On Turning 62

I turn 62 years old today. I can start collecting Social Security. It is my first birthday without my father.

My celebration will consist of improving my three driftwood forts on Whiskey Run Beach and sushi at the neighborhood sushi joint. I’ll also cook a steak for Elmer because that brings me great joy.

I feel fit in body and mind. I am writing with increased vigor and the writing is going in new interesting directions. I feel ready to offer apologies and accept apologies, if anyone knows how to apologize in America anymore. It seems like a lost art.

I feel ready to reconnect with people from my past and connect with people from my present. I will continue to follow through with people although following through also seems like a lost American art these days. Maybe it’s always been that way.

The nightmare of Dad’s probate is nearly over. I will seek out new purpose in this new year of my life.

My great husky Elmer and I are advancing into our Coos Bay world. He’s a secret weapon into local stories.

“Advance always,” said General Grant. If only he’d advanced to justice and lined Robert E Lee against a wall, and ordered a firing squad to “FIRE.” We’d be a different, better nation today. Look at us now.