College Reunion
I believe I went to my 10th reunion for D'Youville College and I was the only one representing my class. Other than that, I only went to donor's Masses (most years) and the occasional tea. But this year I actually volunteered to reach out to my classmates, and my wife and I attended a handful of the many Homecoming events. Like myself, almost no one kept in touch with more than one or two people. We just weren't a...
Podcasting, Part 2
My Podcast, Contemplation in Action, is up and running with an introductory episode and one on bees and beekeeping ("The Bee Side") with David Newman. The introduction ("Episode 0: What and Why") was done with Paul Chernogorec, who in turn had me on his first podcast recording the other day. It was on the topic of Evolution, the contemplation of which I came to realize the offense of scientific theory is not that...
Podcasting
I've been meaning to have my own podcast for some time, at the prodding of others who apparently don't think what I say is a waste of words. A year ago I wasn't even sure what it was or how to do it, but recently I was interviewed for the first time in one — the Meet, Act, and Part podcast. They got three times the usual engagement on it. I've been procrastinating on having my own until I threw my back out last...
Back in the Saddle?
Apart from a few small forays, I haven't done any serious biking for almost 35 years. Merry has had trouble with her feet lately but discovered she could ride without trouble. A further discovery that her bike was too small prompted purchase of a bike that fits properly. That was a hint that perhaps mine (borrowed from my daughter last year and then stolen from her backyard) also wasn't quite right, as the...
Almost Out of the Woods
Got my seconds shot for COVID-19 inoculation (Pfizer) at Roswell Park, Merry and her father getting theirs in Henrietta soon. We've done our best to stay out of crowds most of the time this last year and may have saved a few extra lives in the process. I just have not been on my game the last few weeks. A lot of web projects paying the bills lately, but almost no progress in writing. I gave up the notion of the...
The Next Generation
Some of our best conversations throuhgout the years have been in the car. Just before seeing my daughter's new apartment, we talked about her exploration of various spiritual traditions, not just philosophically, but in practice. I told her I had two things to say to that: first, that there are many pitfalls along such paths; secondly, I've been waiting 30 years to have this conversation. We had both explored...
The Final Month
Turned the last month-page of my "Cats in Space, with Food" wall calendar. I am definitely yelling "Jumanji!" at the end of December 31st. Apart from the stress of new plots of sedition almost every day since the election, and millions of people who flat-out lost their minds over everything from wearing masks and protest conspiracies to voter fraud fantasies and vaccine misinformation, our house is sad tonight....
A Very Long Year
Dinner with friends on the back deck Friday -- Mer and I, cousin George, Jeff and Mike. It was a soothing evening with perfect weather between some seriously hot days recently and suddenly cold ones. Topped it off with just Jeff and us two with an episode of "Lower Decks". That's the way I'd like to remember the Summer -- by that one evening. We live in the living room again, as the remodeling is done. Very...
Staying Home; A Place Gone
We've sequestered ourselves for the most part for several weeks now. I'm used to working from home, and it's kinda neat not having anywhere to be for long periods. Merry loves staying at home, and with the right equipment on the way, will be able to do some of her job from here. I've been busy. Clients suddenly have time to pay attention to their online presence (or need to take advantage of it) more than usual....