If you want to read a thoughtful analysis of the first year of Donald Trump’s presidency, then this is the book to choose, not Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury. There’s no gossip here, no anonymous musings such as Wolff gave us. David Frum, who has a set of solid Republican credentials, answers the question Hillary […]

Went to a family gathering on Saturday night. I expect to write a bit about that later. I won’t be writing about the experience of meeting  a bunch of relatives for the first time. That probably doesn’t interest you. However part of the event was held in a museum, and that I think you will […]

Saturday was sunny and hot – felt like summer. It was much cooler in the shade offered by the trees. We saw some trails we haven’t explored yet, but given time constraints, those will have to wait for another day.

  I never seem to remember that April 22 is Earth Day – but this year is an exception. Not that I am going to be celebrating, at least not like I would for a birthday or Christmas. Children have predictable questions each May when Mother’s Day is celebrated, and again in June when we […]

I remember it from Latin class. It was the insignia on battle standards carried by the Roman legions. Now the letters adorn the manhole covers for Rome’s sewers. My wife asked me: “What does SPQR stand for.” Latin class may have been 50 years ago (which in itself is a scary thought) but there are […]

It’s been nine years since I was last here, but this airport looks oddly familiar. Or maybe all airports look the same, especially at 6 a.m. To get here we took a city bus at 5, followed by the airport shuttle. We’re early, but I like to leave wiggle room before a flight. All you […]

    Of course you have to know before you pick up the phone that it is a telemarketer – which can be difficult, even with call display. I worked in radio for years – when I answered the phone that way it was true. Strangely enough, while I recall the odd solicitation on the […]

I’ve been hearing about the weather in Canada; doesn’t sound like Spring is coming anytime soon. Is this when I start to feel guilty about living in Germany? I’m writing this Tuesday on my bus in to German class. I’m feeling decidedly unmotivated. Nothing wrong with the class, but it is 25 Celsius (that’s 77 […]

I took a fair number of pictures as Sulzburg unveiled its new fire truck (see yesterday’s post). Since shiny red vehicles are always fun, I thought a photo essay was in order today. There was a wide range  of fire fighting and emergency vehicles, including a snowmobile type with a sled behind it that I […]