INTIMIDATING

It seems to be my month for bad dogs. Yesterday a large dog charged up and began barking in my face. I have seen this dog exhibit aggressive behavior toward others onshore. The owner of the (illegally unleashed) dog tried to call the dog (no effect) and to reassure me he was harmless. Yes, head …

ROLLING PIN

My grandfather found three of them. I still have two of the ones he found. This morning I found a Japanese glass float of the kind called a "rolling pin." It was pure chance. It always is. We went out this morning intending a quick walk. We were halfway home and Gary was anxious for …

TREASURE, TRASH, & TROUBLE

We picked up almost 40 pounds of trash yesterday. We meant to walk a mile north and not begin collecting until we turned for home. But there was too much to ignore and we were overloaded by the time we'd walked a mile.  On the way home we realized we could not even complete our …

OPINIONS VARY

From swimsuits to snowflakes in one predawn session. I read an article this morning by a woman who has decided against giving reviews of items she has purchased online. She finds the process impersonal and the expectation an imposition. She bought a swimsuit she likes and has purchased many times and her continued patronage ought …

Dear Margaret and Helen,

I am always so glad when I check my emails and your blog is there. It’s a breath of fresh air.     "... when an impeached President Trump waves his hands, points at people and even tries to take a seat during the Anthem while others stand at attention with their hands over their hearts… …

LIFE EXPECTANCY

People often look at life expectancy statistics and assume that people died at the age of 46 in 1900 because medical care was poor and that people seldom lived past age 46. In fact, anyone reaching the age of 46 in 1900 was probably as likely to reach age 75 or 80 or even 95 …

HOW WE GOT HERE

I have tried to avoid politics, but I fear for my country. The assumption is that Trump will be acquitted this week. "You know what else they say about my people? The polls, they say I have the most loyal people. Did you ever see that? Where I could stand in the middle of Fifth …

DOs & DON’Ts

What I do and what I don't do. Most of my behavior is habit and thoughtlessness. I do what I was taught, what I enjoy, and what I assume is "natural" and not what I have considered long and hard and found to be wrong—unkind or harmful. Some activities are basic: food, drink, and shelter. …