I want toys for Christmas. Can’t remember saying that since, hmm, maybe 1959. Growing up in the Bellah family, we kids had two categories of gifts: Toys Everything else “Everything else” included books, stocking stuffer and school stuff, but mostly it meant clothes—the multicolored socks from Aunt Fern, the sweaters knitted by our Granna. “Everything […]
Our 53rd wedding anniversary is coming up, and I’m remembering the 50th. We spent a lot of time talking (OK, arguing) about that one. We disagreed about how to celebrate it. My shy, humble wife wanted something small—maybe go out with two couples, maybe one, maybe just us. Her more flamboyant husband wanted a party—a […]
Prepared a special feast in my fire pit yesterday. Cooked the same as when I was in Boy Scouts. Used mesquite—not too green (coals won’t last), nor too thick (won’t go to coals soon enough). —One half-pound hamburger patty, surrounded with veggies (mostly shredded potatoes) —Wrapped in heavy duty tin foil, carefully folded at the […]
Thank God for Louis Armstrong. He saved my Monday. I had woken to the usual weekend news updates—more political unrest, more bad pandemic numbers. And, then, “What a Wonderful World” popped up on my Pandora. Suddenly, I’m seeing “trees so green,” “red roses too,” “skies so blue,” and “friends shaking hands.” What timing! Evidently, I […]
His mother called him Shug (as in “sugar”). So we all did. And we still do—although his size and somewhat rugged appearance don’t fit the name. Picture the Marlboro man with a few more years and a few more pounds. Shug is one of my oldest, best friends. So when he moved back to his […]
“But I don’t plan to retire.” My friends words were typical of what I hear when others learn of my book. I think my response surprised him. Him: “But I don’t plan to retire.” Me: “Neither do I.” Him: “But you did!” Me: “Not really.” Him: “Yeah” (said with heavy sarcasm), “so that’s why you […]
Wanna make a friend smile during these days of quarantine? My book is not only about retirement. It’s about health, creativity, fun and, yes, hope—no matter how old you are. ANNOUNCING MY ALMOST FREE EBOOK GIVEAWAY Starting Monday, April 6 and for a limited time, I’m almost giving away the e-version of my book. Almost—because […]
Well, it happened. I got my first negative review on Amazon. Came from a guy named The Darkside. Yep, a little spooky. Didn’t know whether to purchase a lightsaber or string garlic around my computer. Anyway, Darkside’s critique was insightful. Evidently, I “started off good,” but “dragged on with little substance especially for a gen […]
On February 22, 1732 George Washington was born on a plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. And on the same date in 1949, I was born in Canyon. Have always been proud of the association with our first president. As have other friends of mine who share the same birthday. Seems we all grew up having Washington-themed […]
I haven’t blogged for about three weeks, but I have an excuse. Can give it to you in one word. Are you ready? Shingles. For those of you who have walked in my shoes, I need say no more. For the rest of you, GET THE SHOT! Actually, I have been journaling. But the pieces […]