Category Archives: Uncategorized

83 years, 3 months and 3 days

(for Dickie) And why not count every precious day,even if it adds up to an oh-my-god,how-can-this-be number? Why not celebrate the walk downthe trail to the little waterfall’d spotwe call Coup de Grace, as we have done dozens of timesover … Continue reading

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Where the cypress lie down

The tall, wind-pummeled giantsline up parallel to the sea, lean benevolently over the always-coolpathway serenaded by birds, lulled by waves, some extendinglong limbs graceful as ballerinas low to the ground, whichalso turn out to be roots, interlacing with the next … Continue reading

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As it happens

When one of us shuffles off this mortal coil,gives up the ghost,crosses over, breathes one’s last,heads for the last roundup,joins the choir invisible, it startles the rest of us,forces us to pause asmourning sets in. Nothing to be donebut remember,to … Continue reading

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Pat

My favorite editor at the big newspapersidled up to me one day as my rumpled, nondescript khakis and Iconfronted the huge computer screen blinking its green insistence.She set before me what became my favorite ice cream soda:a Jik Jak frost … Continue reading

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Seal docent duty

Pamela’s on the noon to 2 shift today,sunny and breezy, coolish on the bluffoverlooking both sectionsof Tidepool Beach. She doesn’t mind: She’s bundled upagainst the chilly wind, whichtwo days ago when I was hereblew warmer on this bluff,spring bringing a … Continue reading

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Dinner with a doodle

(for PJ and Dave and Scooby) As we arrive, Scooby,the head dood, leader of the pack,the alpha golden doodle,arrows right for us—“People!” his wiggles seem to say— though his dad has a firm handon the leash attached to the gyrating,excited … Continue reading

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How best to remove a splinter

that you get less than 15 minutes afteryou arrive at the house you loveby the ocean because you simply have to go out on the deck, unlatchthe clasp that holds down the lidto the hot tub and check the temp, … Continue reading

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You always see better with your heart

You always see better with your heart,especially when your vision is goingor has been impaired all your life. “Nice to see you” is an expression,not a reality, though you might wellbe happy to be in someone’s orbit. I wonder now … Continue reading

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Lupine and custards

Custards first this morning,always in memory of the mothers who made them—Elizabeth andMargery, mother and daughter— though I am not related to themtechnically, certainly so spiritually, deep in my bones, familyin the best way. Now I make them for Margery’s … Continue reading

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On with the show

“It’s not about you,” our directorreminded the band as we satbehind the curtain, blue overhead lights waterfalling down, beforewe backed up the student dancersin their end-of-year show. And she was right. Those in the audiencelistening for my parts could not … Continue reading

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