Monthly Archives: April 2024

Stanley was his name- at least that’s what my father told me. The name has a rich history- the creator of high quality tools,creator of a high end insulated cup, director of one of the world’s largest investment firms, famous … Continue reading →

A few years back, I was privileged to hear a talk given by Billy Collins as part of our library author series. At the end of his talk he stayed for a book signing. I approached Collins and asked him … Continue reading →

Ken hated flying, but his new job had him pounding the people walker conveyor belt in airports all over the world. He was sick of it. It was a constant drudge on an endless carousel of stale sandwiches, overpriced coffee … Continue reading →

Jan 1979, our family moved to Solon Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.  I was driving home from work on one wintery day, and it snowed every day in Cleveland, Welcome to Cleveland.  They said it was lake effects, and even … Continue reading →

It was an easy drive to Chicago from my boyhood home in central Wisconsin. The transition was far beyond the couple hundred miles we drove.  I watched out the window as we passed gentle rolling green hills with tall dark … Continue reading →

I glanced at the screen. The map told me I had 57 miles of winding road ahead of me. It was 11:16 AM and it looked like I would make it by 1:00 PM. The text I got at 8 … Continue reading →

It’s a busy night. The Stage Door Canteen is packed with sailors, soldiers, Marines and airmen from nearby training bases. And in a big city like New York, there are an ample supply of young women, called junior hostesses, who … Continue reading →

“It’s never too late to become the person you always wanted to be.” When I heard that line, it immediately struck a chord with me.  It’s both encouraging and positive.  It is time well spent pondering the many questions it … Continue reading →

For a brief moment in time, humanity was united. It was at this special time of a rare total eclipse that 50 happy couples from every corner of the world decided to tie the knot on a football field in … Continue reading →

A brainiac once told me the Dalai Lama said your enemy can be your greatest teacher. That is definitely true for Carrington. He has been a worthy adversary, thwarting me at every turn. Ever since I wrote that first story … Continue reading →

On my family’s continuing journey to map the United States with our brown Oldsmobile station wagon, I learned many things. It was more than just the names and places, but outside of the confines of our hometown, I realized lessons … Continue reading →

My serious tone and warning to never tell the family secret that I was about to reveal- got his attention. “I want to warn you that this information might be distressing and shocking”. My nine year old grandson, used to … Continue reading →

I was 10 years old and an only and lonely little boy who was quite geeky looking.  Overweight, braces on the teeth, black rimmed glasses on the nose, and no athletic abilities as I had no siblings to teach me.  … Continue reading →

He sat motionless against the backdrop of a criminal moon.Hung in the distance beside the nearness of malnourished thoughts.Lurking there and here like the grudge of forgiveness stolen on a night of intrigue.Never once passing his faceless mask to those … Continue reading →

The warm spring day in Florida drew young and old to the gulf and to the beach.  A brilliant blue sky overhead is only marred by a few light wispy clouds.  The heat of midday is past, and the day … Continue reading →

Four times wanted.Too small to be seen.Too large to be forgotten.A past built of promises forced to be broken.Futures not yet claimed.Lives interrupted by the lack of life. Four times remembered.Anonymous names only written in stone.Aisles never to be breached.Graded … Continue reading →

[A TONGUE-IN-CHEEK MEMOIR ABOUT ATTENDING A LITERARY SALON, WITH A SPECIAL NOD TO SALLY] The missus an’ me went out t’other night—together, which I gotta say is unusual.  We’re home most nights on account of we don’t got a lotta … Continue reading →

It’s always been hard to say the word.To me it has a bigger definition than the word itself.It’s more of a concept, a way of life.Something that is to be demonstrated.Something that is to be lived.Something that the word alone … Continue reading →

We all have a different  genetic make up and mine involves being a risk taker.  Every day we are faced with decisions that make you think about the risk vs reward.  In my case almost 100% of the time I … Continue reading →

When I hear the expression “risk-reward” I think of golf.  The commenters on the golf telecast seem to use the term every week.  At the time the tournament leaders are playing the last few holes, there is a point somewhere … Continue reading →

It started out well. The sky was crystal clear. A light, warm breeze greeted us as we entered the car to begin the fateful journey. We drove smoothly along, on track and on time. Then it happened. Just our luck. … Continue reading →

(with apologies to Franz Kafka) “We’re in the neighborhood and I wanted you to know we have a special for new customers this month.” He stood at the half-opened screen door, dressed in denim pants and with “Home Team Pest … Continue reading →