A tree on a roof
The tree rests comfortably on the roof. Nonchalantly, really. Not a care in the world. Might as well be in a pushed-back recliner with feet up. Perhaps a cigar would [...]
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Posted September 30, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Posted September 02, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Naked ladies
One moment there’s nothing, the next moment — beautiful flowers. Magic. Which must be why the blossoms stand at the very tippy top as if suddenly sprouting out of the [...]
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Posted August 05, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
A vision from a paper-towel dispenser
Would it help your pandemic doldrums if someone told you that you are special? Of course, that “someone” may be a complete lunatic. Fine. But why not pay your money [...]
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Posted July 01, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Social media updo
“Dad, isn’t FaceTime a great way for us to talk during this weird virus time?” The smiling face of my daughter locked down in England greets me. Lively, personable and [...]
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Posted April 01, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Dog lovers everywhere
“No!” It seems a simple enough word. Sure, I love my daughter and her notorious criminal accomplice, my wife, but the answer is clear. “No, never, no way will we [...]
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Posted March 04, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Another snow day in Iowa
They are a bit different when you’re an old man. The shovel runs smoothly along the driveway, pushing the not-too-heavy snow into the growing hill on the side. The sky [...]
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Posted February 05, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
Giants in the earth
Teaching was David’s thing. Music was David’s thing. And equality was David’s thing. “There were giants in the earth in those days.” Genesis 6.4. Yup, that’s what the Bible says [...]
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Posted January 01, 2020in Joe's Neighborhood
The real free stuff
A little love here, a little push there, a little encouragement wherever it was needed. “So, you want to try the Fernet?” the bartender asked as he leaned across the [...]
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Posted December 04, 2019in Joe's Neighborhood
The peanut butter caper
Am I being punished for secretly liking romance novels featuring a pirate as the main character? Pick up backpack. Shuffle one step. Set down backpack. Breathe. Turn around to see [...]
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Posted November 27, 2019in Joe's Neighborhood
What do the Dutch mean by cozy?
“Joe, it’s not so cozy.” Really? “It’s not so cozy”? They have great fries. And I love their coffee. And look at their apple pie. “I’m sorry, but it’s not [...]
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