Two widows; one widower; difficult and upsetting moments; and the end of some friendships — Some people have judged me harshly for starting a new relationship five months after losing my wife. Here is how it came about. (In a previous story, I focused on the consequences of my new relationship.) They were supposed to be friends, but Fiona had ulterior motives — she did…

It certainly changed my life! — Minutes after my first son was born, I was sitting in the hospital room holding him in my arms. Then he opened his eyes and looked at me. That’s when I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility. Earlier this month, he turned 18. When my second son was born about…

Replacing obsolete equipment often brings changes people do not want or need — The story of how I spent part of my afternoon today. TV problems A couple of weeks ago, when I visited my late wife’s parents, their TV service was not working. It took about 15 minutes of power cycling and waiting before it sprang into life again. They told me it wasn’t…

Almost 55 years spread over three locations — This is my response to day 20 of Keeley Schroder’s March challenge. March Madness: Aren’t You Lucky, Challengers? Another month of writing promptsmedium.com I can’t just answer the question, of course. That would be too straightforward… Home number 1 (11 years) I lived in a bungalow with my parents and sisters for the first 11 years of my life. …

I tackled a seemingly impossible question! — This is story number 19 in Keeley Schroder’s March challenge. (Woo-hoo — this means I’ve managed two in a row!) March Madness: Aren’t You Lucky, Challengers? Another month of writing promptsmedium.com This is an impossible question to answer because my life has been a series of chapters, and few people have been there for the whole time. I made the above…

Back to the 1970s… — Despite this being story number 18 in Keeley Schroder’s March challenge, it’s only my second response. (Yes, I’m not managing to keep up!) March Madness: Aren’t You Lucky, Challengers? Another month of writing promptsmedium.com The challenge asked me to pick one item. But I can never just go with one! I usually end up with at least two. …

I had to think long and hard to answer some of these questions! — My friend Sandra Jasionowska started this challenge and said: I tried to bring to the table a challenge as pleasant as possible, while we are waiting for the Spring to come in full swing. 1. A fragrance that brings back great memories 😶‍🌫️ From time to time, my nose detects perfumes that give rise to nostalgia. Some remind me…

As two widowed parents living apart, we were not allowed to go near each other — Living apart During the last 9 years, there have been numerous times when my “living apart together” relationship has not been officially recognised. My car breakdown service covers a spouse/partner at no extra cost — but you both have to live at the same address. So for all the years when Stephanie…

Ten Little Questions — Thanks to Paula Shablo for starting this challenge back in January: Getting To Know You I challenge you to answer these questions, so we can get to know each other.medium.com And thanks to Julia A. Keirns for tagging me in her response. (I’m quite far behind and I have a feeling others also tagged me, so please forgive me for losing track.) Here we go… 1. When writing, are you a morning person or a night person? 🌅 🌇