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MY COUNTRY TIS OF THEE

My participation in the civic life of my country is pretty minimal. I do my part. That’s me and Abe doing our part together. He does his oversight from his seat, me from mine. Only one of us writes about it.

ONE NURSE STORY

If there’s a typical nurse story, it sounds like this: “I like to help people, and I don’t get grossed out.” A typical nursing patient has a similar story: “I need help, and I am grossed out.” Why are we grossed out about our bodies? I’ll start:

FOR THOSE GIVING AND FOLLOWING ORDERS

Was it a treat to see an ocean of men and women trained in giving and following orders all in the same place? It was for me. These people are all Hall of Fame worthy, and already enshrined in my personal hall. While most of us packed our gear and went home after two, three, […]

LIFE LESSONS START EARLY FOR OLD MEN

As a middle child myself for fourteen years, life lessons were important. We learned early to share with smaller kids, and not whine too much when older kids didn’t. Was there a learning curve? There’s always a learning curve when learning is involved. It’s not for everyone, to say the least, but . . .

OLD MAN ADVICE FOR YOUTHS

I saw an old man on a video giving advice, old man advice. How old? Too old to climb a redwood. He was giving advice to those younger than him, which is about everyone. He wasn’t a baby boomer, and if he was he had lots of wear and tear. The advice?

SEPARATION DAY, EVERY VETERAN’S DAY

Separation day is the day you become a veteran. You get your papers and hit the road. My veteran road began in New Jersey, Fort Dix to be specific, which has a new role to play. The Army road began in Fort Ord, which also has a new role. From one September to another two […]

LOVE MAP FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Is there such a thing as a ‘love map?’ Let’s find out together, starting with, “Yes, there is such a thing, and it’s purely scientific.” Now that all of you nerds are on board with science, let’s go. This could be a picture of Anywhere, USA.

LOVE LETTER TO READERS AND SUBSCRIBERS

Who remembers the first love letter you wrote? Did you send it? Either way, it’s all about the intent. You were moved to express your feelings. I don’t know about you, but I remember my first.

FAMILY PETS NURTURE LONG MARRIED COUPLES

“Family pets are for kids to learn about caring for animals.” That makes sense to me. Feed the fish, walk the dog, pet the cat. Then everyone grows up and moves on. That’s when I had ‘the conversation’ about a new dog.

TRAVELING MAN ON THE LOOSE

One traveling man says he wouldn’t cross the street if he didn’t have to. Another says crossing the street is no problem, but he’s not going far after that. That’s enough travel for them. It’s enough for me, too. I understand the reluctant traveler. Growing up in North Bend, Oregon, Hwy 101 was hyperspace compared […]