A Southern California resident now, but I have lived in many places over the years. — Hello Globetrotters, my name is Michael, but I answer to Mike, Swabby, Sailor, and Old Guy (name our son uses). I live in the small town of Ramona, California. But when asked, I always say San Diego since it’s closer and more recognizable. I’m retired now but was a Sailor…

When a bribe isn’t really a bride — Call it a payoff, remuneration, gift, reward, a-fix, tribute, tip, or contribution — call it anything you like, but for goodness sake, don’t call it a bribe. James Beaufait recently published his first story in a new series in “The Daily Cuppa Grande.” The story is fantastic, and I look…

Mystery of Devils Point Lighthouse — John Jacob Preston agreed to his current job as a lighthouse keeper with some trepidation. The location of Devils Point Lighthouse was isolated, difficult to reach, and had extreme weather. If that wasn’t reason enough to support his doubts, there was the ghostly history of the lighthouse. The previous lighthouse…

I completed “The Craft of Plot” and thought I would share my impressions. — I finished my final story about a lighthouse in the first segment, “Plot,” of the Coursera Course “Creative Writing.” I just got the peer review back, and now this course is completed. I'm sharing my thoughts in case others are interested in the course. BLUF (Bottom line upfront) I enjoyed…

Yesterday, Frosty stood tall, waving to passers-by. But today, I caught Frosty lying down on the job.

No more outside Christmas lights—don't even ask! — My neighbor and I were talking — yes, we were at the mailbox again. Is the mailbox the testosterone equivalent of the beauty shop? I wonder. I don’t talk while getting my hair cut, but Sandys can talk BS for two hours at the BS. (BS is a Beauty shop…

Twenty Four CHiPs lined up in a row — This morning, I saw twenty-four CHiPs (California Highway Patrol) officers on identical BMW R1200 RT-P motorcycles. The policemen and policewomen were outside the Ramona Cafe. Were they headed to an officer's funeral, escorts for an important motorcade, or participating in a holiday parade?

My Second Fiction Story — Learning Continues — Some of you may know that I am taking a creative writing class. I won’t mention the assignment criteria, grades, or instructional comments. And since all work must be my own, any story I share will be “after” the story has already been reviewed and graded. These we can share…

This past weekend, trucks unloaded four tons of snow on a grassy area surrounded by palm trees blowing in the 74 (23.3 C) degree weather…