The following story is based on the experiences of an actual couple, the parents of a close friend of the author, Ginny Brinkley. The names have been changed. “In this warmly poignant story, Brinkley gently reveals the layers of this family union where illness has become the crucible by which love and patience are defined … Continue reading The Old College Try
The Silhouette’s Secret: kept for 100 years The small, oval frame with a glass cover over a yellowing silhouette had hung on Cottrell and Raymond family walls for almost a century. The silhouette was created on September 12, 1916. The subject for the skilled artist was Marie Theresa Cottrell, 11 years old and the daughter … Continue reading The Silhouette’s Secret: kept for 100 years
A Serious Badminton Tournament by Faith R. Connors, author of Love, Midgie, Flavors of the Fjords Digital Edition, and Clark’s Hill Cat. This is the story of how a game of badminton leads to the purchase of a TV set for the Raymond family of Clark’s Hill (Stamford, CT). When other families on Clark’s Hill … Continue reading Family TV: Who put the BAD in Badminton?
The Iceman delivered much more than ice to this North Florida neighborhood in the late 1940s. He brought a friendly smile, generous heart, and icy gifts that have continued to offer solace from feverish thoughts after all these years. I was very busy during World War II..trying to avoid being “drafted” (into Kindergarten). I was … Continue reading The Iceman
Too many birthday candles might produce unintended excitement… Birthdays Can Be Memorable In More Ways Than You Think… The calendar says it’s my birthday. Again. And, so soon after the last one. Of course, I’m grateful to still be having them, the alternative lacking greatly in every respect. However, they seem to be arriving sooner, … Continue reading Dangerous birthday candles
Signal flags are still important aboard Navy ships, helping those within visual range to share important information such as course and speed…but this flag combination brought questions, and then gales of laughter on the bridge of this carrier. On the bridge of the Rosy one afternoon we had a mix up of signals between us … Continue reading What The Hell Flag Signal
Gainesville, Florida Veteran’s Day Remarks For almost a hundred years, now, America has devoted this day–the day the guns fell silent to end the First World War–to honor and remember–the American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and other members of our armed services who have fought for–and protected–our country—and the right to freedom and self-determination around … Continue reading Standing Tall for America, a Tribute to our Little Guys
If you grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, particularly on the north side, you knew that it was not your pocket watch, or your wristwatch, or even the old grandfather clock in the corner that was in charge of your life, it was a 32-inch copper steam whistle that had been installed at the municipal “waterworks” … Continue reading Big Jim, the steam-throated metronome for daily life in Jacksonville, Florida
“We do it all!” (USS Saipan LHA-2 motto) These Log Entries will highlight the USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during the early 1980’s during which this Watch Stander spent many months aboard–from the waters off Norfolk and Little Creek, to New York’s exciting harbor, and to the frigid, but beautiful and strategically important waters of the … Continue reading USS Saipan (LHA 2) “We Do It All”
The Captain’s Night Orders are directives prepared by Commanding Officers for watch standers regarding the safety of the ship when they are not on the bridge, typically when they are resting or asleep. U.S. Navy Regulations require Commanding Officers to prepare instructions for the Officer of the Deck who will be responsible for the navigation … Continue reading Carrier Captain’s Night Orders: “Call Me…”