The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
A Different Drummer: Cranky people, then joy (Part 3)
“Bonjour,” said the landlady of our miserable Montreal AirBnB standing at our back door. Patricia had emailed her to complain about the torn up streets, dawn construction noise, barking dogs, broken doors, and terrible parking. We didn’t mention the rancid wine and coffee dregs she’d gifted us. She was not apologetic. She said we should […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Shopping Carts
People pushing shopping carts, down all the aisles for miles Stacking all their merchandise, into imposing piles Heading for the checkout line, express or otherwise Then to the car to drive back home, and back and forth; time flies People pushing shopping carts, no groceries inside No money in their pockets, and no place they […]
Hiking Back in Time: Right in your backyard
Welcome back to a monthly column focused on local day hiking destinations, that with a little imagination, will take you back in time to when our local Native Americans lived in a garden of Eden we now call home. For more hiking ideas, go to www.eastbayhillpeople.com and read the “Travelogue Blog” tab. It’s been interesting […]
Voice of the Village: What kind of a traveler are you?
By Lois Requist Picture this: Germany. October, 1989. My husband and I are on the Autobahn. We have a system. He drives. I navigate and decide where we are staying that night. By four in the afternoon, I’m checking the guidebooks for hotels in our vicinity. (No GPS, cellphones, or Booking.com back then). Traffic snarls […]
The A Cappella Handyman: Handyman Song #12
Yes, it’s true, there really is a “Handyman Song #12.” There were at least 11 earlier versions, so I decided this one would be the last. How did it come about? It’s a long story, a very long story. As a self-employed Handyman for the past 16 years, I chose to advertise in a number […]
Everday Feng Shui: Calming the chaos and other Feng Shui corrections
Summer is here! Your life may be filled with many activities such as vacations, summer camps, house cleaning and renovation projects. Through all of this active chaos it is imperative that your home remain your refuge; calm, harmonious and organized. Incorporating some easy Feng Shui corrections will help you relax and enjoy your home and […]
A Vibrant Faith for the 21st Century: The case against– and for– judging
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2 [New International Version]). “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even […]
Benicia Letters Once More: Good Girl Gone
The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters […]
Write Away: Boss Babies
We bought our baby an expensive, high tech robot bed. Whenever Carson is fussy, his bed is programmed to soothe him by rocking him and playing white noise to simulate his time in the womb. I purchased it from a friend who called it a miracle bed, saying it saved her marriage and sanity. It’s […]