Welcome to episode four of Old People on a Southern Road Trip — me, lovely, tolerant Susan, Gino the carpenter and Patricia the Waldorf teacher. Gino was driving his truck full of tools home to Philadelphia. Sue and I came as far as Memphis. We pick up still in New Mexico headed toward Austin, in […]
A Different Drummer: Tommy lives in the desert without kidneys
Welcome to episode three of “Four Old People Cross America’s South in a Pickup.” That would be me, Susan and our friends Gino and Patricia. Gino was driving his truck full of tools home to Philadelphia and we came along for part of the ride. Susan and I would fly home from Memphis after meandering […]
A Different Drummer: Then came Cicely at the Toasted Owl
If you’re just tuning in, this is installment two of – four old people journey across America’s South in a pickup. My friend Gino was at the wheel. I was the shotgun navigator. The fems, Susan and Patricia, were stuffed in the back, arms on bundles, supplying us with food, beverage, navigation tips, and enough […]
A Different Drummer: First there was Roger and Spike
Ready for a road trip? Up for some new characters and unexpected detours? Come with us. We just finished one, and I kept notes. You see, Gino was here for a month. He drove his truck from Philadelphia so he could get around in California and also take home all the tools he’s been storing […]
A Different Drummer: Not giving to the poor
I was walking into the BART station on Powell Street in San Francisco the other day and noticed with great sadness that the underground passageways were lined with sleeping homeless people huddled with various assortments of nothing much. They were silent and separate against the walls on both sides. Some slept without pillows, some slept […]
A Different Drummer: Flashback floods
I grew up with floods. I lived along the Clarion River that spilled its banks about every year. We lived just above the lowlands, which included much of downtown Ridgway. The water rose often to our doorstep. A third of the town’s businesses, factories, stores, and at least 50 homes were built along the […]
A Different Drummer: A tour guide for all seasons
Guests are coming to visit this year. We’ve promised to show them all of Benicia and the best of the Bay Area. I’m brainstorming now for must sees and can’t misses. I’m devising a way that allows my guests to have equal opportunity at choosing the sights and senses we see, while allowing me as […]
A Different Drummer: Full-immersion theater
We went to the theater. Actually we were in the theater. Seven of us. For those eager to say, “I’ve heard of that place!” or “I’ve been there!” the theater is called the Speakeasy, a complete set remake of 1923 Prohibition-era underground San Francisco entertainment, where up to 75 actors walk amongst you. To hear […]
A Different Drummer: The Age of Women, where you be?
Globally over two million women and supporters marched to draw attention to the threats and limitations on women’s rights. A good two million of them came from the USA. Was it also a protest against the new restrictive, authoritarian administration? You’re darn tootin’ it was. Washington numbers are estimated at twice the numbers for the […]
A Different Drummer: The Garden of Earthly Delights
For more than half my life, I lived in a happy fantasy world of optimism. I thought that most of us wanted peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. Now I’m a cynic, a hopeless pessimist. Only the powerless and disenfranchised seem to want equality. As a child, a teen, and a young adult, I […]