This story begins in late August of this year at the restaurant Parc on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. My son Ryan, Pat and I had all ordered the steak frites. My job was to choose the wine; I wanted a… Read More ›
nomadic retirement
A short trip to Rouen
Sept. 22-24: Rouen, France Day one: As I exit the train station in Rouen, the church bells are striking noon. Birds take flight from surrounding steeples. A stiff wind blows in my face; I wonder why I didn’t wear warmer… Read More ›
Summer vacation
Summer vacation. August 2022: We are heading north on I-81 in Virginia, the Subaru stuffed full with every potential vacation accoutrement: folding chairs, bottles of wine, citronella candles. Pat is driving. Every 25 miles, he asks me how excited I… Read More ›
Dead Poets Society and Me
Gather ye Rose-buds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying:And this same flower that smiles to day, Tomorrow will be dying. Robert Herrick I’ve been quite ill. The sort of illness where you can’t get out of bed. Can’t… Read More ›
My September Song
“Keep warm old man,” the boy said. “Remember, we are in September.” “The month when the great fish come,” the old man said. “Anyone can be a fisherman in May.” Ernest Hemingway The Old Man and the Sea Alas, I’m… Read More ›