Tuesdays: tee offs, one putts, links to the past
I play golf with Bob Frey every Tuesday. He routinely shoots fifty yards beyond me and one putts the green. He’s 86 years old. …
The most influential person in your life
Aunt Dotsie was a superlative artist. She created hundreds of beautiful pieces—landscapes, portraits, still lifes, water scenes, and a host of other subjects. She photographed her work and kept the images in a big binder. She had the idea to write poems to go along with her paintings and then publish them in book form.
However, the words did not come easily.
So she asked me to write poems for her.…
To be sure, no one ever got hurt too bad
I found myself the father of three teenagers (a five-year age span). But in reality, I played the role of old-school male role model for about three dozen other young hellions. …
For all who wander are not lost
In the past few weeks, Jennie and I have taken a couple of road trips relating to my historical novel, Five Hundred Moons. These were short, two-day excursions—just long enough to feel rejuvenated and offer some relief from our daily routine.
Our first getaway was to the small valley town of Colusa……
It’s (almost) all fun and games
There is a saying that I’ve heard, “Granddaughters are the best reminders of the beauty and innocence of childhood.” I find that to be true……
Winning isn’t everything, but it sure feels good
Sixty-six years ago, in 1957, the 49ers played the Detroit Lions in an NFL playoff game at Kezar Stadium. My father, uncle, and two other prune ranchers from South San Jose had season tickets, and they were all looking forward to attending the game. As luck would have it, my dad became ill a couple days prior and told my uncle to take his son……
Socrates and Virtue in Pursuit of Truth
“Knowledge is the ultimate virtue.”
“An honest man is always a child.”
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”…
Woof! Snuffle! Lick! Dog cuddles!
Some of my earliest memories are cuddling up in a dog fort surrounded by the earthy smells of a canine lair, then falling asleep with my head on a soft, warm, furry belly.…
Life, Strange Times, & Redemption on a Sea of Change
A young man walked into the store and asked to speak privately to the owner. He seemed nonthreatening, so I invited him into the office and offered him a seat. He didn’t sit down but instead reached into his pocket and pulled out a $100 bill…
Can a father be his son’s role model?
Recently, I had occasion to wear an old camelhair coat to a memorial service. The coat previously belonged to my father. It’s warm, still stylish, and fits me well. While putting it on, I reached into the inner pocket and felt a folded piece of paper….…