Soar with the Eagles

Bald eagle, Klamath Falls, Oregon
Taken April 2, approximately 3 p.m. (photo by Steve)

Bald eagle, Klamath Falls, Oregon
Taken April 2, approximately 3 p.m. (photo by Steve)

Overheard at Borders

Writers are compelled to take notes. Commit to paper every detail that might one day serve a story. I've often pilfered the conversations of others and incorporated them into my stories. I recently transcribed a scene between a father and son at Borders, while drinking a cup of coffee. The dad, who looked to be in his late fifties, sat a table with his son, who was in his early-to-mid thirties. The dad did all the talking. This is what he said:

"Your mom's had a couple of little episodes. She gets that vertigo thing you have. No. Not what you have -- she goes to absolute zero, flat down on her back. She lost ten pounds in two and a half days. She looked like a walking corpse. She starts feeling bad and has to sit down -- she can get up with help and make it to the bathroom. Then she vomits. She's got crystals in her inner ear canal and it kills her balance."

Here, the father paused. The son didn't say a word, and then after a moment, asked, "Want to go?" And just like that, they were gone.

I've often wondered about that son -- why he had no comment to make about his sick mother. There's a story there, and I may tell it. But I know it won't end well.

Hummingbird Babe

Steve stumbled upon this hummingbird nest a few days ago, and returned this morning to snap a pic. We think the female began nesting around the first of March. Mom returns every 15 minutes or so to feed Itty Bitty.

March Madness

March Madness means something different to birdwatchers -- it's the time of year when hummingbirds (as in the Anna's, above), finches and doves pair up and become quite territorial. Downy woodpeckers, however, are simply looking for a pre-game snack, as demonstrated by the fellow below.

Another Manhattan

Donald Antrim's "Another Manhattan" is a short story I know I'll read again and again, just as I've repeatedly read William Gay's "The Paperhanger." Antrim's story was my introduction to his work, and because I so enjoyed it, I requested his memoir THE AFTERLIFE from the library. This book deals primarily with Antrim's relationship with his toxically alcoholic mother, and while it showcases his admirable skills as a writer, I just didn't dig it.

Having said that, I'm still very interested in reading more of his work, and plan to request THE HUNDRED BROTHERS next. Reviews sound exceptionally good.

Shrinking Bread Inspires Witty Retort

So Steve and I were at Macaroni Grill a few days ago, ordering our usual -- halibut for me and scampi for Steve -- and while we were waiting for our entrees to arrive, the waiter brought the traditional little loaf of bread and filled the tiny saucer with oil.

And when I say "little," I mean "dinky," because the size of the loaf the waiter set down was easily half the normal portion.

Me (upon waiter's departure): What? What!? Look at how small this thing is, will you? What are they trying to do? Downsize?

Steve: Maybe they're trying to save some dough.

I don't care who you are...that's funny.