Six years ago on this date, Lee was languishing in a hospital bed, stricken with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Hers was a horrible existence. She was in severe physical pain, of course, but was suffering terribly emotionally, too. She not only had trouble getting straight answers from members of the medical team, but, perhaps more importantly, […]
Ready…Set?
I came across an interesting article about solo travelers who are in a couple’s relationship. It played off those for whom such travel represents mind-expanding liberation against others who see it as a relationship red flag. In my current world, solo travel is essential. If I want to visit a place, I must either go […]
Out of the Blue
Out of the blue, I received a text message from Joe’s wife, Katie. Regular readers know that Joe is Lee’s nephew. Joe, Katie, and their two children, Allie and Dean, now live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It had been at least one year, probably more, since I last saw or heard from them. Katie wanted […]
The Thrill is NOT gone
So, last night Steve and I went to a large theater to hear a performance by “Rodrigo Y Gabriela,” the married couple who have been popularizing the venerable style of guitar called flamenco. Until late last week, I had no idea who these musicians were or what they sounded like, despite having a Grammy to […]
Brave New World
Recently, I saw a presentation on the inter-Google that piqued my interest in AI. The pitch involved using AI to write fast, cheap novels you can hawk for sale on Amazon. Romance? Done. Mystery. Complete. Sci-fi? To quote the Terminator, “No problemo.” As Zoey’s tutor, I’ve been closely following efforts to ensure academic integrity in […]
Green Grow the Lilacs, All Sparkling with Dew
Last week, Tim the gardener made his first appearance of the season at my property. Since Lee’s death, this has become an annual rite of Spring. Before I used Tim’s services, I depended on Lee to excavate and rescue the previous year’s growth from the harsh remnants of winter’s bramble. In her day, she would […]
A Glimmer of Hope?
Lee died mere months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Hers was a quick and painful death. Since she had many different cancers, I am more familiar than many with this killer. Whereas recent medical advances brighten the outlook for some victims of cancer, for example, people with certain blood cancers are surviving in spite […]
Friendship Renewed
Recently, I was talking with someone at a New York law firm about settling a lawsuit. I was glad to learn an agreement seemed to be in place, but, predictably, there were “I’s” to be dotted and “T’s” to be crossed. From many years of practicing law, I know firsthand that the wheels of justice […]
Hot and Itchy
I woke up just after 4 a.m. and instantly noticed my skin was hot and itchy. I used to think it was a seasonal allergy. I read an article about seasonal allergies, and I have had some common symptoms: runny nose, mild congestion, puffy eyes, and so forth. The problem is that my symptoms seem […]
Yellow Daffodils
April 1st was overcast, dreary, windy, and cold, yet there I stood in my yard, without a coat or hat, admiring about a dozen yellow garden daffodils, which seemed to have sprouted overnight. An early Spring gift from Lee. At Deer Tick Manor, I remember seeing her step inside our house, tired from laboring under […]
Another Birthday
Had she not died, Lee would be turning seventy-two this coming Monday, and I would have celebratory plans already in place to mark another happy chapter. Instead, I am left to ponder what life might have been like had she lived. Frankly, it’s confusing to consider possible outcomes. Had Lee survived, Robyn and I likely […]
A Short Post Regarding a Long Road
All good things come to an end. Today, I depart Tucson for home. It is early morning and still dark. Even as Lola the pup snoozes peacefully, I will need the next several hours to prepare for our immediate departure, then more hours on the road in the heat of the day to reach Albuquerque. […]