My earliest memory of Garrison Keillor is a Minnesota Public Radio morning radio show that he created and hosted. It was a mash-up of music, stories, poems, and news, unlike anything else. It kept me company as I showered, brushed my teeth, and then drove the long ride to work… Continue reading
We’re coming up on nearly 30 years since our family was forced to say goodbye to my son, Eric. The need to convey to those who’ve never met him the joy he brought to our small family during his two too short years in this world was eclipsed by the… Continue reading
This is a story of my testing the new-for-2021, Yamaha Ténéré 700, an on/off-road motorcycle. But first, here’s a bit of my history with this category of bikes. If you’re lucky, I’ll work a couple of Harley-Davidsons into the story, too. These days I love reviewing a new bike like… Continue reading
It was in high school when a series of classic motivational literature found its way to me. It was after I’d begun to see there was a path for me to succeed in school. The books told me I wasn’t trapped by my circumstances. They said no one but me… Continue reading
When visiting John Binder, one of the “old pharts” in Frank Del Monte’s orbit of British bike aficionados, I discovered a distinguished set of classic motorcycles and a spotless garage/workshop. Holding 45 motorcycles at one point, John’s recently cut his collection to just over a half dozen exceptionally special and… Continue reading
My good friend and riding buddy, Rich Marin, writes a daily blog post/newsletter called The Old Lone Ranger. Rich is highly disciplined and writes 1,000 words, every day. Rich and another friend, Philip Richter, inspired me to start my newsletter. Philip’s site and blog is the Turtle Garage. On Saturday,… Continue reading
Reading books is an addiction which began for me in grade school and only in my busiest years have I not been in its clutches. You will learn my top four non-fiction books for 2020 in this newsletter, but not before I make you wade through the story of how… Continue reading
I finally got around to watching this after a walking buddy recommended it, saying “It’s written and directed by Aaron Sorkin – you will love it.” He didn’t mention it also features fascinating performances by Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron Cohen. He was right. It is excellent. If you were… Continue reading
In the past few weeks, anticipating a visit from my “long-lost” daughter, her husband and our two grandchildren, my mind kept drifting to a painful place. At some point in our reconnection as a family, Christie may want to know more about the brother she had but never knew and… Continue reading
I’m finally watching a 2016-2018 two-season television series called Mars. It’s on Netflix (and Amazon) and consists of seven 60-minute episodes in the first season and six in the second. I find it captivating. The premise is alluring but it’s the composition that makes it so stunning. The show combines… Continue reading