Baseball, hot dogs, and the American Flag symbolize our country’s national holiday. My sons will be together in California attending a game between the Giants and their arch rival, the Dodgers. My wife plans to do Hood River’s annual Fourth of July run/walk, a 7.2 mile event from mid-valley to downtown. Years ago, when I … More Flags
Way back on January 20th, a rare sunny day loosened the grip of winter. While out walking, I noticed the year’s first robins exploring the fruit trees. Within 24 hours, colder weather returned and forced these scouts back to their sea level outpost. The early arrival, however, portended winter’s retreat. The days began to lengthen. … More Robins
Recently, I changed doctors. The Hood River community does not have an oncology practice. Consequently, they contract with established physicians from Portland, OR. Dr. A is our new visiting hematologist. She attends to all local patients with cancer and, when necessary, manages their chemotherapy in our hospital’s small infusion ward. Fortunately for me, her training … More Black and White
In autumn, before the snow falls, winter’s quiet seeps into the upper Hood River Valley. Frosty winds relieve the trees of their rustle and choirs of crickets cease to sing. Intruders trespass upon the calm. Migrating grosbeaks strip the elderberry bushes of ripened fruit. The cacophony of their chatter shatters the silence. Abruptly, they depart, leaving … More Sounds and Silence
Good Blood, Bad Blood 