Dearest Rachel – We’ve come in to Boston by sea. I found myself waking up at a quarter to five to watch as various harbor lights passed by (I wasn’t wearing my glasses in bed, so I couldn’t tell you anything more specific than that); that’s what comes from collapsing to sleep by nine inContinue reading “Set Out Two Lanterns”
Tag Archives: travel
Beverage Plan
Dearest Rachel – You might remember that we never concerned ourselves with a drinks package when we went cruising back in the day. It was quite sufficient to stick with lemonade, iced tea and (in Daniel’s case) milk while in the dining room, since we didn’t drink alcohol– and as far as soft drinks go,Continue reading “Beverage Plan”
A Halifax Busy Day
Dearest Rachel – I realize that I should have taken a moment yesterday to wish you a happy thirty-third anniversary before I went on about our day, but as we were anticipating a busy day ashore, so we were rather preoccupied, I’m afraid. At the same time, do anniversaries still tally up when one partnerContinue reading “A Halifax Busy Day”
In the Breton Island Fog
Dearest Rachel – So after a couple of days at sea – hey, at twenty-five knots, it takes a while to get anywhere from Greenland, let alone the North American continent – you might think we would be itching to get off the ship and onto dry land. And that may very well have beenContinue reading “In the Breton Island Fog”
Not Such an Anticlimax as All That
Dearest Rachel – I’m sure we’d seen the aurora borealis once or twice since the time we did on the night I proposed to you (and you took it as the heavens themselves blessing the moment, as I recall), but you’d think I’d be able to remember and point to the night, especially since it’sContinue reading “Not Such an Anticlimax as All That”
Appreciating the Staggered Schedule
Dearest Rachel – This has been an unusual trip, and I have to say that I kind of like it. I know that you always wanted to go on a transoceanic sailing in order to actually feel the ocean beneath your feet – the relatively self-contained bodies of water like the Mediterranean and the CaribbeanContinue reading “Appreciating the Staggered Schedule”
A Shock of Cold
Dearest Rachel – Traveling by cruise ship can be a series of cultural shocks as you move from one city or country to another. Customs and habits change with each location – to say nothing of the weather. Even as it’s to be expected on an intellectual level, sometimes the differences catch you by surprise.Continue reading “A Shock of Cold”
Nuuk
Dearest Rachel – Well, now we’re on our way to the capital; a town not even a third the size of our own, but which makes up nearly half the population of the entire… country?… of Greenland. Yes, that’s a contentious point, and I’ll get to it further along, as I put this together. Yes,Continue reading “Nuuk”
Greenland Isn’t Icy Either, But…
Dearest Rachel – We were in the Crown Lounge yesterday morning, enjoying our coffee (which I’d spiked with chocolate syrup from the pancake table; for some reason, they don’t have hot cocoa mix on this trip, when it would be so much more appropriate to have on hand, given some of the places we’re visiting)Continue reading “Greenland Isn’t Icy Either, But…”
Qaqortoq
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’re finally landing somewhere I’ve – we’ve – never been before, and to be honest, it’s a place that never would have crossed my mind. Not just that it wouldn’t have occurred to me to visit Greenland, but this town is one I didn’t know existed, and still find myself wonderingContinue reading “Qaqortoq”
When the Camera Doesn’t Do it Justice
Dearest Rachel – So our second day in Iceland had us on an actual excursion. While I’d considered a horseback ride as a option, Daniel’s lack of enthusiasm for the possibility (to be fair, he hasn’t ridden a horse since we visited Disney World with Ellen some twenty-three years ago) caused me to decide againstContinue reading “When the Camera Doesn’t Do it Justice “
Time Afoot
Dearest Rachel – After finishing up my last letter to you about the city (granted, I didn’t dwell too much on the city, since you remember having been here – and, like I said, we didn’t spend too much time in Reykjavik proper), there wasn’t a whole lot for us to do at the timeContinue reading “Time Afoot”
Reykjavik
Dearest Rachel – It sort of ties our last port of call with the one we’re arriving at; even when we last visited the place, some twelve years ago, we couldn’t think of this city’s name without recalling Glasgow native Craig Ferguson during his Late Late Show days. About a year or so into hisContinue reading “Reykjavik”
The Glasgow Experience
Dearest Rachel – They say that it takes one day for every time zone to acclimatize yourself to your destination when you travel. It’s another reason to appreciate cruising; the travel is so slow and gentle that you can only go across a single time zone on any given day at its fastest. However, inContinue reading “The Glasgow Experience”
Glasgow
Dearest Rachel – Once again, I’m not sure whether to bother researching a place we’ve visited before; except for the fact that we really didn’t visit this city the last time I recall being here. When we pulled into Greenock, we simply took a shore excursion that drove us across the width of Scotland (suchContinue reading “Glasgow”
From the Portable Editing Booth
Dearest Rachel – The thing about taking notes to tell you about while traveling is that I can either write about things to you or film them, but almost never both – and certainly not at the same time. I can show you what’s around us at a given moment, or (given time) tell youContinue reading “From the Portable Editing Booth”
Our First Misadventure
Dearest Rachel – It’s said that it’s the misadventures that make the memories when you’re traveling (yes, I rather realize I’m effectively quoting myself; that doesn’t make it any less true). If that’s so, Daniel and I may have finally given ourselves a memorable trip to London, even as it’s short and limited in anyContinue reading “Our First Misadventure”
Never Mind the Research, Here’s the City as We Knew It (London)
Never Mind the Research, Here’s the City as We Knew It (London) – Somehow, it doesn’t feel like it’s worthwhile to research a city that most people know better than I do. All I can do is post some of our memories from our first visit…
Pretending Everything Is Normal
Dearest Rachel – The last few overseas trips I’ve taken have started off with a ride to the airport first thing in the morning, or even in the wee hours, prompting me to wake up absurdly early in order to catch my flight. Not so today; with the flight scheduled for four in the afternoon,Continue reading “Pretending Everything Is Normal”
An Hour or Two of Calm
Dearest Rachel – First thing in the morning, I find myself sitting up in bed, firing up the computer and starting this letter to you. Thankfully, I’m not fighting off another cold – the one Daniel and I both just dealt with (although I’m not sure if he isn’t still dealing with the symptoms; likeContinue reading “An Hour or Two of Calm”
You Just Have to Deal With It
Dearest Rachel – Much like any other human, I complain about the the things that go wrong in, or are just unpleasant in my life without bearing in mind that there is plenty of ordinary stuff that makes it so much better than most (and with enough life experience behind me, you’d think I wouldContinue reading “You Just Have to Deal With It”
To Travel With Another
Dearest Rachel – Ever since the accident which took you “home” at the end of a day trip in the midst of the Covid lockdowns, you’re aware that I’ve been doing (and telling you about) a lot of traveling. These are things we always meant to do together one day, but were precluded from doingContinue reading “To Travel With Another”
Tuk-Tuk Temptation
Dearest Rachel – I don’t think of myself as a “car guy”; the idea of popping open the hood and messing around with a car’s engine does not appeal to me. I’m not one for getting my fingers dirty over a vehicle’s mechanical parts, nor do I relish the smell of any oil other thanContinue reading “Tuk-Tuk Temptation”
Meanwhile, Back Home…
Dearest Rachel – I just stuffed the bags back into the car behind my driver’s seat again this morning. Normally, I’ve got this rotation of two of the many (most of which I either disposed of or gave away) cloth grocery bags you left behind, for when I stop at Aldi – either one, asContinue reading “Meanwhile, Back Home…”
Enough To Make an Indian Cry
Dearest Rachel – I’d started this letter literally on the way to Just One from the airport. I’d thought, based on some of the topics touched on in the orientation, that our nightly debriefs might include the fact that we’d seen and heard stuff that we couldn’t comment upon in the moment. After all, weContinue reading “Enough To Make an Indian Cry”
Notes From The Return Trip
Dearest Rachel – It’s Monday morning after a week away from the gym, and the sky outside is dull, gray… and most importantly, raining. You can probably guess that these are more than enough reasons for me to be thoroughly reluctant to head out to the gym, honey, while at the same time that weekContinue reading “Notes From The Return Trip”
Time for (Mis)Adventure
Dearest Rachel – In a way, it feels weird to spend a day completely away from working at Just One, especially considering how much work there is to do. The poor, as Jesus said, will always be with us, and they will always have needs we can fill for them, hopefully in an attempt toContinue reading “Time for (Mis)Adventure”
Put Through Paces
Dearest Rachel – Not that it’s germane to anything else going on, but I feel the need to send you greetings on this, the fifty-fourth month since your departure. It’s been four and a half years at this point, and more often than not, the twenty-third of the month still gets my attention in aContinue reading “Put Through Paces”
Cultural Experiences
Dearest Rachel – It seems like a bit of a waste of time, when there is so much that needs to be done at the school and clinic (to say nothing of the houses in need of water storage pilas – although there’s only so much that can be done in any given day towardContinue reading “Cultural Experiences”
Prince of Peace Corps
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know if you remember the slogan, but I have a vague recollection of the Peace Corps described as “the toughest job you’ll ever love.” It wouldn’t surprise me if Just One was striving to be that kind of job opportunity, even on the limited-time basis as it is for usContinue reading “Prince of Peace Corps”
Primera Mañana
Dearest Rachel – I’m not sure what you would’ve thought of this place, honey. I’m still trying to get used to it myself. After yesterday’s travels (particularly the obscenely early start to the day), I retired at what might otherwise be considered a ridiculous hour of nine o’clock, but which you might have at least beenContinue reading “Primera Mañana”
I’ll Never Quite Get Used to It
Dearest Rachel – I have this goal regarding travel that, one day, I’d get to the point where it’s a perfectly normal thing to show up at the airport, get on a plane, and be on my way to wherever it is I’m wanting to go without another thought. It’ll be almost a routine thing;Continue reading “I’ll Never Quite Get Used to It”
Too Tired to be Frantic
Dearest Rachel – Early tomorrow night, I’m going to need to head off to bed by five or six, so I can wake up at three, summon myself an Uber (both Dad and Daniel offered to drive me there until I informed them both of the time I needed to be there, at which pointContinue reading “Too Tired to be Frantic”
Professor Perdonname
¡Buenas días, estudiantes! Bienvenidos a Hojas 101 (o Contabilidad 101). Mi nombre es Randy Larson, pero puedes llamarme “Señor Perdonname”, porque no sé mucho español, y voy a decir “¿perdonname?” a la mayoría de sus preguntas. De hecho, tengo tan poco español que necesitaba escribir este monólogo con antelación y revisarlo de antemano para asegurarmeContinue reading “Professor Perdonname”
Just Like It Used To
Dearest Rachel – It started off with a fairly frivolous announcement last week; during the orientation regarding the mission to Honduras, there was some mention made about the final full day in the area, which would not include much in the way of actual work, but would be a series of ‘cultural experiences’ as aContinue reading “Just Like It Used To”
The Risk of Ruin or Loss
Dearest Rachel – It seems that all too often, I wind up telling you about stuff that happened a day or so ago, rather than what’s happening to me right in the moment. It can’t be helped; it’s just easier for me to focus on writing first thing in the morning (or at the veryContinue reading “The Risk of Ruin or Loss”
The Cards We Are Dealt
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, I have several story lines going on at the same time, and start one or two letters to you, hoping I can flesh them out before the situation itself goes stale. Other times, an idea occurs to me that requires me to at least set up the framework before I forgetContinue reading “The Cards We Are Dealt”
The Quiet Month of Summer
Dearest Rachel – So; it’s June. We’re almost halfway through the year, and it rather feels like it, seeing how much has already happened thus far (some of which didn’t go according to plan, but that’s life on this abandoned planet, isn’t it?). While I haven’t covered the kind of ground that I did lastContinue reading “The Quiet Month of Summer”
Cheaper Than Miami
Dearest Rachel – It so happens that, not only have Daniel and I been eating out a bit more than usual lately, but we’ve been making a point of checking out places we’ve never been to before. Moreover, several places have been unapologetically… let’s just say ‘carnivorous,’ and add that one of the places wasContinue reading “Cheaper Than Miami”
In Prandium Veritas
Dearest Rachel – You’re well familiar with my rule regarding long-distance travel; if it takes longer to get somewhere and back than the time spent at the destination, then it really wasn’t worth the time to bother with. It always struck me as overly cruel when executives from my old workplace were required to flyContinue reading “In Prandium Veritas”
(A Lack of) Holiday Weekend Plans
Dearest Rachel – It used to be so simple when it came to certain holiday weekends – or really, any weekend in general, but let’s set that aside for now. We had things that we did on a regular – whether annual or weekly – basis, and didn’t really have to give much thought toContinue reading “(A Lack of) Holiday Weekend Plans”
The Chill and the Damp
Dearest Rachel – When April showers May come your way They bring the flowers That bloom in May That’s all well and good, but what’s to be said about the showers that come in May? Does this mean they’re deferring the blossoms until June or something? And if they are, that’s not necessarily a goodContinue reading “The Chill and the Damp”
You’d Think I’d Get Whiplash
Dearest Rachel – After waking up yesterday around five or so (Eastern time, mind you), and driving what turned out to be some seven hours, thanks to several bouts of construction and one point where a car we passed in the corner of the merge was completely burned out, down to the wheel rims (thankfully,Continue reading “You’d Think I’d Get Whiplash”
We Can’t Disconnect Completely
Dearest Rachel – For all that part of the appeal (at least for me, a non-fisherman) of this place – indeed, the entire island – was that it was a refuge cut off from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, you and I had difficulty going ‘cold turkey’ from it all. A weekContinue reading “We Can’t Disconnect Completely”
Maybe We Don’t WANT Closure
Dearest Rachel – Happy fifty-fifth birthday, honey. This is it; the day we set you adrift the way you wanted to be. This is why we’re here – right down to why we’ve waited so long – we wanted to make sure your closest friends were here to share this moment. Given how long it’sContinue reading “Maybe We Don’t WANT Closure”
Fasting? Here? Now?
Dearest Rachel – Between the cooking and baking and the occasional restaurant visit we’ve made while on the islands, we’ve already built up a considerable stockpile of leftovers on this trip. Combine this with the fact that I packed more than what Daniel and I would have normally eaten on our own throughout a typicalContinue reading “Fasting? Here? Now?”
What Has Changed?
Dearest Rachel – Part of me can’t believe it’s been eighteen years since you took this footage as we scoped out the cottage you used to refer to as “Miz Fay’s place” back when your family were still staying at the Bretz cottages a short wade further north. Another part of me can’t believe I’mContinue reading “What Has Changed?”
The Long Way Around – a Visit to South Bass
Dearest Rachel – We had fully intended to make a stop in Put-in-Bay while we were on the island this time around; while your parents rarely bothered to venture over there (their priorities leaned into the fishing aspect of island life, after all) it was pretty much de rigeur for the three of us after a while,Continue reading “The Long Way Around – a Visit to South Bass”
The Part You Used to Play
Dearest Rachel – So, yesterday was Mothers’ Day; the real one, not the early one we observed last week in order to celebrate with my mom, since we were going to be on the island this week. And with that having been said, I should mention that we made a point to head to theContinue reading “The Part You Used to Play”
A Sense of Wrongness
Dearest Rachel – Morning on the island, and the house is silent. I’ve slept well, if somewhat layered up (we had to turn on the heater when we first got here, and it’s particularly chilly this morning, still (albeit only in the florida room in the back of the house). Did I say the houseContinue reading “A Sense of Wrongness”
One Final Trip (part five) Beyond Our Control
Dearest Rachel – We were just across the Indiana state line, and filling up the tank after what seemed like a couple of hours in Chicago traffic when the word came from Kerstin. After weeks – perhaps even months – of asking her (relatively new) boss for the time off, only to get either aContinue reading “One Final Trip (part five) Beyond Our Control”
Until the Last Minute
Dearest Rachel – This is really not my style, honey; you know that. Raised as I was, arriving somewhere fifteen minutes early was considered late. If we’re heading out to the island, I’d prefer to leave town as soon as possible – and have the car loaded up as much as possible the night before,Continue reading “Until the Last Minute”
Not Really Trying
Dearest Rachel – I’ve told you before about the running app that keeps track of my exercise regimen on a weekly basis, and how it’s meant to motivate me to keep up with the effort I’ve put in during previous weeks. It also doesn’t hurt that – as with any other social network – thereContinue reading “Not Really Trying”
Sleeping Through the Process
Dearest Rachel – After putting myself through a full-day fast last weekend (with an exception made for a can of coffee to get me through Sunday morning’s shift), I’ve made it through the entirety of this week below the two-fifteen line, and at least once a day at or below two-ten (although I still haven’tContinue reading “Sleeping Through the Process”
It Can’t Rain Forever
Dearest Rachel – While I might point out that I’m still sleepy this morning from having stayed up later than usual with Daniel watching videos last night – and I may have gotten a little too smug about dropping my weight down to two-oh-six after yesterday morning’s workout (had leftover salad to serve as myContinue reading “It Can’t Rain Forever”
One Final Trip (part four)
Dearest Rachel – It’s annoying to get reminders of things you need to do at the most inappropriate and inconvenient times. I spent Sunday morning in the audio-visual booth, listening to a sermon entitled ‘Roadtrip’ (about the conversation on the road to Emmaus – it was the week right after Easter, you understand), and foundContinue reading “One Final Trip (part four)”
花見 – Hanami at Home
Dearest Rachel – Maybe I never noticed it because it was right there in front of us the whole time (and we had to deal with the blossoms once they fell and stuck to our respective cars, which is something of a nuisance); maybe it’s just that more obvious to me after two straight yearsContinue reading “花見 – Hanami at Home”
One Final Trip (part 3)
Dearest Rachel – Now that the busyness of the Easter weekend is in the rear view mirror, I have to get on with things regarding our (and I do mean our; you’re coming along with. In fact, you’re the reason we’re even doing this, after all) trip to the island. I’ve gotten a confirmation fromContinue reading “One Final Trip (part 3)”
Not Perfect, but Simple
Dearest Rachel – The house still smells a bit too much like curry for an early morning, but I suppose that’s on me. It’s a pervasive scent, whenever it’s used in cooking; some people find it objectionable, while to others, it’s a way of life. I don’t fall into either of those categories, but ifContinue reading “Not Perfect, but Simple”
Work Keeps You Sane
Dearest Rachel – I really thought that coming back to your hometown would hurt more than it did. As I’ve said before, what with you being gone (to say nothing of your folks, who served as your anchor to the place), there’s nothing for me in the place anymore. It represents somewhere – and moreContinue reading “Work Keeps You Sane”
The Last Trip Home
Dearest Rachel – Honestly, I never thought I would be setting foot in Macomb again. I may know my way around the place, even after all this time, but I couldn’t imagine having a need to return there. Of course, as it turned out, it wasn’t a need of mine that brought me back. WithContinue reading “The Last Trip Home”
So What’s Holding Me Back?
Dearest Rachel – Ostensibly, one of the great privileges of my semi-retired state is that theoretically, I can pack up and go here and there on a whim, at a moment’s notice. It would please me no end to be able to just cab out to the airport and fly wherever at some point –Continue reading “So What’s Holding Me Back?”
That’s How They Get You
Dearest Rachel – Technically, this is something I’d consider to be old news by now, having happened a week or so ago, but since it happened after your departure, it would still probably be news to you. You might remember those companies that would offer a DNA analysis service back in the day; I thinkContinue reading “That’s How They Get You”
When Even the Experts are Stumped
Dearest Rachel – By the end of the day today, it will have been nearly a week since dropping the car off at the dealer’s for what I rather thought would have been fairly routine – if admittedly less regular than just a simple lube, oil and filter – maintenance. Sure, a multi-point inspection wouldContinue reading “When Even the Experts are Stumped”
They’ve Stopped Making It
Dearest Rachel – It’s a silly little line that hits early on in A Charlie Brown Christmas, but it occasionally resonates with me for reasons I can’t quite pin down. The gang are catching snowflakes on their tongues as they fall around them (Lucy, fussbudget that she is, insists that she never engages in suchContinue reading “They’ve Stopped Making It”
from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury
What kind of goals did you have for life? In other words, what was your idea of personal success? “I couldn’t picture college or adult life, so my impossible goal would’ve been to be five again and stay a kid.” Have your life goals or ideas of success changed at all since that time? “yes”Continue reading “from Rachel: The Lap of Luxury”
Ice Cream Headache
Dearest Rachel – It should come as no surprise that, upon returning from the cruise last month, I found myself not only no longer dancing around the two-ten line that I’d been considering a near-permanent plateau after four or five months, but hovering around the two-twenty line I hadn’t been at for as many monthsContinue reading “Ice Cream Headache”
Making Myself Useful
Dearest Rachel – Freud had a word for it: “sublimation.” While it’s now mostly used in its physical, chemical sense of a solid transmuting to gas, skipping over any possible liquid state (like carbon dioxide does, for example), he used it to refer to taking one’s baser instincts and diverting them to where they couldContinue reading “Making Myself Useful”
Looks the Same
Dearest Rachel – The last time I was here at the Fashion Outlet Mall was just over a year ago, and for much the same reason; at barely above zero Fahrenheit, it’s just too darn cold outside to walk through the woods. So I’m wandering around here, waiting to meet up with Lars, at whichContinue reading “Looks the Same”
Never Insult a Customer?
Dearest Rachel – You might remember the “Dirty Knife Sketch” from Monty Python’s Flying Circus (honestly, this is one of those things where I’m going to have such a hard time finding a ‘Megumi’ with a comparable sense of humor to yours. Between these guys and the Three Stooges, you were such a rare birdContinue reading “Never Insult a Customer?”
Not a Bad Meal In the Lot
Dearest Rachel – It hardly needs to be said that the food on a cruise ship is expected to be, if not always gourmet (after all, the kids have to have their hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders and pizza, and I don’t have any objection to those items now and again, either), at least topContinue reading “Not a Bad Meal In the Lot”
Muzak Mornings
Dearest Rachel – It might go without saying, generally, but it’s definitely different to be traveling with someone than to be doing so on one’s own. You become aware of your own habits that might conflict – or at least contrast – with theirs, leaving you to question why you maintain them. One of theContinue reading “Muzak Mornings”
Subdued Chaos
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’re on our way home after a week at sea. You might recall how departure day was always chaotic, with us having to get up at a ridiculous hour (for a vacation day, at any rate). Despite having been up late the night before (and as much having to do withContinue reading “Subdued Chaos”
The Lark and Owl
Dearest Rachel – It sounds like some quaint British pub, doesn’t it? Maybe one attached to a bed-and-breakfast in some seaside resort town overlooking the English Channel or on the Isle of Wight. The B&B would service the morning people (the larks), while also providing a place for the night owls to sleep off theirContinue reading “The Lark and Owl”
Lost In Labadee
Dearest Rachel – I always took for granted that, when you described visiting this place with your folks back in 1990 on the Sovereign of the Seas, it was a private island owned by the cruise line, not unlike their later acquisition of Coco Cay. And we’ve been here before; I remember you finding aContinue reading “Lost In Labadee”
It’s a Small Port After All, Mon
Dearest Rachel – Already, we’re at our next (and next-to-last) stop. Honestly, while I won’t go so far as to say I’m not impressed – I’m starting on these notes while I’m barely half a ship’s length from the dock, so any assessment I give won’t do Falmouth, let alone Jamaica as a whole, justiceContinue reading “It’s a Small Port After All, Mon”
Off Limits
Dearest Rachel – There’s a good reason as to why, apart from my Royal Caribbean Asia-Pacific Tour shirt (which, to a certain extent, I’m reluctant to wear, because it just comes off as bragging), this is the only non-custom-designed T-shirt I’m wearing on this trip: Let’s face it; everyone thinks they belong to this greatContinue reading “Off Limits”
An Adventure Refused
Dearest Rachel – Wednesday began – or would that be Tuesday ended? It was late at night, before four in the morning, and neither of us were inclined to respond – with a knock of the door. Three raps, in quick succession, followed by a pause, presumably for us to answer. Then another trio ofContinue reading “An Adventure Refused”
Ghost Town By the Capital
Dearest Rachel – This morning may have me finally adjusting to vacation mode, after a fashion. I’ve got no appointments or excursions to rush off to while here in Nassau, and Lars’ slower paced attitude toward starting the day and getting from one place to another is starting to rub off on me. As muchContinue reading “Ghost Town By the Capital”
Different Schedules, Different Paces
Dearest Rachel – The first full day on the ship, and already we were in port again. Not that it’s remotely unexpected – the Caribbean is chock full of islands, in close enough proximity that, unless you have a specific destination in mind, there’s never a need for a sea day between ports. Of course,Continue reading “Different Schedules, Different Paces”
The Real Destination
Dearest Rachel – Well, we’ve finally made it onto the ship; and as you’re probably aware, this is the real destination for this week. While Miami is much nicer than Chicago at this time of year, especially in terms of weather (while the prices, even downtown, are much more reasonable than back in the ’burbs,Continue reading “The Real Destination”
Not Entirely on Repeat
Dearest Rachel – This trip has barely started, and already there’s plenty to amuse you about it. Not only has it turned out that the hotel room has but a single bed (which I had been assured otherwise, but what can you do?)… …it’s at the same hotel we stayed at when last we visitedContinue reading “Not Entirely on Repeat”
The Growth of Personal Space
Dearest Rachel – I’d always thought that it happened the other way around; apparently, the story of legendary baseball pitcher Rube Waddell and his battery-mate Ossie Schreckengost was one where the catcher complained about his mound partner’s behavior – which, given his reputation as a “wild child,” was understandable. However, since Rube was a near-unstoppableContinue reading “The Growth of Personal Space”
Overthinking Preparations
Dearest Rachel – At some point in time, I’d like to get to where traveling halfway around the world can be taken as nonchalantly as my drive across town to the ‘office.’ Oh, I get that longer distances will take more time; that’s a truism that no amount of technology (aside from portals or transporters,Continue reading “Overthinking Preparations”
I Can Feel It In My Bones
Dearest Rachel – I think there are certain things about life that you don’t – can’t, even – figure out until you reach a certain age. When I was a kid, for instance, it absolutely puzzled me that my grandfather (and later, my father) could fall asleep in his rocker-recliner, despite it being in theContinue reading “I Can Feel It In My Bones”
Explanation or Justification?
Dearest Rachel – There’s a few things that have been building up to this latest decision (or would it be a combination of decisions?) that I might as well reiterate to put it into context. Not that it needs to be justified to you; I think we both agreed that we were looking forward toContinue reading “Explanation or Justification?”
Keep the Crew Happy
Dearest Rachel – Another morning, another weird dream, this time about the lessons of space travel. This one’s a fairly simple one, though, both in term of what it says and what it means, and you can see it in the title above: keep the crew happy. The devil, however, is in the details. ToContinue reading “Keep the Crew Happy”
from Rachel: The Power of Training
Based on [Daniel 1:4], describe the kinds of Israelites the king ordered Ashpenaz to bring to Babylon according to the following categories: Family background: “royal family, nobility”Age and appearance: “young men without any physical defect, handsome”Intellectual capacities: “showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand” How long were they to beContinue reading “from Rachel: The Power of Training”
Considerations of Timing
Dearest Rachel – I thought it was the wind waking me up this morning around four, like it has been for the last few days. It’s been blowing pretty hard in the mornings, and with it whipping all manner of leaves up throughout the neighborhood, it often sounds like rain against the roof and wallsContinue reading “Considerations of Timing”
Too Much, Too Late
Dearest Rachel – I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t do anything, let alone eating, this late at night. Much of it has to do with the fact that I usually wake up at five or six in the morning and work out these days; by the time nine or ten in the eveningContinue reading “Too Much, Too Late”
Dreamscape Anime
Dearest Rachel – Another absurdly early morning, another series of very strange visuals as I found myself swimming towards the surface of consciousness. I’m not sure if it’s worth telling you about, since there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of a coherent storyline to it all, but hey, you always used toContinue reading “Dreamscape Anime”
Passing It Along
Dearest Rachel – This morning was unusually full of errands, honey, so I think I’m going to focus on that for today’s letter. To be honest, I’m just happy to be done with talking about current world events for a while. Yes, those will always be with us, and they color our personal experiences inContinue reading “Passing It Along”
The Secret Handshake
Dearest Rachel – To be sure, Mom and Dad aren’t doing any more traveling from this point on. Between the logistic issues presented by his feeding tube (although, since the surgery, he hasn’t had to deal with any leaks that would otherwise force him to leave any event he was at at a moment’s notice)Continue reading “The Secret Handshake”
from Rachel: A United Family of Man
Think back on times you’ve taken long trips with people, family, or not. Based on those experiences what makes traveling together particularly challenging? “sometimes lack of personal space and privacy, just trying to have fun instead of getting on anyone’s nerves” Think of someone with whom you enjoy traveling. What makes it work? “Randy –Continue reading “from Rachel: A United Family of Man”
Thoughts on Transport
Dearest Rachel – So, for the first time in what seems like a very long while, the girls were over last night. Well, two out of three of them were, anyway, but that’s better than we’ve managed, lo these many weekends. We’ve got to take these moments as victories when we get them, even ifContinue reading “Thoughts on Transport”
They Don’t Make It Like They Do Over There
Dearest Rachel – It’s wild for me to realize at this point that I’ve now been back home for almost (but still not quite yet!) as long as I was abroad on that Asian cruise this year. And while I’ve still not gotten around to getting myself a deep-dish pizza like I said I wasContinue reading “They Don’t Make It Like They Do Over There”
What Commuters Miss…?
Dearest Rachel – Throughout my travels, both this year and previous, I’ve often seen this or that building or other place as the vehicle – be it a train, tram, coach or automobile – passes by along the way, and wondered what goes on there, being fully aware that I’ll never know the answer toContinue reading “What Commuters Miss…?”
The Ship That Hasn’t Sailed Yet
Dearest Rachel – So this is it; a day that I’ve promised myself would come, in which I’m doing the whole ‘tourist in my home town’ bit. Oddly enough, I’m doing something that we’ve done before – which, considering how little time we ever spent in the city (apart from admiring the annual Christmas decorationsContinue reading “The Ship That Hasn’t Sailed Yet”
Holiday Week
Dearest Rachel – One of the strange effects of being retired and out of the work farce is that I don’t exactly have my finger on the pulse of current trends. If people are doing things en masse, I’m not always aware of it – or if I am, it’s a very dim awareness, basedContinue reading “Holiday Week”
The Sands of the Desert
Dearest Rachel – I seem to recall a phrase, used metaphorically in terms of the permanence of one’s love, that it would continue “until the sands of the desert grow cold.” My first exposure to the phrase – and its context – was a single-frame Peanuts cartoon in which Lucy is calling to an out-of-shotContinue reading “The Sands of the Desert”
Letters to Rachel 