How should we like it were stars to burn; With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me. — W.H. Auden. As Valentine’s approaches I pull out a favorite of mine. One of the most difficult times as a parent is one of your…

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When I was close to death with a rare form of hepatitis, I didn’t have a clue that my life was at risk. Suzy called it my “Zombie period.” I prefer to  think I was just out of it. I certainly didn’t do a very good job of preparing for it. Good thing I made…

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What’s the difference between reality and fiction? Fiction has to make sense. — Tom Clancy. After five novels I certainly know the truth of Clancy’s answer to the question. If one’s readers don’t believe your story can really happen, they won’t buy into the story. The question of the day is why doesn’t reality make sense?…

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Believe in yourself — Horoscope for Capricorns, February 4, 2019. No I don’t believe in horoscopes, but I do read mine daily right before I read the comics. These days the comics are about the only section of the paper that doesn’t depress me. But back to mine for today — Believe in yourself. If…

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We, this people, on this small and drifting planet Whose hands can strike with such abandon That in a twinkling, life is sapped from the living Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness That the haughty neck is happy to bow And the proud back is glad to bend Out of…

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