A moose is on the loose . . . and that’s good news
Growing up, I had two heroes: Hank Aaron and my big brother, Bruce. To this day, there is no male of the species who I love and respect more than the latter. So, a few years ago, when Bruce and Lydia–my favorite older sister-in-law (FOSIL, for short)–asked to see a real moose, I was determined […]
A true peach of a place to stop
I’m not normally given to writing about specific accommodations; however, this post will be an exception. Like so many others, when we travel the highways and byways of the US and Canada, Marla and I are looking for a memorable place to eat and enjoy local ambiance. Several years ago, we discovered such a place […]
Who benefits most from scholarships?
Several years ago, Marla and I faced a decision. We felt that it was time to give something back, in return for the educations we, our daughters, and other family members have been fortunate to receive. More than any other members of the Okrant family, I was a recipient of substantial scholarship and assistantship money […]
The secret to a happy marriage(?) . . . go shopping
As Marla and I near the completion of our first 44 years of married life together, each of us has been asked what our secret is. First, I can assure you that I have absolutely no idea how Marla responds to this question. Furthermore, I wouldn’t attempt a guess. To a large extent, marital bliss […]
Impressions of La-La Land
Recently, my wife and I spent ten days in the City of Angels, La-La Land, AKA Los Angeles. While large places that necessitate driving everywhere are not my cup of ube shake, LA has enough attributes to keep a visitor interested . . . for about a week. First, one cannot debate that the climate […]
A magical moment
Second only to their newborns, authors will tell you there is nothing quite so magical as holding that new book or journal article for the first time. I can tell you there is another feeling that comes close–completion of the first draft of a fledgling publication. Last night, I completed the second draft (the first was a hodgepodge […]
Should I or shouldn’t I(?) . . . collecting artifacts while on vacation
Many of us have been faced with temptation while traveling. I’m not talking about that gorgeous red-headed guy or woman you may have met at the beach bar. Rather, I’m referring to “things” you may find lying around. During my earliest vacations, bringing home a special rock was an important part of our family’s experience. […]
Get out of the way son . . . it’s for your own good
When I was a young boy, growing up in New London, Connecticut, we were a family of four: my father and mother, older brother, and yours truly. Even though my brother is only three years older than I am, I try to convince him that there was at least a decade between our births. In […]
One of those life changing (nearly life-ending) moments
For some reason, I’ve been reflecting upon my academic career, which reaches its 40th anniversary next year.Nearly twenty years ago, I was asked to speak at a meeting of economic assistance administrators. I accepted before learning that there would be no compensation. The program coordinator advised me that there may be hidden rewards for my generosity. Was […]
Should I stay, or should I go?
After nearly two decades as a mystery writer, I’m having second thoughts. I’ve spent the last two years researching and writing Whacked, a murder mystery set at the beautiful Wentworth By the Sea resort. As the fifth installment of my Kary Turnell series, Whacked is definitely the best of the lot. However, I’m thinking about sending […]