Siftings
May
26
A Descent
This is sketchy. Most mountain deaths occur on the descent. You’re often hurting. You’re always tired. Down seems easy, but down is what kills you the most. Slips. Falls. Rock falls. Avalanches. Gravity has dozens of ways to kill you and you’re that much closer to meeting a gravity-driven...
May
26
A Peak
This is stupid. In a cloud atop Mount Diller, I break out the map and compass. The plan was to climb Mount Diller, then work along the ridgeline leading to Lassen Peak. Bivvy somewhere near the summit, and head back down tomorrow. But this is stupid. I can’t see fifty feet, much less my next...
May
13
Steps
“Jealous?” The youngest effortlessly ambles down the stairs ahead of me and looks up. I’ve a new downward stair procedure given the toe thing, and it’s not exactly fast. I smile because, just walking is its own small miracle. Four cars and one truck have hit me so far, and that last one blew...
Mar
13
Statement of Purpose
Protect and provide for my family.
Through my work and volunteer service, level the playing field for as many children as possible.
Model kindness.
Be resolutely American.
Jan
24
Flashing Leather
Maybe thirteen, maybe fourteen. I’m asked how many kids are on the Seaside High baseball team this season and can’t give an exact answer. Basketball is winding down and three bballers might join the squad in the weeks ahead. Ten or eleven at practice, so far.
Maybe ten, maybe eleven. It’s...
Dec
31
Tuneage Countdown 2018
First, eighteen or thereabouts albums that won’t disappoint.
18. (tie) Old 97s – Hate The Holidays // David Bowie – Live at Glastonbury
An Old 97s holiday album? You had me at Old 97s. And then a pleasant run through of Bowie’s hits? Ok.
17. Courtney Marie Andrews - May Your...
Nov
12
Shuffle, Shuffle
I’m a dork. And pretty slow on the uptake, too.
Regarding the former, the physical therapy grinds on. Eighty percent of the left foot toes are doing fine, but the big one just won’t bend and I’m pretty sure it’s a skeletal thing that’s gonna require more surgery. Be that as it may, the...
Nov
09
Bleeding Out
Just the song in my heart. That’s a strange thing to say at a moment like this. Look down. That’s an impressive pool of blood. Lake Craig is creeping out into the whatever you call the area beyond the emergency room curtain. Informed of the SUV making my weekend more kinetic, Lesley texts from...
Oct
27
Countdown - Tiebreakers
Longest WS game ever has the genius switch in the upright and locked position.
10. Start the 10th inning with bench coach on first.
9. Start the 11th inning with beer vendor (incuding beer cooler) on second.
8. Start the 12th inning with Commissioner on third.
7. Start the 13th...
Oct
26
Sunset
The sun is setting. The gators are restless. Gators with a capital “G”. A dozen nine year-old ballpayers have interrupted their practice to be part of the show. There’s an unveiling to pull off and the Seaside Pony League Gators are here so let’s have them pull the tarp off the sign.
The...
