When unexpectedly availing oneself of the services and amenities accorded by the nearby hospital emergency room, the following etiquettes — albeit eccentric — might well come in handy.

Backgrounder:  I am relieved to report that a Sunday evening emergency appendectomy went about as well as could be hoped, considering the abrupt and obstinate tantrum the bugger threw.  A great surgeon and...

Ladies and German Shepherds,

With the heaviest of hearts, I said a teary farewell to my best friend Luna last week.  The grief is simply boundless, but so also is my gratitude to everyone who supported her with good wishes, goodwill and expert care.  Last summer, we saved her leg, and her life.

Just a week ago Luna was out...

Last night's storm tore apart the jib sail. Stranded, we picked mussels from the pilings of an old battered pier and made our way up the muddy trail to a lone cabin on the bluff.

Lo! With a well stocked kitchen! Caramelized onion, garlic, fennel, and peppers.  Added two cups dry white wine, two cups water, cracked black pepper...

Conducted music supervision and a little script consulting on the really cool independent feature Tim Timmerman, Hope of America. When Director Cameron Sawyer saw an old TV interview with me, he offered up a small role in the film!  When Director Cameron Sawyer saw an old TV interview with me, he offered up a small...

Salmon are spawning now in Northwest Washington and British Columbia. Found quite a few making their way up Chuckanut Creek south of Bellingham at sunset. The light was fading and the lens wasn't all that fast, but I managed to get a couple of decent shots.

A female lays her...

Back in ancient times, when ice was colder, fire was hotter and drink was stronger (and cheaper) than it is now — yes, the 1970s — I played drums in a fusion jazz band in Los Angeles.  Did some really fun gigs at celebrated clubs like The Troubadour and The Whiskey-A-Go-Go. 

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