002, when the 2nd Bush administration was contemplating the invasion of Iraq a group of citizens up in … More Being Appreciated (I’m a sucker for gratitude)