Sunday, the last day of the Thanksgiving shopping campaign. Having walked first around San Francisco’s Chinatown and then the circumference of Union Square, I was seat-hopping at Macy’s. My wife and daughters would move from one roomful of shoes, boots, sandals and slippers to the next. I trailed dutifully behind, … … more …
James Chandler
My little hamlet has a safety-inspired tradition each fall: we bring our children in full Halloween regalia to the Village – the center of the town’s small shops and cafes. After stopping by the Elementary school to photograph my grandson in costume with his and other classes, I grabbed a … … more …
I can’t imagine a better Father’s Day present than the coincident timing of my daughter’s graduation. It’s an odd reaction, but people seem to think that I, as her father, deserve credit for the remarkable achievement that is hers: a PhD in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. She did the work; … … more …
All my adult life I have appreciated the Zen-like perspective of keenly observing that which is around me, of letting things flow past rather than trying to control or interfere. There is something respectful, curious, peaceful, and educational in such a philosophy. As my time becomes more limited, I am … … more …
She joined him at an outdoor table, her latte in hand. “So, how’s it going?” “It’s going,” he replied. “Not swimmingly well, but it’s going. Life goes on.” The sadness in his face was not hidden by the little smile he tossed in at the end. She didn’t know what … … more …
I turned the crank and waited. The 13-sided cube spilled out onto the table, spinning, until it came to rest, one number coming into focus: 7. “Well, we have a 7 for you. Not bad — just better than the median. Of course, now comes the defining part.” He dealt … … more …
Yesterday I saw my 75 year old neighbor making a slow climb up a hill in the open parkland. He had a cane and a chair in one hand, a model airplane with a three foot wingspan in the other. Every ten feet or so, he stopped to rest. I … … more …
Apparently, I live in a hostel. Surprisingly, I am the proprietor of same. Years ago, after my lay-off in the dot-bust era, my wife and I moved upstairs in our 3,000 square foot home. We now have a lovely tenant inhabiting our old master bedroom, study, and rec room/kitchenette via … … more …
I have watched my girls grow, gain competence and confidence. Three scientist daughters, all with advanced degrees! I have watched them grow to a point where they can take better care of themselves than I can, where they can do things better than I can. Where I no longer need … … more …
During the last thirty years, I’ve only once been to a barber. Well, counting today, twice. You see, my wife is not a barber but a “stylist.” Under whichever moniker, she’s been cutting my hair since our days of courtship. Luckily for her, I have naturally curly hair which lends … … more …