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BEST OF TIMES, WORST OF TIMES, THEN WHAT

After living through the best of times, there’s only one way to go. What’s better than the best? The correct answer is nothing, but that’s not the answer you’ll get from drunks and drug addicts. It’s hard to tell any time when you’re numbed to reality.

EXERCISING RIGHTS FOR BETTER LIVING

Exercising rights are a mental thing; also a physical thing. The mental part is realizing the benefits of the physical thing. How often has someone doubted the benefits of either? When they do cast doubt, they do it from a couch eating bonbons.

CITIZENSHIP TEST REVIEW: VOTING

I’ve never taken a citizenship test because I was born here from people who were born here. So no test for me, but I’ve always wondered if I could pass one. As a history major in college I have high confidence for a passing grade. If you do nothing but pay attention to current events, […]

EVERYDAY BLOGGER ON EVERYDAY TOPICS

An everyday blogger needs to stay sharp to what’s happening around them. If they don’t pay attention, they won’t be able to write a blog post. I’ve been cooking one up this morning, but I changed my routine. Instead of getting up, making tea, and sitting down to compose, I went to the gym. It […]

LIFE INVENTORY FOR FENG SHUI BLISS

Do the words ‘life inventory’ sound like something you’d do with a counselor? Why not get an early start and see how it goes on your own. Make a list, write it down, and see if you need what you’ve got. Then make a list for what you’re looking for.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE? KEEP IT FLEXIBLE

A travel schedule works right up until it doesn’t. You get to the airport early only to find out the plane is late, the gate has changed, and it took a minute to lose your boarding pass. Still, you remain calm and collected and make plans to overcome problems, just like real life. But travel […]

HOME STRETCH FROM LONDON TO PORTLAND

The home stretch is the payoff for travelers. Under budget, on time, no lost passports or ID? Check. Spend the last night in London relaxing and resting up for the nine hour flight in the morning? Wouldn’t that make sense? Resting up to sit for nine hours? Or . . .

FAMILY HISTORY: DIVE IN THE WATER’S FINE

Family history has it that my wife’s Grandfather was in Dunkirk in 1940 and her Dad sailed with the Arctic convoys bringing supplies to Russia. One was in the English Army, the other the Royal Navy. Who knew? What happened to Grandpa after Dunkirk? We know Dad found his true love in Bath, England and […]

AVOID THESE OBSTACLES FOR STREET SMART SAFETY

Avoid these stops if you’re having a good day and want it to continue. It’s probably just me, but safety seems like a good idea in London. The locals have their own list, I’m sure, but this is part of a day with a husband and wife on their own.

STREET SMART ENGLAND, OR WHY THE DOUR FACE

Street smart: Leaving the house and walking on a busy city sidewalk. Things to remember: Everyone isn’t your friend, deserve your smile, or wants a hug. What’s the proper facade in public? A dour expression.