Author Archives: Sparky
“Sanibel Flats” by Randy Wayne White
Copyright 1990 by Randy Wayne White. Published by St Martin’s Press, New York. This is the first of White’s series of mystery/adventure novels featuring Doc Ford, marine biologist. There are currently 26 books in the series, so this is the flagship of a very successful series. The book opens with Doc Ford returning from a … Continue reading
First – and last – anniversary
I met Ooma a year ago today. The year consisted of two months of joy, 4 months of bewilderment and 6 months of increasing acrimony. I now regard her as the most despicable person I have ever known. I have no plans to have anything more to do with her. But, in case she reads … Continue reading
Second transatlantic cruise (TC2) preview
My 10-week auto trip last summer with Ooma was a disaster, but hope springs eternal. Marlene loves to cruise. So do I. And she has access to deals far better than anything I can get. So when she found a 13-night transatlantic cruise aboard the Carnival Pride from Tampa FL to Barcelona Spain for under … Continue reading
St Patty’s Day in Fort Myers
I had never attended a St Patrick’s Day in Ft Myers. Until now. This year St Patrick’s Day – March 17 (and what would have been my 20th wedding anniversary with Jett) – fell on a Friday. And not just any Friday but the once-a-month Friday when Fort Myers has its MusicWalk, a celebration of … Continue reading
Introducing the REAL Ooma
Ooma and I were in court on Monday. We had each applied for restraining orders on the other – she accused me of stalking her (ridiculous) and me accusing her of dating violence (not ridiculous – she physically assaulted me twice in November). Both were denied. So how did things get this bad? Let me … Continue reading
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
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
“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
Fun with phones
I helped Marlene update her cell phone today. She bought the phone 2 months ago and we both avoided the upgrade task because we expected that it would be massively annoying. We were right. The first step was actually easy: transferring apps, contacts, call logs, etc. There is an app for that. I went pretty … Continue reading »