In the summer of 2022, I sat in the 1912 Café at the flagship store of L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine. I ordered a cup of coffee while I waited for my retired Army son and his friend to finish their … [Read more...] about Camping Memories
The More Things Change
When my oldest son, Sam, was two, I often sat down to watch Sesame Street with him. I enjoyed the subtle adult humor of this preschool show and I loved hearing him laugh as we watched the Cookie … [Read more...] about The More Things Change
Catch of the Day
A friend and I sat down to lunch by my large kitchen window in late spring. Tuna salad on soft white bread. Movement outside drew our attention as the leaves and stems of the vinca jerked … [Read more...] about Catch of the Day
Painting Oak Leaves
On the morning of Mother’s Day, I got out my long-unused brushes and watercolor paints. I hoped to portray a small cluster of oak leaves I had selected from the ground, probably sent whirling to earth … [Read more...] about Painting Oak Leaves
Mardi Gras
Before Lent begins, I devour a paczki — A rich, jelly-filled pastry To use up all that fat, cream and sugar In the pantry. It is a Polish tradition And a good way to celebrate Mardi … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras
Sunrise in Lincoln
Winter Watch
The vole was the first. In December after the early snows fell, he appeared in the snowbank in his inch-wide hole outside our kitchen window. He poked his dark pointed snout out quickly before … [Read more...] about Winter Watch