Deep in the January Doldrums
The Big Freeze, Shut-In, The Cold Creeps In Most of the United States is in a deep freeze right now. I retired from Minnesota to Oregon precisely because I didn’t want to deal with snow and ice, but this week … Read More
Flamingos’ Tongues and the Republic’s Decline
Mary Beard is Britain’s “most beloved intellectual” CottonBro on Pexels The auditorium was packed to hear a classicist with a sense of humor. Mary Beard’s latest book was published recently. She was reviewed in The New York Times. She also … Read More
Mystical Connections with the Old Turtle
Sitting by the alligator snapping turtle The turtle was in a display cube of water with a big rock. The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest turtles in the world, and I kept hearing this one was 150 … Read More
How a Fitbit Saved My Life
Alerts about Atrial Fibrillation The reality is that I was scared. OK, I’m 70, and stuff happens. I didn’t think I had a family history of any heart problems, but I did have a grandfather who died of stroke. He … Read More
As I Get Older, I Treasure Friendships from Youth
Make new friends, but keep the old… A curious feature about getting older is my growing-up years seem closer. I reconnected with friends at my 40th and 50th high school reunions, and have maintained connections with some. There is a … Read More
I’m Fat. Is it My Fault, or the Culture’s?
Snack-Food Stores, Insulin Resistance, Health and Weight I have lost 40 pounds in 4 years in retirement. Yup, that’s really darn slow. I had resolved, when I retired, to eat better and exercise more. The near elimination of stress was … Read More
Real Gains from Social Capital in Retirement
We underestimate the value of what we receive and what we give. Social capital was discussed when women moved from voluntary activities in the workplace in the 1970s. Social capital is the value of your connections and voluntary activities. The … Read More
‘Rustin’: Homophobia in the Civil Rights Movement
The March for Jobs and Freedom Rustin is the new documentary streaming and produced by Michelle and Barack Obama. It is an important piece of Civil Rights history, the first commercially produced film I have seen with the jousting among … Read More
Zoom Link to Poetry Reading
Head for the HillsJoan Dobbie & Sharon JohnsonZoom Link!Tuesday, November 14, 6:00 – 8:30Join Two Wonderful Oregon Poets Zoom Link! Please note, the doors will open at 5:30 Pacific Time, and the reading will begin at 6:00. Dale Champlin is inviting … Read More
Zoom Reading – for those interested
Head for the HillsJoan Dobbie & Sharon JohnsonZoom Link!Tuesday, November 14, 6:00 – 8:30Join Two Wonderful Oregon Poets Bring your latest and most exciting poem to read! Zoom Link! Please note, the doors will open at 5:30 Pacific Time, and the reading … Read More