“The Outermost Unaffordable House” by A. Crock
Commentary
SURFING
Like a Big Family
The collective joy of watching someone catch his first wave
The waves were perfect for learning to surf. Knee to waist high, soft and gentle, breaking slowly over an old flat reef now buried in fine white sand. The water […]
THE YEAR-ROUNDER
Napi: An Appreciation
Back in 1969 we acquired a street dog named Napi. He was a real son of a bitch. I wanted to call him Walt (Whitman), but the name just wouldn’t […]
REMEMBERING NAPI
An Elegy for Napi
As a boss Napi Van Dereck was a terror. At least in the old days when I bussed at the restaurant. Each evening would find him hunched like a hawk […]
SKETCHBOOK
Beech Forest
“Beech Forest” by Mark Adams
STEAMERS
‘Tis The Season
“‘Tis The Season” by A. Crock
The Horrors and Hopes of Another Christmas
I am dreaming of a Commercial Christmas, just like the one we have every year. You are a hard one to shop for: you have everything, maybe two of everything. […]
PROVINCELANDS
A Winter Dune Shack Vacation
Coming home is part of the magic
The driving rain and howling winds hardly registered as we moved towards our rendezvous at Race Point beach. Our excitement was too strong; no amount of inclemency could put a […]
DOMESTIC UNEASE
A Christmas Tradition to Die For
There’s nothing fishy about Trout Pudding
My son’s school sent home a flyer. It said: “Come Celebrate Your Culture & Heritage! You are encouraged to bring a dish that reflects your family’s traditions.” The organizers of […]
VIGNETTE
Delivery
“Delivery” by Daniel Dejean
SKETCHBOOK
Winter Trees
“Winter Trees” by Mark Adams
THE YEAR-ROUNDER
Shhhh: A Love Letter
The library is a place where we can just be ourselves
I love my library. It is a beautiful building in a beautiful town. A beautiful building that happens to be full of books — rooms and rooms of books, shelf […]
NATURA VIVA
Juniperus Virginiana (Eastern red cedar)
“Juniperus Virginiana (Eastern red cedar)” by Natalie Van Staden
QUEER ‘I’
Buttigieg and Blacks, Homophobia and Racism
Accusers beware: no group is immune to prejudice
For older LGBT people, the rise of Pete Buttigieg to the front ranks of Democratic candidates for president inspires awe. Having grown up at a time when homophobia was the […]
DEAR INDIE
Making Your Case With Adults and Toddlers
How to hold your own through the holidays
Dear Indie, When I go home for the holidays, I find myself among friends who are more conservative than my Cape Cod ones. I usually try to avoid political talk. […]
