When the Smoke Clears

With all the last minute details to be handled before the big day, I’m running from place to place, purchasing toiletries, last minute copies and faxes to various agencies, even time at the post office to secure some stamps and send of the last round of care packages to my soldier/friends from me for a [...]

This coming weekend the lovely blog-daughter is getting married and I think I’m ready for it.
The past weekend was busy with one wedding, and another. The first was the marriage of the “supercouple.” Two people, both recently minted lieutenants who excel at everything they do, found each other.
For some reason they decided to [...]

The Interweb tubes spawn creativity, exchange of ideas (pr0n), but most importantly they disseminate information. Raconteurs impart stories leading to others joining in the fray and sharing their own knowledge.
Eric of Straight White Guy (like any of my readers don’t know who he is) was eating a sandwich recently next to a field of [...]

Warning: If you are in a great mood, don’t read. Seriously.
My friend brought up some things that still crop up in my life from many years ago. There are sights, sounds, smells that linger in the memory, too harsh to forget, too pointed to endure so they dull the flesh they pierce over time. [...]

Well, I am safely back from my trip to Virginia. The road called and I was able to take my time. I thought that the day away from work would be good as well and I enjoy a drive, especially a nice somewhat long drive to different places, even better when I am meandering no [...]

I’m spending time with my grandmother tonight. Tomorrow I will be taking her to church. It’s such an odd feeling, being in this house which holds such a significant part of my childhood. Try as I might, it’s not all fond memories.
My grandmother is in her mid 80s. She has been coping with Parkinson’s [...]

WARNING: the following post is absolutely NOT safe for work or for the easily offended and possibly the under 21. Sorry, mom…
———————————————————
I remember a good friend’s wedding a few years ago. As she walked across the grass heading to the outdoor altar, she looked over at me, turned her whole body towards me, arms [...]

Well that was uncomfortable.
My father showed up today, giving me only a few hours notice that he was coming. I’m… tolerant. I see some of the things that are similarities between us and it makes me worry. If those things are similar, am I capable of the same level of violence against those I [...]

Last week work turned darker along with the skies through the week. By the weekend, the skies had cleared, a chill air sweeping up through the valley. Now, back to Monday and back to work and the skies look like they want to release snow, not just rain, and do so in a muddy fury. [...]

I don’t like this aging thing. I know it’s supposedly just a number and I keep hearing from people “you are doing really well” or “you are really fit” always followed by “for someone of your age.”
Back off.
It’s no secret I want to live for a very long time… Methuselah-like*. I want to [...]

Not to bring everyone down, but as the general consensus for today’s theme among our little blog-group here is Family Day, it’s time to chime in. This isn’t some feel-good 24/7 site. This is my writing and as much of my world as I care to reveal.
Regular readers will be able to point to the [...]

Wow. I just realized I made my very first blog posting a year ago today. And it wasn’t even for this site.
The Straight White Hunter let me on his site to guest post, and that started the process.
Eric, thank you for both inspiration and a forum.
And this is what started it all… and [...]

There was almost a smile on my face today. It wasn’t rebellion against the somber moments of memory of the significance of the day. In fact, it was because of it, because of the people who came together in respect and in the understanding of our mission.
As I was reading to catch up [...]

In tribute to the victims of 9/11, many of us are taking one or two and writing about them. Some of us can find information. Some of us, such as Michelle, have very close ties to many who were killed that day.
I’ve heard from other places that it is time to get over this, [...]

A word of Wisdom from Nikolaus, the wolf-dog:

“There is no trauma in life so bad that a good nap won’t help ease the pain…”
Nikolaus – July, 2001, roughly translated from “hphhhghwoooooorowwrr”