Category: Memories
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Coal For Christmas: A Holiday Story For You
My father grew up poor. Not the kind of poor where he would walk through ten inches of snow barefoot or go from house to house asking for bread. Just the kind of poor that would keep his father one step ahead of the rent collector. His parents provided the best they could, but, by…
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A Random Meeting On The Famous Steps
I’m in New York City on or about December 6, 2013. We happen to be staying at the Hotel Pennsylvania, located on Seventh Ave. just across from Madison Square Garden. Our hotel is booked solid, so we must move to another place in order to extend our stay for two more days. We go out…
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How Soon They Forget
There I sit, in the corner of the yard, like a ’51 Chevy that had a broken axle and no one had the $65.00 to repair it. I’ve been dusted off, washed and parked out to dry. The thousands of smashed bug bodies on my forward surface are gone. That’s ok, I don’t like bug…
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Epitaphs: Part V–A Desert Grave
As a rule, this post is about unusual and interesting words, the last words, the final words that are carved onto a headstone. In this case, there are no words. Perhaps there is a name and a date, but the face of the stone was difficult to see. I was held back by a fence.…
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Travels 27: Falling In Love Again [The Final Installment]
The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense. Take what you have gathered from coincidence. The empty-handed painter from your streets, Is drawing crazy patterns on your sheets. The sky, too, is folding under you And it’s all over now, Baby Blue. –Bob Dylan “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” Carpe R-Pod.…
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Travels 23: I Meet Jade, The Young Hobo
You who live on the road, must have a code that you can live by. Crosby, Stills & Nash, “Teach Your Children” We were just west of Tulsa. We needed gas. Mariam needed the Ladies Room and I needed to get out of the car and see if my right leg could actually function again…as…
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Travels 21: You Can Still Get Some Kicks On Route 66
We’re tucked away at an RV park in Albuquerque. I can feel the shadow of Jesse Pickham and Walter White all around me. I stopped at the check-in desk and asked where I could get a local newspaper. She gave me directions. I’ll bet you get a lot of questions about “Breaking Bad” from the…
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Travels 15: Some Reflections on California
This morning I was very chilly in Oregon. It was about 41 degrees. Then we crossed into California and when we parked the R-Pod, it was about 87. Right now (it’s almost 9 PM), I’m chilly again. I wish someone would develop a reversible shirt. I could put it on when I’m chilly and then,…
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A Tunnel of Love
There is a Tunnel of Love that is known only to the residents (and friends) of my hometown. It has a long history, but my life only intersected with this minor landmark for a short period of time. I can only present and reflect a snapshot in the epic movie of life that is Owego,…
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The Man in the Steel Armor: A Monologue
Some would think that it would be a boring existence to stand for decades in a plexiglass box wearing a suit of steel armor. Let me assure you that it is far from the truth. I find it fascinating to watch the gawkers, the curious, the historians, the lovers and the caretakers as they stroll…
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