Category Archives: Uncategorized

My dad was a drinker.  I don’t mean that he was a social drinker, someone who has cocktails at seven just before dinner, one of those special Christmas punch, occasional imbibers, or a man who enjoys Friday evening, slap-on-the-back beers … Continue reading →

This is an excerpt from my third book, COME SEPTEMBER, Journey of a High School Teacher (available as Kindle or paperback on Amazon.com). The experiences described in this piece show the importance of considering one’s career choices carefully. ************************************** One … Continue reading →

My thoughts today on current pop music would probably insult the teenagers whose tastes lean heavily in the direction of songs that are now heard almost everywhere we go.  My concern, however, over offending the young is minimized by the … Continue reading →

As I age, I feel the need from time to time to write about my maternal grandparents, Charles Edgar and Vivian Veronica Starks. For those fortunate enough to remember their grandparents, it’s a wonderful thing as the years roll by … Continue reading →

I’m not an expert on dog allergies, but I do know that some breeds, like West Highland White Terriers are prone to have skin issues.  Dudley is my second Westie, a cheerful dog of keen intelligence and loyalty, and one … Continue reading →

My partner and I found a 19th Century secretary desk the aged wood of which glows in every kind of light.  It occurred to Jim that such a desk had a country character that could be used in a kitchen … Continue reading →

Our greatest fear in this country is not hunger, physical pain, taxes, or injustice, but that of being bored or unoccupied at any moment by some external stimulus. We seem to be terrified by the prospect of actual introspection of … Continue reading →

Texting is a phenomenon that continues to fascinate me.  On a daily basis I observe people with their little keypads furiously typing messages one would think were essential to the continuation of our species.  Generally, thumbs are used while the senders … Continue reading →

When I was in school, writing was one of my favorite activities.  That made me nerd of the universe, but I always looked forward to reading a teacher’s comments in red ink on what I thought or believed and how I could … Continue reading →

It seems that many common products that in the past we bought in stores and opened easily at home now require tool kits, which may include hammers, screw drivers, and possible explosives. I suppose the changes in all current packaging began with … Continue reading →