DECISIONS, DECISIONS It’s difficult sometimes to make up one’s mind. In light of all the things I’ve done over my lifetime I think I would rather be a mule. I haven’t come by this choice easily. I’ve thought it over on occasion whenever the tune “Swinging on a Star” has rambled across my brain. “Would … More I Love This Story from July 2016.
AMBUSH An Englishman named Henry Kelsey arrived in Canada as a young man and apprenticed to be an explorer and tradesman. He was part of the Hudson Bay Company which was opening trades with tribes of the region and as far away as men like Kelsey were willing to explore and make business partnerships afar. … More AMBUSH!
This one appeared two years ago. I updated it slightly to reflect my new age. (laughing emoticon here!) ONE OF THOSE DAYS What do I need? First of all, to explain, I am feeling my age and today is one of depressing thoughts and grim outlooks. So, I have reverted to playing with the macabre. … More ENCORE!
CALCULATED RISK or IMPOSSIBILITY? I am flabbergasted. Has no one even spoken up to challenge the concept of eating food with a mask on? Perhaps everyone, and I mean “EVERYONE!”, is ignoring the mastodon in the room. Communities are planning to open up restaurants during this phasing out exercise of pandemic precautions. I can’t wrap … More It’s a Trap. Don’t Fall for the Phase Two Joke.
ODE TO JOY There lies inside of us A pulley system of emotion. The first few notes of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy brings an initial effort by the double bass, A gentle, but massive pull passing over sheaves and pulleys; Grand enough to overcome the initial resistance. Next, cello and bassoon Multiply the effort … More Ode to Joy
Many years ago (1963) I was moonlighting as a bartender at the acey/deucey club on the submarine base in Groton, Connecticut. The club manager knew how easy it was to steal money on the job. He told me, “Don’t get greedy”. I didn’t and I held the job for a few years between patrols. Never … More General Michael Flynn
THE BIGGEST MAN IN ARKANSAS One of the most fun friends I ever had was Larry Luttrell. When we met it was instant get-along. I was a little older than he and Larry detected something inside me that made him feel safe. Larry was a large man. Although we were the same height at … More The Biggest Man in Arkansas
Today I read a fine letter on an Op-Ed page in a newspaper. The person stated the chaotic conditions of privilege and oppression present in our racist society seemed to be showing signs of waning. I agree with much of the sentiment and most of the logic carried by the article. I don’t, however, rest … More My Underprivileged Self
ALFRED WINS THE DAY Not long after arising and arranging himself in the large recliner with a cup of organic dark roast, Alfred was on the telephone to his attorney discussing the first of a dozen lawsuits. Alfred had properties in Boston that he was upgrading one at a time to gain an edge on … More Getting By
Playing Fair and Being Kind 