My youngest sister, Jackie, gave me a gift last year. I don’t recall if it was Christmas, or not, but she did nonetheless, and I set it aside. It was a box of questions that you could use to start a discussion. I think they’re intended to be a game because there’s a reference to …
Me Too
Ruth and I seldom spoke about what was next. What lies ahead after we’re gone. We both thought her dad, Lou, visited more than once. She woke up a few times when she thought he was standing at the end of our bed. If she knew why, she didn’t share. I believe the reason she …
An Old Friend
The drive down Douglas was very emotional. Tears welled in my eyes as I knew Ruth was piloting the car. I just had my hands on the wheel. I didn’t know why she brought me to Plainwell, but I knew she did. I drove past Fred’s, long since gone. Ruth and her family ate dinner …
I Do Believe
Ruth had a couple of five-year journals. Five-year journals ask you to respond to the same question, on the same date, for five years. She never recorded anything more than three years. I stumbled upon one this week that she kept while we were in Florida in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Those were the years …
Psychic On a Plane
I met a psychic on a plane on my last trip to see my California kids. That’s the same trip that Sutton’s song, The Ghost’s Perfume, made its debut. Coincidence? I think not. I had an aisle seat with a single window seat to my right, so I didn’t buckle up while I waited for …
106 and Still Going Strong
Today marks the end of the sixth year that I’ve been writing my blog. My first one was about my friend, Ed, and the fact that he turned 100 that day. It was truly a celebratory story. Ed turned again today. He’s 106. Holy Batman!!! I met him when he was ninety, did a quiet …
What I Know About Wine
What I know about wine can be summed up in a single word. Nothing. Oh sure, I know that there’s red and white, and several pinks, but other than color that’s it. I think whites are served chilled and reds are not. Ice is not an acceptable option for either one. I make this point …
Voice
Every writer has a voice or is searching for one. It determines what you write and how it’s written. At my last memoire writers club meeting, I told those assembled that I enjoyed listening to them read their stories because each one has a unique style. And while that’s true, I prefer to listen to …
Sutton James and The Beez
Prior to their three-country tour, Elizabeth and Sutton bought a home in Flagstaff, Arizona and lived there for a couple of years. Ruth and I helped them move. Michael joined too. When they took to the road, they rented their home to others. Sometime along their journey they decided to sell their Arizona home, and …
Sutton James
The first time Ruth and I met Sutton we gathered in Las Vegas. I heard about Sutton James Papanikolas from Elizabeth. I don’t recall where they met, probably at some San Diego beach party bingo experience. In any case, she told me that he wanted to take her fishing. When I combined his Greek last …