The cats and I were busier than usual this past weekend. I, because I had real office-job-work to do all weekend, plus intermittent snow-shoveling. They, because it was the Great Backyard Bird Count and they had to brush up their ornithology. (Good thing I keep a handsome leatherette Audubon guide …
I had thought to write a diatribe tonight. Something to scour the smug smiles from the lips of senatorial Republicans, congressionally conspiring to ignore infamy. Three ideas kept me from such grim (if necessary) thoughts. Indeed, I first sought a winter poem to introduce tonight’s theme, of cold and snow …
I have had music and warmth on my mind this week. Not because life has been particularly full of either; if I’m honest, it’s been the usual February cold, damp and dreary. But because February 1 is my new year’s day, a day fit for optimism, I’m going to bring …
New Year’s Day is the western world’s touchstone for resolution making. There’s plainly something about that 01/01 date that appeals to many of us, like a celestial reset button: Press here to change your life! But not for all of us, or at least not for all our lives. For …
There are days… usually days with deadlines looming… when everything in modern technology makes you wish for the humble quill pen and ink bottle. It’s a matter of personal pride that I speak fluent Mac and competent PC; am familiar with all manner of software creative and practical. It takes …
I would have you know I did not overstock my pantry with dried beans, and am not hoarding loo roll. But the news that people working in America’s meat processing plants were falling sick with coronavirus, and that their bosses were finally closing the plants so sick people could stay …
No, there’s no one actually in the tub. But — in these days of coronavirus news, 24/7 — there’s plenty of hand-scrubbing going on at the SunHouse. Even knowing that I’m doing my part by following Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” orders, the news makes me anxious. If I …
Tiomkin and Miss Ella are generally pleased that my day-job, and all the people I work with, have been sent home to telework. In all honesty, they’re not interested in the other people, but they’re thrilled that the order included me. Crunchies can be had for the asking, freshly marinated …
Art for Art’s Sake Press is based in scenic, downtown Olympia. We have majestic views of the Olympic Mountains from our harbor, and — when the cloud-cover cooperates — equally grand views of Mount Rainier. Overlooking downtown is our splendid Capitol building with it freshly scrubbed dome. At water’s edge, …
