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.
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
I’ve had a good day. I am in a good place. I’ve felt an emptiness though. Thought I should write about it. I WANT A LOVER TONIGHT There are moments when the air around me catches fire and I am oblivious. My mind is focused elsewhere. The days have passed outside The Castle but inside … More A Good Spot to be In
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)
Natalie was probably the most influential person in my life. I can’t think of anyone more effective in how I think and behave today. Well, there is one other; Neeley. Neeley will probably be the last great effective person for me. At any rate both are in my life forever. This story begins with Natalie … More Walking Across the Fucking Paint
I’m seventy six years old, soon to be seventy seven in February; in about two months. My age has become a concern to me; you know like the mortality thing and energy thing and health thing. However this is not what I am going to talk about today. Maybe never. My attention is on the … More Life Becomes Reruns if You Live Long Enough
Playing Fair and Being Kind 