May 24, 2022Member-onlyTales of IntrigueThe secrets we keep — Every year in early November, when the days in northeastern New York turn cold and grey, I pack up my car and head to Florida. And every year in late May, when the Florida heat and humidity becomes oppressive, I repack my car and head north. It’s the perfect lifestyle. …Humor3 min readHumor3 min read
Published inInspired Writer·Mar 6, 2022Member-onlyUntethered: Refugees Throughout HistoryNo turning back — As I untied the line and pushed off from the dock, I knew I was untethering myself from life as I had known it. Moments later, after sailing through the pass, I turned to look back at the dock. But it was out of sight, and I was moving on. …History3 min readHistory3 min read
Published inThe Haven·Feb 19, 2022Member-onlyPick me! Pick me!Why I’m the perfect nominee for the Supreme Court — As Joe Biden considers his picks for a new Supreme Court Justice, I need to get a message to him — urgently. I fear that he might not have received my application. Someone recently leaked the names of women who are the shortlist, and mine was not one of them. …Humor3 min readHumor3 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Nov 24, 2021Member-onlyThankful When Thanksgiving Is OverDinner with people we have little in common with — Thanksgiving dates back to the time of the Pilgrims, who put on a huge feast to thank the Native Americans for their help in settling into ‘their’ new country. …Thanksgiving3 min readThanksgiving3 min read
Published inThe Haven·Jun 21, 2021Member-onlyLessons Learned as a Politician#1: Do not run for office — When I was elected to our Town Board several years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. For instance, I didn’t know that I would become an expert in sewage treatment plants. …Humör4 min readHumör4 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Jun 6, 2021Member-onlyDeveloping a Penchant for Fox UrineChipmunks hate it — and I have come to love it — When a friend called recently and asked what I was up to, I told her that I was in the process of ordering fox urine online. Although friends and family are accustomed to me not doing things by the book, this definitely wasn’t a response she was expecting. But I…Humor3 min readHumor3 min read
Published inThe Haven·Jun 4, 2021Member-onlySummertime and the Livin’ Ain’t EasyHouseguests are coming and the tension is high — When I was growing up, my parents were happy to welcome guests for a short stay. But they were just as happy to see them go. And, just in case any guests might think about settling in for a longer stay, the sign hanging in our guestroom was enough to…Humor4 min readHumor4 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·May 7, 2021Member-onlyThe Shape I’m in — Or NotBathing suit weather is fast approaching — Spring is here. The days are turning warmer, and I’m sweating the fact that unless I win the lottery and can purchase my own Caribbean island, I might have to soon appear in public in a bathing suit. Time to take action. The ads for my local fitness center promised…Fitness3 min readFitness3 min read
Published inMuddyUm·Apr 21, 2021Member-onlyDriving a BargainBuying a new car is about as enjoyable as undergoing a colonoscopy — As a kid, I once got a shiny new bicycle. The operative word is ‘once.’ That bike lasted me until I grew up and shifted to cars as my means of transportation. Unlike bikes, getting a new car is something that happens far more than just once in a lifetime. …Humor6 min readHumor6 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·Apr 15, 2021Member-onlyWhen Your Health Insurance Company Comes CallingA wellness checkup during a house call — My health insurance company called recently to schedule a house call for me. A house call? Didn’t those go out with the Eisenhower era? I thought about a country doctor with his little black bag driving down a dusty road to reach an isolated farmhouse where a woman is in…Humor5 min readHumor5 min read