This column was published in the Sunday, Jan. 27 edition of the Benicia Herald

I’ve had a few questions put to me from readers I bump into downtown. Let me see if I can use up all my words answering them. The two I hear most are somewhat related, so I’ll lay those out and stitch them together.

One woman with her family and friends in tow during the Farmer’s Market caught up with me and my family and friends in tow walking the other way. We paused to chat, which we all know is the second most important reason to visit the Farmer’s Market.

In conversation, she made a request, to paraphrase, “Steve, now that you’re retired, why don’t you write more columns about places seniors can go and have fun?”

I made a mild defense. “Well, I write about everywhere I go to have fun. Jump in at any time.”

“I know you do, but can you do more and direct it toward seniors?” Sure, I replied, and have since strived to weave that thread color more into my tapestry.

Another person once asked me why I seldom write about Benicia businesses; why are my fun spots always out of town? It’s a good question, and a story goes with it.

I’m a fan of a lot of local businesses. Back about six editors ago, I wrote a glowing review of a favorite local business and how much I enjoyed going there. It was the only column in 35 years that was ever cut. The story was pleasant and congratulatory. Flummoxed, I drove down to have a chat with the editor.

Allow me to loosely compare this encounter to Melville’s discreet conversation between Captain Veer and the condemned Billy Budd, Sailor, a fine, level-headed chap except for one, debatably deserved, murder. The talk was of such character that Billy’s dying remark before stepping off the yardarm plank was “God bless Captain Veer.”

To paraphrase my chat with the chief, “Why did you remove my column? It was complimentary.”

“That’s irrelevant,” he said. “It’s unfair to all the other businesses in town. If your column was focused on business reviews and you reviewed a new business every week, it would be a different matter. Because of the desultory nature of your topics, this might be the only local business review of the year. You’d make one business shine above the rest simply because you like it. It could be viewed as favoritism. Some might suspect you’re getting discounts. We are in the market of equal advertising for all merchants.”

Wow. Well put, even if it was paraphrased. He was right. I saw the light.

He proceeded. “You could write about a conversation you had while inside a specific local business, but you can’t give free advertising. Write about out-of-town businesses all you like.” I agreed completely and turned right around and taught it to my journalism students under the topic of Know your Readers. “God bless editor three.”

Bowling. Four senior citizens, my wife and the Kittrells, have put together some foul weather activities. In fair weather we play bocce ball. Talking bocce strategy one day at the local courts, I showed Deb some throwing techniques. Knuckles first gives you backspin. A high toss can stunt the roll. Spilling it off your palm sends the ball straight with evenly diminishing speed. A flick of the wrist can spin the ball. I said, “It’s a lot like bowling.”

“Bowling!” yelled Deb. “That’s what we need to do in bad weather. I’ve only bowled a couple times in my life.” It could be because she spends her free time skiing out of helicopters and taking 40-mile hikes.

There after the urban fires began blazing and filled our sky with smoke. We looked up nearby alleys. Going someplace we’ve never been guided our selection. We put our collective finger on Diablo Valley Bowl. The route was simple.

We bowled two games, terribly, used their cartoon-face scoring option, and had a ball. We were eager to return soon, but at $4 per person per game plus shoe rental, the cost goes up quick. Then the big storms hit and we decided to go bowling anyhow. The clerk asked us, “Are you members?” No. This was where our conversation ended on our first visit. This time we asked, Why? “Because members only pay $2 per game.” Ohhhhh. What’s it cost to become a member? “Nothing. Just fill out the card. Give us your email. Expect to receive promos.” That worked for us. Who uses email, anyhow?

Showing Deb some bowling techniques, I said, “It’s like bocce. A flat palm rolls a straight ball. A turn of the wrist adds spin, like putting English on a cue ball.” Our games improved somewhat. We almost broke 100.

“Pool!” yelled Deb. “That’s our next thing.” As it stands, we plan to shoot at a regulation pool hall. They are more plentiful than bowling alleys, so the decision is harder.

My son Adam and I are playing scout. We’re visiting pool halls before I invite the other senior citizens. We started with his favorite place, Cue and Brew, in Martinez, next to Home Depot and 88 Noodle. It is pleasantly dive, with shuffleboard, a wide rack of craft beer taps, and a whole room dedicated to 10 vintage regulation tables. Next is Masses in Walnut Creek.

Today I’m 65.