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…

My journey from, no thank you — to owning a Tesla, and did it work out? — Our son approached me one day several years ago, saying, “dad, you should get a Tesla.” He was in his 20’s then, and I was in my 60’s. We disagreed on lots of stuff all the time, where the generational age gap put us at odds. I responded, “I don’t…

When is Ironic just bad luck, bad timing, or a coincidence — Yesterday I was listening to the song “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette while driving the car. I have always liked this song. The lyrics of that song have always fascinated and maybe even confused me. Webster says people have been misusing the word Ironic for over a hundred years. …

Something you should forgive yourself for — I love both cats and dogs of all kinds. We have three cats and one dog ourselves and have had a couple of cats for my entire 41 years of marriage. So killing a cat was devastating to me, and I’m unable to forgive myself to this day. While driving…

The Old Man and the Parrot

This or That Down Under — Denise Kendig is responsible for this challenge. I had said in a comment on her response to one of (Brett Jenae Tomlin) BJ’s ToT challenges that I couldn’t participate because a lot of the choices were American oriented, and I didn’t even know what some of the things mentioned were…

I was walking Mali while my wife was shopping when an older couple my age walked past this car and said “disgusting hooligan.” The wife…

Our son has been working in Japan for three years and we have only seen him twice during that time.

Recipe for Mike’s Pinto Beans cooked in a Solar Cooker — If you have read some of my past posts, you know that I love to cook beans. Pinto beans, Navy Beans, (but of course), Lima Beans, Black-eyed Peas, you name it. Part of the reason is I grew up on these as it was inexpensive but nutritious item to cook…