I could hear the chainsaws across the valley a little after 8 a.m., and I knew it was at my house. I sat on Sara’s deck, looking out into the obliterating mist, and cried. She came out and sat with me. We talked and drank coffee. Finally, I got dressed and drove to my house, where a 10-ton oak … read more The oak, falling – Part 2
Tag: luck
Roll of the Dice
When I was about 6 years old, my sister Maggie accused me of cheating in Yahtzee. Although I was a smart kid, cheating at dice was out of my league. Maggie was just mad because I was lucky. I’m not the kind of lucky where I can pick the winning horse at the track. Not that … read more Roll of the Dice
Feeling unlucky
When I went to the fitness center today, I saw a half-dozen friends who asked how I was doing. They all know about my long recovery from brain surgery and are solicitous of my health. I told them about Tom’s stroke. Several of them gave me a hug or patted my arm, and expressed sympathy … read more Feeling unlucky
Uphill and alligators
I had to wait two weeks for the insulation company to schedule my job, but finally today was the big day. I was nervous – all the other house repairs hinge on this one. I kind of knew something would go wrong. A young guy from the crew checked in with me a couple times, first … read more Uphill and alligators
How I won the lottery
I almost didn’t buy a lottery ticket for the $1.5 billion Powerball. Good thing I changed my mind! Normally I don’t buy lottery tickets. Why should I? Didn’t need it. As I’ve often told people, I won the lottery already. At birth. I was born healthy, with two loving healthy parents and three loving healthy … read more How I won the lottery
Day 88: A charmed life
I’ve been sorting through memorabilia, and found my charm bracelet from high school. Each charm was supposed to represent one of the meaningful things in my life. There’s one of a woman playing tennis. Well, I tried it for a summer. Spent most of my time chasing the ball. I think the charm was more meaningful because … read more Day 88: A charmed life
Day 24: Lucky 13
My number 13 tooth has been a problem for a long time. It was probably one of the first cavities I had filled, as a kid. It was my only root canal, done sometime in the mid ’90s, and at the time there were a couple of tiny forks off the root that the dentist … read more Day 24: Lucky 13