Checkout lane 10 was the only lane open and had a line of shoppers extending six carts out, each one loaded. My cart made it seven. I was buying two items. Suddenly, at the opposite end of the checkout lanes, the light for lane one blinked on, causing a cart-banging sprint by the three ahead … Continue reading "Shopping is a Science We’ll Never Master"

A vacation trip should be both an adventure and a learning experience. Maybe they’re the same thing. We had both on our recent trip to Charleston and Savannah. We now understand and appreciate Southern hospitality more. We also wobble when we walk. Let me explain. For months, Catherine and I had tried to figure out … Continue reading "Finding Southern Hospitality After Long Train Ride"

I was stuffed, along with everyone else in the family. That was a good thing because Dad knew he’d gotten his money’s worth at the all-you-can-eat fish fry at Berlin’s in Frontenac. We were so full we wouldn’t be hungry at least until we got home. It seems like there were fish fries everywhere back … Continue reading "Eating Out was a Real Treat in Years Gone By"

It’s often said that driving is one of the greatest privileges of living in the US. I came to understand that early on since cars were a hobby with my father Juneau. It seemed that he was always working on them. The garage was his man cave, his escape from the tedium of day-to-day life. … Continue reading "A Driving Love Affair with Cars Detailed in Memoir"

The power was out and the house was dark. I hoped my flashlight’s weak batteries would provide enough light to find my way to the battery drawer. There are way too many different batteries. Different types, shapes, sizes and voltages. We have the common D, C, AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries. Don’t get me started … Continue reading "We Seem Powerless to Find the Right Battery"

I went to a Friday fish fry recently. It was back to the old buffet style food line that I remember so well. No one had a mask on. Salt and pepper shakers were back on the tables. The sneeze guard was the only protection the food had. I was fine with that and no … Continue reading "The New Realities of Life After COVID"

History made me hungry. Well, not exactly. More specifically it was The History Channel’s “The Food That Built America” that made my mouth water. This series explains the trials and tribulations American food manufacturers went through to create food we didn’t know we needed, like Twinkies, KFC and Wonder Bread. In America that often meant … Continue reading "Living the Dream On The Food That Built Me "

Seniors are encouraged to continuously exercise their minds and bodies. We’re supposed to cut back on TV, read a lot and at least go for regular walks. That’s the bare minimum. And I thought doing nothing was always an option. But since retiring I’ve noticed a push to get seniors to try games and puzzles … Continue reading "Puzzle Projects Present Perplexing Pastime"

I just had to try it. It sounded too good to be true. Here was an opportunity to try a program that can research and write about almost anything you tell it to. I love trying new stuff, especially when it’s cutting edge and can actually do some useful work. Also, it’s free right now. … Continue reading "ChatGPT Not Quite Ready for Column Writing"

I’m turning 68 this month so have decided I should probably plan my future. I’m not planning a new career. I’m just a pensioner who wants to do some new things before I reach my expiration date. It’s my bucket list. I’ve mentioned it before but these things can change on you, especially when COVID … Continue reading "At 68, I’m Just a Disordered Senior"