Month: February 2024

  • “Butt-in-ski”, Part 2: encounters with an automated mopper

    “Butt-in-ski”, Part 2: encounters with an automated mopper

    Around two months ago, I wrote about my run-in with a driverless mopping machine. “Butt-in-ski” had become the “Bane of my shopping club existence,” seemingly following me around, beeping and chirping and spinning its flashing light. Read the original harrowing tale here. This past weekend, with some apprehension, I was back at my favorite store…

  • Life Lessons, from a Box of Chocolates

    Life Lessons, from a Box of Chocolates

    Every month, after my wife and I sang at Twin Oaks Assisted Living, our friend Kathleen insisted that we follow her back to her room. Once inside, there was always something special she wanted to show us. First there was her bridal veil, from when she married her husband, Denzel, in 1947, also some dried…

  • Being Still

    Being Still

    “David, be still!” I heard this a lot as a kid. Usually it was my dad or two older brothers and all they wanted was for me to stop squirming and be quiet. In fact, when I was six years old my older brother offered to give me a dollar to be quiet for 15…

  • As Strong as a Mother’s Love

    As Strong as a Mother’s Love

    The young couple came quietly into the waiting room at the doctor’s office. Mom went straight to the receptionist, while dad stood cradling their toddler son against his shoulder. Once checked in, they sat down across from me. I noticed the young child never moved a muscle. Then, I picked up on mom’s demeanor: her…

  • The Old Man from Number Twenty-Eight | Short Story

    The Old Man from Number Twenty-Eight | Short Story

    A persistent knock came mid- morning, raspy on my metal front door. “I don’t want any!” I yelled from my rumpled bed. “Police. Open Up.” I look out the window. It’s the Boys in Blue, alright. I hope I didn’t do something stupid last night because I have one hellacious hangover! “Sir, is this your…