A friend who is the mother of a young autistic boy has posted a picture of her son meeting the family’s new pet, a golden retriever puppy. She writes that her son “demonstrates the appropriate way to greet a new pet: by smelling it, of course.” My response was; I’ve always enjoyed the smells of …
Category: Personal
Nov 13
On Perfectionism
Regular readers of my blog (and I know I have at least 2 or 3 — or so they claim!) will know that I have obsessed lately with my speculation that Steve Jobs was autistic. Every community likes to have its heroes, and I’d like to claim Jobs as one of ours. Whether or not …
Nov 12
The Challenges of “Executive Function”
Update on November 14: Yesterday, I finished bringing Quicken up to date through July. Only 3 more statements to go before I actually know how much money I have on hand! AND I finished a painting project! What is going on here? Am I growing an Executive Function? Ω ———- So proud of myself today! …
Nov 03
My appearance on “Where We Live” on WNPR November 2, 2011
Update on November 5: I have now listened to the replay, and am totally favorably impressed with the job that John Dankosky did in directing the conversation. He was able to involve many callers in the discussion, and gave each panelist a chance to respond. I, of course, am not a totally unbiased observer, but …
Oct 30
Marc Rosenthal on Yoga
My friend Marc Rosenthal had a full-page spread in a recent issue of The New Yorker. I met him through yoga, and he and I practice in the same studio. It’s clear that the studio’s logo inspired part of his drawing. Yesterday in class (he wasn’t there), people were speculating on who his model was. …
Oct 27
Tonight, snow comes to Alford: time for the season’s inaugural fireplace lighting! [Update: morning pictures]
What started as a gentle wet snow earlier this afternoon is now less wet and more white, and coming down heavily. As the darkness gathers, the still-green grass (we’ve not had a frost yet) is beginning to turn a misty white. I expect when daylight returns, I will see no green, but a white blanket …
Aug 28
Experiencing Irene
8 AM 28 August 2011 Amazingly, I still have power. I don’t expect that to last, and have plenty of snacks, books, and magazines on hand! Just went out to feed the horses. They were not in their shed, but sheltering under a large spruce. As I approached, 3 deer behind them saw me, and …
Jul 12
In memory of Lori Bonatakis, on the third anniversary of her Memorial Service
Today, I am in mourning for my friend Lori, on this, the third anniversary of her Memorial Service. Here is a short photo-essay that I did at the time. I am also mourning the presumed loss of her cat, Taffy, who has been living at my house for the past three years. I last saw …