Curations from the Human Jungle
[And thus concludes ... the epic novel. More on that to come, but for now let's return to the eclectic content for which this Digest is known. Thanks for your patience. SB SM] Today's selection-- from The Almighty Dollar by Brendan Greeley. The use of scrip dollars in the Great Depression: “In October 1932, Irving... Continue Reading →
[This will conclude "Still Time." I hope you will let me know what you thought of the story as well as this method of publishing. SB SM] The killing frost holds off, politely, until October 5. The tomatoes have stopped ripening, and Grace prepares a big lunch of fried green tomatoes and corn on the... Continue Reading →
[Labor Day weekend arrives, bringing with it the pageantry of foliage and falling leaves and taking with it our last hope of eternal life. In the words of the eternal Red Sox fan ... "oh well." SB SM] Labor Day "I was afraid to ask." Henry is on his knees, prowling for weeds in a... Continue Reading →
[Just when summer seems to reach its peak, it's over ... too soon, and before you are ready. SB SM] August A Hiram Road summer tradition is Ladies' Night, in which the gentlemen of the road host the fairer sex for an evening repast. The guests of honor are seated at a banquet table festooned... Continue Reading →
[The summer moves along. The garden grows. Little Ray chips gold balls. Oakley and Leo practice their chords. The garden grows a little more. SB SM] August "Do you need a hat? How about sunscreen? The sun is strong today, but it's nice that it's not too hot." "No, I'm fine. It's beautiful today. Even... Continue Reading →
[A sacred ladies' lunch. SB SM] July "No fries for me, I'll just eat hers." Lorette gives her lunch companion an innocent, closed-mouth smile, complete with an eye flutter. "And I will have... call me crazy... the hot turkey sandwich. Yes, on the fries." "Would you like gravy on the fries?" the waitress asks. Grace... Continue Reading →
[Meanwhile, back in Boston ... SB SM] July The doors slide open to the security area of Delta Air Lines, and Quinn appears. Briefly serious, her face breaks into a broad smile when she spots Burton waiting alongside a handful of random greeters. She makes a beeline for him, letting go of her carry-on to... Continue Reading →
[Like a bad penny, Willie Boye, in some manifestation, keeps showing up in my stories. Who is this guy? Don't forget, a penny saved is a penny earned. SB SM] June Willie Boye travels light. He carries his guitar (no case), his bedroll, and a small backpack mostly for guitar paraphernalia. He is always well-groomed... Continue Reading →
June The solstice sun hovers above the ridgeline, bathing the backyard at The ’Stead in a honeyed light. A breeze rolls down off the hills, carrying the scent of pine. Fully outfitted for the summer social season, the patio area hums with anticipation. There is the main picnic table that comfortably seats eight, a circular... Continue Reading →
[The buds swell during April. The birds return and call forth the bees. The clarions announce the arrival. And then, one day, usually the first week in May ...Kaboom. SB SM] May The sun is bright, but the wind is gusty. White clouds are streaming past. "The soup's good," says Henry. He and Grace, wearing... Continue Reading →