Score at the Beach

When I heard that Paul McCartney’s two-volume book set called The Lyrics would explain the origins of every song he ever wrote, I went onto Amazon to see how much it cost.  $99.00!  I’m a fan, but that’s kind of crazy. Then I saw the book The Lyrics featured in the monthly Costco magazine. I… Continue reading Score at the Beach

Pepper Might’ve Saved my Life Today

When I got back from the beach walk where I froze as Pepper smelled every bush and tree along the way, I went inside, put a pot of water on to heat, gave each dog a treat and took Daisy outside to play ball in the front yard. After I’d thrown the first ball, I… Continue reading Pepper Might’ve Saved my Life Today

Do You Want a Cookie, Little Girl?

(re-run) She ran a personal ad in the Contra Costa Times: Single white female looking for single Asian man. Her two previous boyfriends had been Asian. James called and left a message with his phone number on a Friday night. The next morning Pam checked her phone messages. She liked his voice as she listened… Continue reading Do You Want a Cookie, Little Girl?

Three Strikes, You’re Out

(re-run) He didn’t seem her usual type — he was a few pounds overweight, but not bad looking, and he wore a nice suit in his online photo. He was an architect. He pursued her with photo-likes over a few weeks and text messages, too. Kate agreed to a phone chat. At least he seems… Continue reading Three Strikes, You’re Out

Living with OCD

(OCD) I always knew I was different in the way I perceived the world.  I have OCD, but Instead of needing to do classic hand washing or constantly worrying about germs, I had other weird rituals, like never leaving the house without a Kleenex and needing to have a regular routine. I married a last-minute,… Continue reading Living with OCD

Long-playing Ski Buddies

(re-run) Ellen was in charge of the ski cabin for the In Skiers in San Mateo. Mark joined the Powder Hounds even though he was just a beginner. Mark called Ellen to arrange for a room in the InSkiers cabin. Ellen had a cold and sounded like Lauren Bacall when she answered. Mark liked that.… Continue reading Long-playing Ski Buddies

Snowshoeing with the Girls

(re-run) The last time I was in Tahoe in the winter, Valentina, Margo and I went snowshoeing. The guys went skiing, but we girls weren’t up for that. Maybe it was the house party the night before, or maybe it was a fear of snowboarders taking us out as we meandered down the slopes. Full… Continue reading Snowshoeing with the Girls

A Donner Party Winter

(re-run) Lake Tahoe has had record-breaking snowfall this year. Snow is falling so fast that the ski resorts have had to close some days because of the chance of avalanches. When was the last time Tahoe has seen twenty-five feet of snow in one month? I am not a meteorologist, but one equally snowy year… Continue reading A Donner Party Winter

Daisy Strikes Again

(re-run) After a five mile hike, my legs ached, and I wanted to go to bed. I turned off the news at 10:15, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and then headed down the hall to the main bathroom with the doggy door. Both dogs were outside barking. I turned around and went to the… Continue reading Daisy Strikes Again

West Side Story

Sixty years ago, the movie West Side Story won 10 Academy Awards at the Oscars. It was perfection. Why did Steven Spielberg feel the need to make it again? Because he could. Because he did. Because he should’ve.  Spielberg has a slew of movies under his belt – E.T., Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List and so… Continue reading West Side Story