Author Archives: tuesdaytalk

Everywhere I go people ask whether I’m ready for Christmas. Not sure if they’re just making friendly conversation, are truly interested in the status of my Christmas preparations, know I’m a procrastinator or simply assume that I’m not. But, as … Continue reading →

I knew I was in trouble as soon as the pilot announced turbulence was expected and the flight attendants would be required to stay seated during the flight. Great. I wouldn’t have the reassurance of them pushing their carts cheerfully … Continue reading →

Black Friday is history now and it must have been pretty low key because I only heard about a stabbing, a shooting and a pepper spray incident. Unless those stores were giving away $1000 bills, I don’t get why anyone … Continue reading →

According to one of my favorite philosophers, The Grinch, Christmas doesn’t come in a box. But at our house, Thanksgiving does. No, it’s not a box from the Salvation Army or a prepared meal from the grocery store. Our Thanksgiving … Continue reading →

I was in first grade, maybe, when we got our first television. It was a massive mahogany structure, complete with a 10-inch screen that required us to huddle together on the floor with our noses pressed to the screen. Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

My dad used to have a Country Parson cartoon under the glass on his desk that read,” It costs a lot to get an education these days and a lot not to.” The only boy in his family – or … Continue reading →

Halloween doesn’t hold much attraction for me. If it’s really a holiday, why don’t we have the day off? Otherwise, it’s just another day. The next day is more like a holiday, really, because people bring their leftover candy to … Continue reading →

My mother is losing her sight. It’s an insult to injury kind of thing, after dealing with my dad and his Alzheimer’s, breaking a hip, going to assisted living and moving back home. Her odyssey started the day before Thanksgiving … Continue reading →

While driving through a little town in Iowa last week, I guess I made some kind of wrong turn. A block or so later I sensed a truck keeping pace alongside of me. When I turned to confront my stalker, I looked … Continue reading →

Being a Good Samaritan can be a thankless job. I suppose that’s the whole point, helping someone out without taking credit or getting a reward. Twice in the last month, for instance, I put quarters in other people’s parking meters … Continue reading →