-
Tinsel and Evergreen
One of my most vivid childhood memories of Christmas is the year of the big Christmas tree. I was 11 years old. My parents chose the tree from a retail parking lot converted to “Christmas Lane,” where a crowd of straggly trees had already been picked over and rejected. They chose the big tree because, Continue reading
-
Thanksgiving Legacy
I have never had a sit-down, gather around the table, Martha Stewart-style Thanksgiving. Growing up, our house was wall-to-wall people on Thanksgiving Day. Along with our family of six, we were joined by grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Sometimes there would be a sailor newly stationed in San Diego, or wives and Continue reading
-
Halloween Story
Much of this story is true. But not all. You decide what may have really happened and what did not. That’s the fun of a good Halloween story. When we were kids, my siblings and I would trick-or-treat unescorted around our neighborhood and beyond from just after dinner until nearly bedtime. Our costumes were purchased Continue reading
-
As I Live and Breathe
A few weeks ago, I watched a Netflix documentary about people who live in the “blue zones,” five areas of the world where people live longer and have more centenarians among their populace than any civilized areas on earth. People don’t tend to get sick, demented, or flabby, and the population appears downright giddy with Continue reading
-
Farmers Market Finds
I love thick, juicy slices of Heirloom tomatoes in a sandwich, or chopped up in a salad, but I like them best just seasoned with salt and pepper and served up on a plate. They are far and away better than any supermarket tomato. As Ron describes them, “they are ugly peckerwoods, but they taste Continue reading
-
My Dark Addiction
Before the sun is up and the house is still dark, I creep toward the kitchen with a singular purpose. It is 6:00 AM and my craving is out of control. My two dogs are on my heels, standing close as I gather the tools to prepare for a fix. I drop a pod into Continue reading
-
For the Birds
I recently read a 2021 study that stated there are about six birds for every human being on the planet and approximately 50 billion birds worldwide. Which leads me to wonder, where do birds go when they die? With millions of birds dying every day, where are all the bodies? Why don’t we see them Continue reading
-
Saltwater Swim
Saltwater tears have the best of me,so, I take my sorrows to the sea Saltwater waves are foaming white,the sparkling sea reflects sunlight Saltwater spray bathes my face,I am eager for a salty embrace Saltwater flows over my feet,Digging holes where toes and sand meet Saltwater churning, I dive in,The roiling water ices my skin Continue reading
-
Killing Basil
I love to cook and for the past several months have been cultivating an herb garden. I’ve successfully grown many of the essential herbs and, although some of the plants are a little sparse and raggedy, I’m able to harvest enough to impress myself with the tasty results of the dishes I prepare with them. Continue reading
-
Insomni-oooooh
Those of us in a certain age group will remember the PDFA anti-drug commercial that ran non-stop in the late 80’s, featuring an egg sizzling in a frying pan with the cautionary phrase, “this is your brain on drugs.” My brain is that egg during and after a night of insomnia. There is no apparent Continue reading
Parboiled Popsicles 