Monthly Archives: November 2021

It was long overdue. No more monotone directions. When I make a mistake, no more “I’m reprogramming your route” or worse still- thirty seconds of cold shoulder silence followed by more directions. I’m glad I chose “Annie” as my navigator. … Continue reading →

I was drawn to it like a little kid is drawn to the ice cream truck driving up the street ringing it’s little bell. It was in the newspaper. The Wonderful Life Tree was now open for business at the … Continue reading →

(Here is my round 8 entry to the FL Weekly) I am an only child, as were my parents, which meant unless I eventually have children, my lineage ends with me. Some of my classmates thought it was great to … Continue reading →

With the holiday season full upon us, I have set up my Wonderful Life Tree of Help once again, decorating it with ornaments celebrating the many ways I have helped people throughout my life.  In all modesty, I must tell … Continue reading →

Dear Diary: There is a new man across the street. I watched him move in from behind my curtains, I could see that he was a good-looking man, and I saw no signs of a wife. My late husband would … Continue reading →

Sure, hatred and division does sell. We are drawn to it like a magnet. It certainly makes a lot of money for those at the top. Although hatred and division can provide a moment of security and even a nice … Continue reading →

(I wrote on the prompt for the Florida Weekly–the picture of the cypress swamp) “Damn.” Penny pounded the steering wheel of her swamp buggy, disgusted that the 40-inch-diameter balloon tires were mired in muck. After reliably churning the two-ton, converted … Continue reading →

Wayland strode purposefully along the nearly deserted city street. The lack of fellow pedestrians worked to his advantage and disadvantage. He should be able to spot a tail sent by the opposition, but there was no crowd to blend into … Continue reading →

“And what is your name?” he asked, grinning ear to ear. “Who wants to know?” I said, not aggressively, but not fully disposed to answer, either.  One cannot be too careful. “Well, I do,” he said.  “Isn’t that obvious?” “I … Continue reading →

The swamp buggy was at home in this foreign place. Frank leaned over the side of the strange vehicle. He stared down at the massive tires as they churned through the swamp crushing small branches and scattering birds, snakes and … Continue reading →

(My story for the Florida Weekly swamp buggy picture) The speed at which things change has always amazed me. Not that long ago, I would climb into my car after a hard day of work and crawl along congested roads … Continue reading →

Kyle smiled on the inside. He knew his sullen and cold manner was intimidating. His outward appearance was the perfect suit of armor. He was at the top of the food chain. Nobody could see the wounds that led to … Continue reading →

A number of years ago, two of my grandchildren were visiting their Nana and me when November 11th rolled around. “What’s ‘Membrance Day, Gramps?” the oldest asked. “Re-membrance Day,” I replied.  “It’s the day when we honour the soldiers who … Continue reading →

The photograph is of a woman sitting on the front steps of a house with a one-year-old in her lap. Three other children are surrounding her. Two of them are smiling at the baby and are welcoming her; the third, … Continue reading →

Kyle was a man of few words. He simply said, “The data”. The presenter gave an uneasy half smile. A small bead of perspiration formed on his forehead. With a click, the graph appeared on the 72 inch screen. Kyle … Continue reading →

I have got to be the unluckiest 15-year-old on the planet. My parents are once again dragging me and my 12-year-old brother on another dumb family trip. Nothing I say or do will change their minds. For some strange reason, … Continue reading →