They broke it to us gently prior to any public announcement. Still, it came as quite a shock to see the bright red sign in our beloved neighbor's front yard. "For Sale By Owner." We won't have to look at the offensive sign very long, I'm sure, because this particular owner is a retired real [...]
Tag: doug mahr
For it’s Hi! Hi! Hey! on a 90th birthday and the neighbors keep rolling along
On the day before his 90th birthday party, our neighbor Doug popped into our garage. "Can I borrow your leaf blower?" he asked Vinnie, who had been assigned to clean his father's work bench. "Sure," said Vinnie. "But if you want someone to blow out your yard, I'll do it." "I finished my yard," the [...]
I hope we dance
When I’m 90, I want to dance the mambo at the Harvest Moon Ball. I’ll sip wine and eat flourless chocolate cake. When I’m 90, I want to explain earnestly to new friends I’ve met on the dance floor that you start to feel old when you’re 86 or 87. I want to be startled [...]
A toast to the heroes next door
It's easy to recognize a hero, especially today. They walk tall in pressed uniforms and shiny shoes. They volunteer for hard tasks and run toward things we avoid. Last night, we had dinner with a guy like that, an army veteran and quiet recipient of a bronze star and an oak leaf cluster. Our next-door [...]