May Afternoon

Something about this day.  Leisurely morning, with no responsibility greater than progressing a bit in my Spanish; an afternoon of gardening, punctuated by a pleasant nap;  a bit more prepping my garden for the starts, which will become my summer and fall dinners.  Now a light dinner and a beer on the deck, listening to music my daughter has shared with me, with a background of the wonderful children next door squealing and laughing as they play in their yard - oblivious to anything outside their sphere, including anybody older than seven.  

Is there anything better than a warm evening in May.

Jose's Visit Weekend

Enjoying the finish of a beautiful spring weekend, book-ended with time spent with some of my favorite people anywhere.  Thursday evening, I had dinner with Jose (Rico) Ramos, who is in town for a leadership meeting with the American Cancer Society - an organization he has dedicated himself to for decades.   We ate (and drank just a bit) at Deschutes in the Pearl district in Portland; I took him to Powell's Books (of course ... Portlandia).  It's been more than a decade since I last saw him, but our banter picked up right where we left off.  We shared some of best adventures I had during my sojourn in California.

I hope it will not be as long before we next get together, but I do hope he  will be gracious enough to at least age a little in the meantime.  

At the other end of the weekend, I had dear friends over for dinner Saturday.  The Newmans and the Beards have been family for the last twenty-five years, sharing weekends at the coast and the mountains, as our kid grew from toddlers to amazing adults.  Betsy and Bongo are newer additions, but have become integral.  

At dinner last night, we talked about the overuse of the term 'blessed', so let me just say how damn lucky I feel to have these people in my life.  

Mark & Andy

Hey Mark and Andy, 

On September 14, I'm going to be in Eugene for our quarterly Hooty Brothers Sunday liquid lunch.  

Are you guys around that weekend?  Interested in getting together for a beer and/or a bite on  Saturday evening, and a possible overnight guest?

On a related matter, whether that weekend works or not, would you guys be interested in coming up here for a weekend, and letting me show you some local brewpubs, or just hanging out here for food, drink, and maybe some football?

Love, 
Michael

David and Dave & Carolyn

Bon Jour!  

David, I'd like you to meet Carolyn and David.  

Carolyn and David are planning to be in Toulouse next month - a city they've visited before, and love.  I've mentioned you to them before when they were on their way to Toulouse, so Carolyn asked for an introduction.  I am beyond pleased to share acquaintance between us all, and to introduce you to one another.  

I'm cautious about 'over-introducing' people to one another, so I'll keep this minimal.  All three of you are interesting, kind, intelligent people, with good hearts, and lots of excellent stories to share.  Life has taken you to homes as varied as Indiana and Colorado to Vancouver Canada, Malaysia, and Lawd knows how many more (your stories to share, not mine).  I learn something new every time I speak with any of you ... and usually find us sharing laughter with each lesson.  

I hope you will reach out to one another, to see if connecting up next month will work.  My only regret is that I can't share the occasion.  I'll be somewhat homebound for a few months yet, as I break in my new replacement left ankle - but look forward to seeing each of you soon.  

Love, 
Michael

Children of Sanchez

Every child belongs to mankind's family
Children are the fruit of all humanity
Let them feel the love of all the human race
Touch them with the warmth, the strength of that embrace.

Give me love and understanding, i will thrive
As my children grow my dreams come alive
Those who hear the cries of children. God will bless
I will always hear the children of Sánchez. 

- Chuck Mangione, Children of Sánchez

Mark's Son

Hi Mark, 

I don't want to intrude - now, or any time, as you are going through the coming time with your son.  There is no 'right' thing to say, so I will try to keep it to a minimum.  

Any time you would like to share an update on him; he had a good/bad day, he felt well enough for us to go drop a line for some spring Chinook, or whatever--or if you would just like a sounding board to share how fucking unfair this is--I am your friend, and I'm here for you.  

I usually say too much, under the best of circumstances, to I'll leave it here.  Please give my best to Andy; I love you both.  

Michael

Mother's Day - 2025

Among my earliest memories was Mom asking me where it hurt, and kissing my 'owies'.  For those owies that were out of reach of kisses, she offered, and encouraged 'a few Hail Marys'.  As I wandered to and from belief in the supernatural, I never took a step away from belief in the healing power of her Hail Marys, and remain grateful for them to this day.  She taught us all the meaning of love, forgiveness, and empathy, traits I still look to as my north star.  

I don't say a lot of Hail Marys these days, but I am forever grateful to have this woman, full of grace, in my life.  Happy Mother's Day!