It was too dark too early too soon. Pumpkin spice lurked in a dark alley where hoodies make people look like walking chrysalises. September is a handy place to start fall. Autumn means it’s not winter yet, butterfly wings are tattered and the pickleball fantasy league comes to a screeching halt. I can see the seasons change in the birds. They’re wearing their work clothing … [Read more...]

Part two of a series In 1861, the Houston County treasurer disappeared, and “the air was heavy with rumors. The fact that there was a defaulting treasurer spread over the county on the wings of the wind… the deficiency in the accounts of the late treasurer was found to be $3,890.00.” There were about 30 bondsmen, so the loss, if evenly divided, was not devastating for any. … [Read more...]

My body’s check engine light came on. Eventually, we become like our old car or aging house – fix, fix, fix. I was taught to never sit until I was invited. That has led to uncomfortable times for me in waiting rooms, which stretched the concept of time. But soon, a nurse held my hand with her two strong ones. I was lightheaded. The room was spinning. I had heart palpitations. … [Read more...]

I used to know a lot of people named Merle. I saw the name of one Merle I knew on a gravestone and thought, “No wonder I haven’t seen him around.” A Merle, who was part of a large family, told me he got his name because his mother had run out of other names. I still know a fair number of Merles, but not as many as I did. Maybe they’re making up in quality for what they lack … [Read more...]