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THE DAY AFTER TODAY IS THE BEST DAY, OR IS IT TODAY

I grew up thinking good times were the day after I first heard about ‘delayed satisfaction.’ People who wanted it all, and wanted it now, were not realistic. What do you want? All. When do you want it? Now. Why didn’t that work out for me? I had brothers and sisters.

PORTLAND HISTORY COMEBACK JUST IN TIME

Portland history used to be easy. Two old guys flipped a coin in a clearing and here we are living happily ever after. That’s my story, but I’m not sticking to it when I tell the Portland story.

INTERNET SHOWTIME SATURDAY WITH A SIDE OF HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

I’m a big fan of internet showtime, the daily scroll. But I keep it simple. I’m not looking for verification, authentication, or validation. Not looking for lawyers, guns, or money. What I’m looking for is attention grabbing posts, videos, and stories. Make me pause. Is that asking for too much?

OLD FOLKS TALKING IT OUT ON TELEVISION

Why would old folks not rest on their laurels? Either they’re not tired, or they have no laurels. Last night’s Presidential Debate showed more than just the candidates. It also showed the problem with the format.

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND OREGON ON A FAMILY SATURDAY NIGHT

Traveling to downtown Portland for a visit, for a look-around? But you’ve seen the news, the tents, the drugs, the crime. So have I. It’s a red flag, but not this time. We took a chance to claim, or reclaim, the Rose City as our own.

TRAVEL PLANS FOR HUSBAND AND WIVE JOY

Travel plans for a couple means cooperation. If you are having trouble communicating, take a trip to clear things up. There’s something special about arguing six thousand mile away from home. What’re you gonna do? Get along.

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, […]

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 […]

WINSTON CHURCHILL AT HOME

At Winston Churchill’s home there wasn’t a wax figure, or mannequin, there was Winston. Along with the old bulldog there was a hype-man, a security-man, and a secretary. The four of them were in one of the rooms in Blenheim Palace. There were a lot of rooms. but only one Churchill. The following is for […]

THE COTSWOLD SURPRISE, DAY TWO

The Cotswold surprise would be less if I read more, then I’d know this land was once the land of Wool Barrons and landed gentry. I’d have known it was the land of Big Wool who carried their fleece to market on ancient Roman roads. But I like the element of surprise, just not when […]