Much to the chagrin of the girls I am sure although they were far too polite to say anything, I sat in the cottage for a long time before finally walking out to our teardrop trailer. It was late, and the woods was dark for eyes accustomed to being indoors. Still, there was a slight […]
Yearly Archives: 2023
Black Smudges in the Woods
Wed, 19 Jul 2023, 09:21 AM (-06:00)
A squirrel complained at twilight from somewhere in the woods. You might know the growling-whining complaint of a squirrel. It would serve perfectly as a sound effect of some lurking creature in a sci-fi movie. I turned to look. The noise stopped. I looked away, and it resumed. Then another squirrel joined in. I turned […]
On the Far Side of the Lake
Mon, 17 Jul 2023, 01:10 PM (-06:00)
The early morning fog had just risen, although there were places in the reeds on the far side of the lake where a few wisps remained. The water was as still as glass. The forest on the western shore was reflected perfectly on the surface. A small dog barked somewhere over there — just one […]
Goodbye Ottawa
Sun, 16 Jul 2023, 07:08 AM (-06:00)
There’s very little of their lives left here now. Most of the artwork is gone. And the furniture. The rugs. Their things have been given to friends. To charities. Thrown away. Yes, a desk, some chairs, a table, and some empty file cabinets remain, but they will soon be gone. The condominium is mostly empty. […]
The Corner of St. Laurent and Montreal
Fri, 14 Jul 2023, 08:16 AM (-06:00)
On the Corner The corner of St. Laurent and Montreal is a happening place. From the point of view of a periodic visitor, it always has been. Wheelchair-bound folks hang out under the trees in the shade at the corner of the parking lot. They talk. They laugh. The group varies in size. Sometimes they […]
Feasts and Serenade and a Nighttime Sky
Sun, 9 Jul 2023, 06:27 AM (-06:00)
The day before, Jasper had prepared (and narrated) a pork loin feast only to be followed up yesterday with a feast (with narration) of salmon protein and pasta carbs to boost Ben and Colin for the triathlon that they are running this Sunday morning. But that feast yesterday wasn’t sufficient for the day. As we […]
A Cabin in the Woods
Thu, 6 Jul 2023, 01:53 PM (-06:00)
1. The Cabin Paul and Jill have a cabin in the woods on a lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Paul and I knew each other in junior high, high school, and college. They’ve been there since the roads became reliably passable in May. And Doug was there, as he has been for the past […]
Joseph and Jose
Wed, 5 Jul 2023, 05:07 PM (-06:00)
I left Paul and Jill’s cabin some time between 9:00 and 10:00. On the single lane “main road” ahead of me there was a camper kicking up dust. At one point I saw their brake lights when they slowed for a runner on the shoulder, but otherwise I could barely see for all the dust […]
Guy
Wed, 5 Jul 2023, 10:18 AM (-06:00)
I pull off M-28 just east of Marquette at the Lake Superior Roadside Park. For heaven’s sake it’s 63 degrees here! Lake Superior lies under a clear blue sky just beyond a path that runs along the beach. I walk to the water. Gentle waves lap on the shore. The water is so clear. I […]