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MAY 1986, THE LAST WEDDING

It was a cloudy, wet, day, in May 1986 for the last wedding.
Like so many raised on the Oregon coast, a cloudy, wet, day, is good luck no matter where you are.
Everything was done, everything set in Sandy, from rented morning coats to a rented preacher.
The preacher was a second choice.
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SHARING SPECIAL DAYS, EVERY LAST ONE

Special days have special meaning which don’t hit the same for everyone.
For some it’s repeating, “Why bother,” for the fortieth time.
Others like to say, “I thought we’ve moved past all that.”
But you still find those looking for something special in every day, and keep looking until they find it. Hell or high water.
The last line is the bell ringer.
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OLD PORTLAND, YOUNG PARENTS

Make that old Portland, youngish parents.
Or not so old Portland, and not so young parents.
We weren’t teenagers, but if you ever want to feel like one push a stroller around downtown.
With two kids it’s like a double punishment, like sent to your room AND missing dinner.
What else?
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LET THEM, LET YOU, OR LET ME?

The Let Them Theory book has a lot of lets in the letters.
My favorites are the parts that address my problems, which come with a writing habit from what I can tell.
Will I discover why I’m not a better writer?
Learn what I should have done by now, or find a lingering message to get over myself already?
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NORTH BEND HEROES START HERE

 Calling North Bend a small town is a disservice to real small towns everywhere.
Driving south on 101 and crossing the North Bend Bridge takes you under this sign.
If you’re not paying close attention and keep going the same direction, the entire area of the largest metro complex on the Oregon coast feels like it’s all North Bend, especially if you miss the little coos bay sign.
How can the biggest city on the coast be a small town?
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toughen up

DYNAMIC DENTAL TIME WITHOUT THE DRAMA

Have you seen the dental form that asks how you feel? How do you feel about dentists? About making dental appointments? How do you feel about waiting in the dentist’s waiting room? This isn’t about uncovering deep secrets, just a way for the doc to get a feel for their patient. It’s about feelings, and […]

HPV16 VACCINE IN CONSUMER REPORTS

The HPV16 vaccine article in Consumer Reports pushes hot buttons across the board. It’s easy to understand why.   I’m a father of two, but it’s more than that. Too many parents are overwhelmed with the joy of their own reproductive skills and the bundle of joy as a result. I know I was.   […]

PORTLAND P16 NECK CANCER VS WARRIOR WIVES

What’s the best weapon to use against Portland P16 neck cancer? A kick-ass wife. Does it take a case of cancer to know if you’ve got a warrior wife?

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boomer years

HIGH GROUND TO VIETNAM VET MEMORIAL: a photo essay

“The high ground is good.” That’s what the old timer said. “And there’s not so many people.” I found him under the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial bridge, sitting in a lawn chair and handing out pamphlets on Veteran’s Day. Had his car parked on one side of a flowerbed and a walkway without a […]

A VETERANS DAY REMINDER FOR NEXT YEAR

The Conversation You Need To Have. A conversation between an Army vet and a Non-vet: V: People that join the Army with the right intentions come out better. NV: If you join and serve your country it’s all the same. V: Except it’s better for the people who understand the deal ahead of time. NV: […]

TALK WHEN THE TIME’S RIGHT, LIKE NOW

To Baby Boomers, Their Parents, And Grandparents: Talk when the time’s right. A recent read revealed the sad tale of one person wishing they had taken the time to speak to their parents more often. They wished they knew their folks better. Of course the person was a baby boomer. They had more regret than […]

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buckle up

WINNERS OF THE BOOMPERPDX 500, pt.2

It starts like all good races, “GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES.” The BoomerPDX 500 starts with directions. “There will be some right turns, there will be some left turns.” That’s more than you can say about the Indy 500. What more is needed? A map helps. Instead of time limits, the BoomerPDX 500 is a finishing […]

BOOMERPDX WORLD IN WRITER TIGARD

    Like Mr. Trump, I own property. Unlike Mr. Trump, I don’t license property. Would I like to license property? Sure, who wouldn’t like the passive income of licensed property, until things go off the tracks.   Is boomerpdx a licensed property? Yes. Licensed to me, based on the internet rules of the game. […]

Pride Parade NW Boomer Style

You Know You’ve Arrived When:   A string of parades hit town recently. The big three were the Starlight, the Rose, and the Pride Parade. Each one has it’s Portland vibe.

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