Retired Navy after 23 years. I retired at the age of 40 years old. I've been out longer than I was in. All of the ships I served on have been made into razor blades. I had fun and I lived my life the best I could. Most of my shipmates are gone and I try to stay in touch with the remainder. It continues. Substance abuse counselor, builder of wooden boats, furniture maker, prison non-violence workshop facilitator, life observer, activist, reader, writer, geriatric subject of interest, generous tipper. I stay involved.
I have a plan in place and I’m just about ready to spring it. The washer needs fixin’. The ‘cold’ is plugged up and takes forever to fill the tub. First I have to get out of this recliner. I’m ready to spring into action but this recliner remains stuck to my backside. Soon’s I … More Mr. Fixit is Having a Slow Day and It’s Pay Up Time Georgia State Police (Ugh)
But ‘understanding’ certainly is. I am, in my estimation, one of the world’s most resentful people. Not proud, not ashamed, it’s just a good description. Perceived insults and disrespect thrive in my heart. Those that are the most troublesome I deal with over time to where they eventually get analyzed into a place of regret … More Forgiveness Isn’t Part of My Vocabulary
My service was not a sacrifice by any stretch of the imagination. By ‘service’ I mean to say the time I spent in the active military service to the USA. Much of the twenty three years I was active was spent at sea or attached to a sea-going command. Nearly all of my time spent … More Clarification Required ie; “Thank you for your service”.
I met Louise online. A web site for meeting people. Green Singles. We got along nicely. She is a writer and I a peace activist and volunteer in prisons. We met at her sister’s house in Vermont. She and I became good friends and visited either in Vermont or in North Carolina at her home. … More Dear Louise
The first adjective in the definition of ‘pipe dream’ is ‘unattainable’. My most prevalent pipe dream of late has been the dream of love. I’ve been in love for a time this past year and I sense it is only a pipe dream. Alas, alack. My heart aches. I pine, I moan softly into my … More Pipe Dream
The USS Tang (SS 306) was lost at sea in the Strait of Formosa, now Taiwan, 25 October 1944. Nine men survived and were captured. They spent the remainder of the war in Japan. The Commanding Officer wrote a book, “Clear the Bridge!”, in 1977 detailing the five war patrols of Tang and the events … More I Yam What I Yam and That’s All What I Yam.
Since returning to Maine the middle of last month I’ve been fully engaged in many areas. Contacting friends to meet and debrief the seven month jaunt to New Mexico, Cuba, California, Florida and back to Maine. Seven months and twenty three thousand miles in Rocinante, untold number of couches, motel beds, and good friends with … More Pissing and Moaning, Periscope Liberty, Living the Dream. (Not all in this order.)
I’m so connected to this place. I feel rooted. Not necessarily a positive feeling let me tell you. Fecund, smells of earth and green, pine straw and long grass begging for the lawn mower, rake. My yard looks like a place where an older man with several vital hobbies and interests might dwell. Lumber of … More 40 Degrees F., Rainy, Spring is Here!
I’ve been home one week and I’ve not gotten into trouble, yet. The great thing for me is my needs to correct things. Often times I wait to see if things are self correcting and when I’m convinced not then I try to twist the energy toward a helpful direction. My patience has refined over … More One Week Home
About five or six years ago Doug and I came up with an idea of starting a men’s group in our community. Then I shared with him that it would take at least three years to form a group that was self supporting with a regular contingent of participants. I’d read this, as part of … More Men’s Group…a Successful Try at Doing Good.
Playing Fair and Being Kind 