Studebaker Dude
Been There, Done That: More Heritage Shenanigans
August 7, 2025
There were two military pictures of my dad during the war. Valerie told me that she called the earliest picture "her dad" ... she said the other picture was known as "Bethie’s dad."
Been There, Done That: The Dream Team
July 31, 2025
My partner in crime from my bus-driving days came by for a visit and we reminisced about our "dream team" and pulling one of the greatest pranks ever...
Been There, Done That: Mr. Fix-It
July 24, 2025
I can remember handymen from that era who drove around in their old panel truck filled with tools and parts, just like what that old guy had in his shed. They would come to your house and fix whatever needed fixing. Do they still exist?
Been There, Done That: Keeping Up With The Joneses
July 17, 2025
I love the beautiful, lush green lawn (and I use the word “lawn” loosely) that this seemingly unending rain is creating. BUT… It’s throwing a wrench into my lawn mowing routine.
Been There, Done That: Paul Wilson
July 10, 2025
I was rummaging through a pile of old photographs when I came across this picture of me standing next to a bare Christmas tree in the lobby of the post office in Hughson, California. And, yes, I AM sporting a mullet. Read more about why this picture means so much to me.
Been There, Done That: Papa at Tillie Lewis Foods in 1940
July 3, 2025
My favorite picture is this group photo of my grandfather and the entire workforce at a tomato processing plant in California. The reason it's my favorite? My jokester of a grandfather is in there twice.
Been There, Done That: Retirement Jobs
June 26, 2025
It was that time in a young man’s existence when he is trying to figure out what he is going to do for the rest of his life, and my Uncle Ted told me that I should get myself a government job; “they have good retirements,” he said.
Been There, Done That: The Mystery Trim
June 19, 2025
We are getting better at preparing for big storms that are projected to come our way. But with the frequency we've had lately, we might've gotten a little complacent.
Been There, Done That: Life Goes On
June 12, 2025
Grief can be devastating, and the joy of welcoming a new baby is just the best. Oh, the ups and downs of the heart is a powerful thing.
Been There, Done That: The Worst Part of Growing Old
June 6, 2025
It’s difficult enough to navigate the aging process where you have to face the reality that your days are limited, when you also have to say goodbye to friends and family that came to the end of their days.