The Grey Menace Arrives

I was living in Ottawa, Ontario, in the fall of 1969. A bunch of us had gathered on the corner to discuss some plans for a get-together, and all of a sudden, there was this grey kitten striding towards us. He looked determined, and he looked directly at me. The group grew silent. The kitten …

Generosity

I describe the years in which I wandered, performed, and did wild things as my time as a Pius Itinerant. It was years afterward that I realized that it was made possible only by the generous gifts and acts of kindness of others. At the time I was doing it, I assumed it was my …

No Thanks, Once Was Enough

No thanks, not interested. I'm standing pat. Yes, when I worked as an applied anthropologist, I had the capability to turn research into exhibits, programs, presentations, and various projects. I enjoyed it, and for many years I expected to return to it. What an optimist. At some point, I conceded defeat, developed new interests, and …

Hide and Seek!

Marcus

Hi! I'm Marcus. My sister Sabrina and I have had a new hobby these past few months. It's a version of Hide and Seek. My sister and I get into a fight, and she rips my collar off. We then continue the fight and wind up hiding the collar with the name tag on it. …

The Rangeley Boat

Four men examine restored wooden boat labeled Guide’s Grace

The Rangeley Boat could handle almost any challenge an adventurous 19 years old could throw at it. 

Vacation Time?

Two men standing on a futuristic starship bridge with crew at consoles

Although it's County Fair season in New England I could be persuaded to take a brief vacation in the United Federation of Planets. You know spend some time on the Enterprise, perhaps to meet Kirk, Sulu and the one with the pointy ears. They are a veritable triad representing the values of an enlightened, if …

Lets See…Time Tourism!

Map of Cultural Destinations, Arenas & Temporal Routes in Temporia, featuring labeled landmarks, routes, rivers, and sea

Tourism of historical events? We can make a hunk of money on this one. You know, run hot air balloon tours over Gettysburg, fill the local hotels with temporal tourists trying to get a good exchange rate on their cash with the local money changers, whatever. However, we'd better plan on a separate commissary service. …

A Fork In the Road

Perhaps you are familiar with the old Yogi Berra (no, that's not Yogi the Bear, idiot!) quote: “When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it.” Well, back in 1979, I did take the proverbial fork in the road, and it altered everything that followed- in a very good fashion. But not right …

The Perfect Yankee Sweetener

Back in the early 1970s, I was introduced to making maple syrup by my first father-in-law, the Cap'n. Like many things the Cap'n introduced me to, they were duties more than pleasures. He wanted to do it, needed it done, or expected it, and my first wife ( the dutiful daughter) decided that Wes should …

Foam and Froth

When you are out in a bad enough blow, there can come a moment when the distinction between the water and air becomes indistinct.