Category Archives: Neighborhood

I was raised by a precise man. My father was an engineer worthy of the term. His field was mechanical, but he acquired an electrical license in middle age. He understood all construction. He could repair most. Dad taught me … Continue reading →

I ran into my neighbor Anne yesterday. We hadn’t seen one another in a few days. I was out two evenings ago and she wasn’t around last night. So I hadn’t yet heard the latest. About Bertilda. The latest is … Continue reading →

We have a new neighbor and we hope we’re about to lose the old one. Jerry’s friend Jennifer moved in. We didn’t know Jerry had a significant other. We don’t know that now. He described her as a cousin when … Continue reading →

It was called Shell Shock at first. Then Battle Fatigue. Or Combat Stress Reaction, technically. It didn’t acquire the big syllables until late in the 20th century. PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Until a couple of decades ago, only soldiers … Continue reading →

I think I’ve always been a dog person. I remember Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Among my early books was one called Champion Dog Prince Tom, about a runt cocker spaniel who made it big in obedience trials. When Dad … Continue reading →

They finally took Bertilda’s car. Her conservator showed up with a colleague and official papers. I happened to be in my front yard and was recruited as a witness or interpretor. The conservator’s name is Leah. She’s a plump black … Continue reading →

We all know we’re going to lose Bertilda soon. Some of us are trying to feel somber or even sad about that. Most of us are not succeeding. The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, but she’s in the machinery now. … Continue reading →

We had two power outages last week. That’s always inconvenient: like jury duty or a head cold. Even though it was still light out, I was impressed by how dependent I am on electricity. Especially when playoffs are being televised… … Continue reading →