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.
Route 66 in Albuquerque is filled with lots of memories and artifacts from the days before interstate highways. Central Avenue leaves I 40 for a bit and takes one through a lovely old part of the city; a street lined with restaurants, movie houses, shops, and other places oozing with memories. I had a late … More Kicks and Route 66 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYApJtsyd0
I left New Orleans with a good feeling. My good friend Pat and I established a few solid connections that weren’t present before. I look forward to seeing her again either in Louisiana or Maine. My trip back to Ridgeland was necessary to pick up clothing that was forgotten there and to meet Linda’s daughter … More To New Mexico via Ridgeland, Mississippi and Lufkin, Texas
I wandered into New Orleans from Ridgeland, Mississippi via Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. I’m guessing that ‘Baton Rouge’ means ‘Red Stick’. (Remember the song “Hit me with you rhythm stick. Hit me! Hit me!”? Hit me with your baton rouge. Hit me! Hit me! HIT MEEEEE! That’s a shout out to Ian Dury and … More New Orleans
Before leaving Charleston, South Carolina I had a telephone conversation with an old friend I’d known in New York in 1979-1981 period of my life. She and I had been close. We had recently reestablished contact and for a few months we had been planning a get together in her home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. … More Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
The SAAB is in great shape except for the rust coming out on both rear fenders. I need to repair these spots this coming summer in Waldoboro at a new acquaintances body shop on Rt 1. I suppose the rust is there to keep reminding me of the car’s age. As I do with the … More Charleston, South Carolina
The weather clears and I continue to Nicole Schmittendorf’s home. It is Friday the 21st of February early in the morning. Tennessee is a pretty part of the country. Rolling hills with lush valleys. I like the territory. I meet Nicole, we share lunch at Banjo’s Bar-B-Que. Wonderful pulled pork sandwiches with fried onion rings … More Spring City, Tennessee
I arrived in Virginia Beach very early on my birthday, the 19th of February. The place I had planned on staying is no longer existing. Ft. Story on Cape Henry is closed. I changed plans and traveled to Little Creek Joint Base still in Virginia Beach and got a room for the night. The weather … More Little Creek and Newport News and finally to Tennessee
February 17th: The beginning of any of my trips includes a period of worry about the car. I have to do this every time. I have a basic mistrust of machinery at the start of any function. My concerns all have to do with the shift from a stationary, static existence to a thing in … More Underway; first day of travel. Mt. Kisko, New Jersey, Delmarva Peninsula
There’s a day of wet snow covering all around. The SAAB sits low in the driveway. I need to clear the white stuff sufficiently to free the car so I can power it down the driveway and onto the road. My favorite mechanic in Union has two new mufflers in his shop. We have a … More Timing is Everything
I need a break from the cold and stress of maintaining The Castle. Maine is lovely and a protective environment. I just need a few days away for comparison. A seminar at NYU today was a nice way to escape for a bit. Dr. James Gilligan of ‘violence’ studies fame and Kathy Boudin of Weather … More
Playing Fair and Being Kind 