Pickles is dead. About two weeks ago, my daughter-in-law found her unresponsive in her cage. Although she was only two, that’s roughly the life expectancy of a hamster—which is what Pickles was. She had been a breeding hamster and was… Read More ›
Unusual retirement options
Bay City and Beyond
If you’ve never heard of Bay City, Michigan, raise your left hand like you are about to recite an oath—palm facing away from you, thumb to the right. Your hand is now a map of the lower peninsula of Michigan…. Read More ›
Conclave: The Sequel
I enter Vatican Square late afternoon in anticipation of the first conclave vote. Security is heavy, but once inside people are playing games or lounging on cobblestones. Children chase each other in circles. It’s a leisurely Sunday afternoon picnic vibe…. Read More ›
To the Conclave
It seems an unlikely pilgrimage. Lapsed Protestant heads to the epicenter of 1.4 billion Catholics to witness the centuries-old tradition of electing a pope. And yet Tuesday, I’m headed to Rome. Truth be told, I’m fascinated by the pomp and… Read More ›
Oaxaca, Mexico (and what now?)
You’d think by the time you were my age, you’d have it all figured out. What to do? Where to live? How to spend your time? Apparently not. Oaxaca, Mexico sounded like a good idea. A mile-high altitude with the… Read More ›
The World In Between 