Fall Ruminations

October has arrived. Just a few weeks before the election. If I was a betting man, I’d wager on Harris. I don’t bet. Will there be violence if Trump loses? Yes. Some Americans will dive off into their final abyss of madness. They are standing on the precipice, just waiting.

If I read one more editorial or essay from a liberal living in Red State backwaters opining how liberals need to understand rural Trump morons, I am going to be sick. Why doesn’t a conservative writer in a Blue State ever write the reverse? That’s because conservative writers can’t reflect and question their own assumptions.

The Prefontaine book is out. I need help in getting the word out there. If you’re reading this, please consider helping me out and an Oregon independent press. I think it’s one of the best and unique books I have produced.

Elmer the husky and I continue to find our groove. He’s become a boon companion. My mental health has vastly improved since adopting him, as has my physical fitness.

I’m considering buying a smaller RV and doing some winter traveling around Oregon. I’ve always wanted to own one. My tent camping days may be over.

Dad continues to do well in assisted living. He turns 93 next month. I continue to think about where I’ll end up after he passes away. Who knows? At least I have the financial means to make a prudent decision when the time comes.

A former student who has published a fantasy romance novel sent me a copy with a very generous inscription about my influence on her writing life. It’s nice to learn the teaching moved someone to become an author. I read the novel and was impressed. She created a vibrant new world where love was possible if the characters wanted to seize it. We need more of that kind of action in the real world. So much timidity out there when it comes to seizing love. Mediocrity reigns.

I contracted covid for the first time. Pretty brutal there for two days but I kept walking Elmer because there was nothing else to do. One curious side effect of the virus was that I no longer have any desire for beer.

I saw a sign on a church that advertised: pumpkin spice communion. Jesus wept.