Long ago when was just starting my life as an apprentice alcoholic, I became friends with my boss, a cook at the Elks Lodge in West Richland. I remember his first name, Ernie, but not his last; not that it matters. Suffice to say he was the journeyman alcoholic that I strived to become.
Tag Archives: family
Natural Pastime
Oh, the seventies growing up, so much to do and a teenager like me enjoying every moment of it. There were the bicycle rides to Lost Lake, a shallow pond within an oasis of trees, mostly Alder and Russian Olive. Not far from there was the old Tri-City Raceway, a quarter mile tri-oval track for wannabe stock car drivers.
Ambulance Chasing
It wasn’t until I had my stroke in 2002 that I realized the true cost of healthcare. I saw the ambulance charge for the ride that went from the Moose Lodge on Lidgerwood at that time to the nearest hospital not more than perhaps a mile away, tops.
Talking Animals?
I believe that animals do talk in their own way. That’s been my philosophy for as long as I can remember. Last night I watched Nova on my local PBS station that dealt with that very topic, “Can Dogs Talk?”
Transport No. 24
Presently I am walking with my parents to the train depot. There are a large number of us and were told we had to move from the ghetto to make room for others. We were going to a better place, so we were told.
Happy Birthday
It’s Tommy, Master Jerry’s cat. He’s been acting strangely this past couple days telling me it’s my birthday. I’m not sure what that is but he gave me a toy mouse with this wonderful smelling substance that makes me feel so good.
It’s That Time of Year Again
Yes, tis the season for unending Christmas carols played over and over again. At first I don’t mind. I’m even heard singing along with a couple of songs. But, by the end of December I am sick of endless versions of “White Christmas,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Rudolph the Red nosed Rein Deer.”
I’M BROKEN
Back in my younger days when I was a functionally dysfunctional alcoholic, going to my outpatient treatment to avoid jail time at the court’s discretion, our counselor always asked us how we were.
The Joy of Celebrating My Birthday
This is my personal holiday, a moment for introspection, celebration, and connection. Every year, as my birthday approaches, I find myself swept up in the gentle tide of anticipation
Campout Day 2
“This is why I like this car!” I told Tamera and Sonya while I passed three John Deere tractors and a pilot vehicle on the Pasco-Kahlotus Road heading toward Levy Park. In no time had I seen my opportunity on the stretch of two-lane paved road cleared and hit the afterburners and was pushing over eighty miles per hour.
Jerry Schellhammer 