Monthly Archives: September 2017

Talk about a steady job, my dad had it.  Joseph John Geshel was born February 28, 1901 says his birth certificate.  It had to be sworn to by witnesses some years later because the original was not found in the … Continue reading →

LAND OF LINCOLN   Spent my youth in Decatur, Illinois, a town of about 20,000 souls, founded by the A. E. Stayly Manufacturing Co (“Sta-Flo Starch”).   My two best buddies in junior high school were both named Jack – … Continue reading →

      UNCONVENTIONAL   There is an obvious temptation to almost always write glowingly about the word “mother” in affectionate terms of praise and admiration – usually well-deserved. Having said that, this piece of amateur literature will instead be … Continue reading →

      HERESY   I never particularly liked my father. As a young child, as most tots do, I emulated him and copied his every move. As I aged, I realized my father was a narcissist. Everything was about … Continue reading →

        0UCH !   Myriads, I mean myriads, of injuries highlighted my childhood. The first one that comes to mind was that my head was the recipient of a large baseball bat, knocking me out and leaving … Continue reading →

A TRUE FRIEND   I didn’t feel like writing about any of my relatives. If you knew any of them, you’d know why. Instead I wrote about a dear friend.   When it comes to a friend my own age, … Continue reading →

I sit here in my comfortable lawn chair enjoying the sunshine and warmth of an early fall Sunday.  I ponder the divisions, the anger and the pain in our country that grow by the day.   I have the good … Continue reading →

The veterans dwell amongst us We see them every day. But few if any know this. They are quiet, not much to say.   They were once up front in wartime, and peace was their fervent goal. They were there … Continue reading →

My heart is racing.  Beads of sweat flow from my forehead.  Some of these tiny droplets decide to risk the high jump as they flow down my nose.  With second thoughts they tend to hang on for a second to … Continue reading →

1.  Remove all plants and furniture from the porch and lanai 2. Send emails to your northern family and friends, “Wish you were here, really” 3. Get necessary supplies such as wine, beer and pretzels 4. Climb your palm trees … Continue reading →

Applicants: Must be female, though this can be flexible these days No previous experience required No training, education, licensing required Special requirements: Must be willing to gain about 30 lbs. for mine months; Must be able to withstand 10 level … Continue reading →

My old schoolmate Slabs slides easily back on to his tightly squeezed stool at Dillon’s Dam Brew Pub after his return from the urinal room.  He has already downed a pint of the 6.7 % IPA that is the signature … Continue reading →

We’re in Miss Gedda’s third grade class, Morrison School, 1953.  Deep into winter, hard packed snow on all the streets.  School will start in a minute or two.  The fifth grade boy just rang the bell. Each fifth grade student … Continue reading →