Author Archives: Sparky
Xchange Applications reunion
In a previous life (or so it seems) I worked for a company called Xchange Applications. It was the job where I reached my management peak, with 15 people reporting to me. I was employed there for over 10 years and, during that time, formed some lifelong friendships. The company was acquired by another company … Continue reading
Drag bingo at home
If you have been paying attention, you will remember that I attended a drag bingo event last May. On that occasion I won. Last week my home resort hosted a drag bingo event. I didn’t win this time, but the cost was minimal: $10. And while it was not as raucous as the first event, … Continue reading
“New York Dead” by Stuart Woods
Copyright 1991 by Stuart Woods. Published by HarperCollins, New York. This is the first book in the series of mysteries by Stuart Woods that feature Stone Barrington, upscale cop, investigator and lawyer. This is my second Barrington book, having read Foreign Affairs first (#35 in the series). I didn’t like Foreign Affairs much (I scored … Continue reading
“Woman Trouble” by David Benjamin
Copyright 2021 by David Benjamin. Published by Last Kid Books, Madison WI. The usual disclaimer: I know the author. He is one of my oldest and dearest friends. This is #3 in Benjamin’s series of mysteries featuring Jim Otis, Sheriff of Hercules WI, a small town disparagingly called “hicksville.” Otis is a former Chicago cop … Continue reading
A visit from Gary and Jane
Gary is an old friend – I met him in 1996, a year before I met Jett. There is a connection there – I met both due to my membership in the local chapter of Parents Without Partners in Burlington MA. Gary was President when I was Treasurer. A year later Jett wandered into a … Continue reading
A few photos from Punta Gorda
Marlene and I continue to make almost weekly trips to Punta Gorda on Tuesday evening to listen to the free music (mediocre) and enjoy the water views (terrific). These are photos from our most recent visit.
Island Gypsy Cafe
A few weeks ago Marlene and I traveled an hour to the Island Gypsy Cafe in Isles of Capri FL. This is an outdoor restaurant (under a canopy) on a marina close by the Gulf of Mexico. It is a beautiful setting. Good food, too. We met my friends Oren and Patty there for lunch. … Continue reading
2022 blog booklet
The 2022 blog booklet is now available online. I am on the fence about printing this as it is expensive to do so. If you want a hard copy, send me a request, please. Creating this booklet was emotionally draining as it required me to revisit my tumultuous relationship with Ooma. I put her on … Continue reading
Why I love living in Florida, reason #76
Feral peacocks, encountered recently while walking in the resort.
My last visit to the Buckingham Blues Bar?
I have mentioned the Buckingham Blues Bar (BBB) many times. Ooma introduced me and I quickly fell in love. But unlike my love of Ooma, which faded, my love of the BBB continued unabated. I was there, with Marlene, on Wednesday, and had the usual great time, dancing and listening to great music. But yesterday, … Continue reading »