Two Gents' Worth
June 13, 2026
There were plenty of proud and happy people in Madera County this past Sunday. They were proud and happy because our Museum in the Old Courthouse on Yosemite Avenue in Madera had officially been named “Best Museum in Central California” in an annual contest run by the Fresno Bee. It was an incredible achievement because…
Read More about The Best Museum
Yes, that picture topping this page is that of my friend Mr. Elliott and myself, enjoying this delightful late-winter Thursday afternoon at Fig Garden Village in Fresno. It was the first time Bud and I have gotten together in a few months. It’s not that — in our retirement from the wild and wacky world…
Read More about Together, AgainThere are two kinds of people in America—those who have been touched by the greatest healthcare machine in the world, and those who haven’t. Recently, I joined the former group — what a ride! Backstory— After years of recurrent back pain I elected to have the surgery that no one really wants, namely, spinal fusion!…
Read More about The RoadWe have flattened the curve and weathered the storm. The end is in sight. Sadly, many have died while the rest of us reassess the future, which will be indelibly altered. Much of the novelty of shopping at Costco on a Saturday afternoon was the liberal sampling the obscure new products which…
Read More about The Lasting Effects of the Recent UnpleasantnessLike an endless column of army ants, the lizards invade without compunction. They arrived early this summer and decided to stay. What good are they? Some fool allowed as how they eat mosquitoes. Huh! They are mosquitoes. With tails. There are experts who have long suspected that it’s the lizards; yes, the lizards that are…
Read More about Lizard MadnessAt the start we are each allotted roughly 30,000 days on earth, give or take a few thousand. The wise child heeds advice given early on, “Don’t waste them,” Yet of course we all do. Until it finally dawns on most of us that our lease on life is numbered and our account balance decreases…
Read More about Rusty NailsMy father left little mark on the world – he failed to excel at several things. He was an Average Joe. But he wrote a beautiful hand. Just signing a check was a performance; a demonstration of exquisite hand-eye coordination, full-out showmanship, finesse, artistry and obvious pride at his ability to create a minor…
Read More about The Accidental GiftYou are already singling out the golden days to hang in your memory – the days when smart, attentive kids in a great class would delight you with their genuine enthusiasm for learning and ability to achieve. When the topic arises, you mostly recall the gems who got your jokes, who pulled up those around…
Read More about Letter to a Retiring Teacher