Ruth and I eloped fifty-three years ago today. She was engaged to a guy named Mike when the two of us stopped for a drink after work on Friday, September 10th. We’d made similar stops before but always as a part of a group. This time it was just the two of us. We talked …
Fifteen Weeks Volume Two
Editor’s Note: I wrote the original version of 15 Weeks last October. I’d forgotten all about it. As I was reviewing my draft of today’s blog, the original version popped up. I’m not going to develop a whole new story. The bulk of this tale is similar, but it has a different ending. With over …
Cupboards and Closets
With a condo in Michigan, and a house in Florida, I’ve got a lot of cupboards and closets. I’m responsible for the organization of one closet in Michigan, and I didn’t organize anything in Florida. Ruth did it all. My single contribution is the closet that I use for my office. It’s really one of …
One and Twenty
I know one poem by heart. It was written by A. E. Housman and first published in 1896. It tells the story of a young man who failed to follow advice. When I Was One-and-Twenty When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say, “Give crowns and pounds and guineas but not your …
Back to School
Most schools are back in session, and if they’re not, they will be soon. It’s an exciting time of the year. I think most kids like school, not because of their love of knowledge, but because they want to be with their friends. It’s all about socialization. Ruth wasn’t a fan of going back. She …
An Invitation
I’ve been invited to sign my book at All Booked Up. It’s a bookstore in The Villages. They invite four local authors to sell their books in the store over a two-month period. Mine will be on sale during September and October. I’ve also been asked to sign my book on September 17th. I’m excited …
I’m Wondering
If you read my blog, you can go back to the very beginning and read my first post from November of 2017. I’ve written about all sorts of things. The common theme is twofold. The stories are about me, and everything is the truth as I remember it. If you’ve signed up on the website, …
Hoosiers and Their Olives
In 1833, an Ohio newspaper wrote, “Hoosier has been used in many of the Western States, for several years, to designate an inhabitant of our sister state of Indiana.” That indicates the term “Hoosier” may have originated outside of Indiana. How? There are numerous theories, but none have been proven. One of the most popular …
Tip Jar
I shared dinner a couple days ago with David (son), Lindsay (daughter-in-law), Elizabeth (daughter), Eva (granddaughter) and Donnie (Eva’s beau). We were discussing the tip process that Eva follows at the restaurant where she works, and the commissions Donnie makes at a fragrance store. I knew a little bit about tipping because all three of …
College
I wrote the bulk of this story last fall as Brady was preparing to begin his college career. I saved the draft but never published it. Several things got in the way, so it just sat there. When I first considered writing I thought I’d have to have about twenty stories written before I started …