“He’s tall.”

“Yeah, he is tall.”

I looked around as best a nearly blind guy who’s still asleep could. I couldn’t see anyone fitting the tall description; just a couple of short women very close to me. Then I noticed that they had their arms about me, and in no comforting way. What was happening to me was the question. After much tugging and grunting by the women I found myself in a narrow bed. My sleep had definitely been disturbed, but what was that all about? Hmm, “tall”? May...(click to continue reading)

Assignment (as I understand it): Your alma mater has invited you to speak to them. What would you say?

Answer: No, thank you. The following, however, is the essence of what I might tell them.

Thank you for inviting me here to make a few remarks for the benefit of the new graduates of Podunk College. I must admit that I feel completely inadequate in advising you of what may be to your benefit. Things today are not as they were when I was in your position. I graduated into a worl...(click to continue reading)

Momma was getting me ready for a special day at school. My second grade class was to have an Easter party before class was dismissed for the day but class would be over at the regular time. Momma combed my hair, as if it would stay combed for more than a few minutes. She saw to it that I wore my best shorts; I’d much rather have worn long pants like the big boys. She made me put on shoes and socks; it was too early in the season for going barefooted she said. She sent me off down the road, lunch...(click to continue reading)

In talking with Bill Rosenberg, a draftsman at Westinghouse, I mentioned my long trips to see Mardelle and wished she could come to see me sometime. He told me of a certain lake nearby in Indiana, where he went occasionally.

“My wife and I will be going there for a weekend in a couple of weeks,” Bill said, “why don’t you have her come up and you two go with us for the weekend? We have plenty of room in the cabin.”

“Sounds like a great idea,” I said, “I’ll write her a letter ton...(click to continue reading)

After six months on the Westinghouse student course in Pittsburgh, I made my way to Lima, Ohio for my next assignment. With help, I got settled into living quarters and reported for work. My assignment was simple, assisting an engineer in the design of relays for use in airplanes. I was soon encouraged to get off the student course and become a regular employee. Before I became acquainted with my fellow workers I received the customary “Greetings” letter from my draft board. So much for my foray...(click to continue reading)

A soft breath of warm air under a crystal clear sky told of a late summer afternoon. It was indeed a mellow, lazy day with little activity in the neighborhood, and nearly suppertime. The roar and moan of lawn mowers had ceased for a time and traffic on the road was light.

Presently the relative quiet was interrupted by the sound of a barking dog soon to be joined by another and yet another. It seemed as if all the dogs within earshot had joined in a great chorus to perform a mighty anth...(click to continue reading)