Tom Swifties are fun to think up. They’re also a good way to go to sleep if that’s a problem at night–better than counting sheep. This morning, I thought I’d try writing some Tom Swifties for mystery stories. Some of them are sort of a stretch, I admit. “Not a star nor the moon in […]

A Long Time Ago
As twilight slips in and throws long shadows across the lawn, I’m reminded of how days ended a long time ago when I was a child. At the same time each evening, the cows would amble across the pasture toward the barn. It was milking time. Mom would have supper on the stove and Dad […]

Kin and Shirttail Kin
Ancestors are fascinating people. You have them. I have them. Each ancestor has a story and, from their stories, we arrive and write our own stories to pass on. These people are our kinfolk, but then, there are shirttail kin. These are the people who are related to our relatives and who narrowly miss being […]

A Stranger at the Gate
I was so lost in thought that I was halfway up my driveway before I noticed a long, black vehicle parked in front of the wrought iron gate. Another visitor? Jackie drove a double cab gray truck and Pat’s car was a small, blue compact. I pulled alongside the shiny SUV, admiring its sleek lines. […]

The Fifties Woman
She got up from the chair and walked to the mirror. A sagging, lined face topped with frizzy blond hair stared back at her. Old! That’s what the face was telling her. She was an old woman, over the hill, almost ready for the old folks’ home. Sighing, she turned from the mirror and went […]

It Wasn’ His Fault
Is the past really the past or does it reappear now and then? I saw one of my old college professors the other day, even though he has been dead a good number of years. Now, before you think I’ve gone completely round the bend, let me explain. Actually, I didn’t see him but I […]

