’cause it ain’t all on your head . . . — A lovely Saturday morning. I had things to do, time to do them, and nothing of any urgency. That’s one of the many perks of retirement — no need to rush. It was a holiday weekend and I wanted to prepare myself for the racket I knew was coming in…

Pay Attention, People — Several years ago my clinic and hospital began using MyChart, an easily accessible computerized way for patients to keep up with appointments, medications, test results, medical history, and more. I could fill out all those stupid forms long before my next appointment. I could even pay my medical bills (if…

Think About What You’re Actually Saying to People When she was about 70, my mother began complaining that the grocery cashiers kept calling her sweetie and honey. It infuriated her. “They’re just being polite,” I told her. “Well, I don’t like it,” she said. Nothing I said could change her…

Glad to read this excellent advice, Kathy! Keep up the good work.

Chump change! I feel sorry for Matt Lillywhite. For months now I’ve been reading his posts about making money easily and quickly. However, when I review the paltry sums he settles for I feel obliged to step in. Perhaps my advice to him will help some of you, too. I…

Don’t keep kidding yourself. — I love birds. They make me happy and are endlessly fascinating. I also love conspiracy theories. No matter how outlandish I’m always ready to listen, even though I find 99.9% of them are ridiculous. …

I am a digital hoarder — I was in the mood to cook something, something different and interesting. Perhaps that casserole I’d seen online the other day, if I could remember the name of it. So I clicked on my bookmark list and scrolled down to the food category. Much to my shock I saw the…

ekphrasis of Morning Sun

it’s time we had one again — This morning I watched the “dignified transfer” of remains from the latest attack in Afghanistan. Biden, his wife, and a dozen or so military folks were standing at attention as each basket was carried by six soldiers into the waiting hearses. It made me remember how Bush refused to have…