Neighbors
Our Town – April 5, 2012
“Soupster, are you crying?” asked Laine as she encountered him on a bench near the harbor. “Oh, just deep thoughts,” the Soupster admitted, wiping his cheek with the side of his hand. “I was just thinking about Clarence… and novels.” “OK,” Laine said, sitting down. “I’ve got a minute. Tell me what’s on the Soupster’s…
Read MoreOur Town – October 20, 2011
Originally published November 6, 2003 “I was saved, Soupster, but by which I do not know,” said Charles, a former college professor who now drank a lot of coffee. He had four tiny espresso cups arranged in front of him, two of them empty. The Soupster looked around. Besides the barrista, washing mugs out of…
Read MoreOur Town – November 4, 2010
The knock on the Soupster’s door turned out to be Bob, the Soupster’s new neighbor, who wanted to borrow a flashlight. Bob needed to do some outdoor plumbing and, new to Our Town, he still felt uncomfortable about running electrical cords outside in the rain.
Read MoreOur Town – September 9, 2010
The Soupster remembered his conversation with his neighbor’s grandson with some regret. He felt he was a little harsh with the boy when the youngster tried to lecture him about recycling. The Soupster searched his mind for the just right word to describe his own behavior – which was gruff and hostile out of reflex.
Read MoreOur Town – August 26, 2010
The Soupster woke up in a foul mood. Not only was it a drizzly day but he was spending it with his next-door neighbor’s computerized grandson, Johnny, a 4th grader who walked around with wires coming out of his ears.
The first sign of danger was finding Johnny going through the garbage can with little piles here and there.
Read MoreOur Town – June 3, 2010
Neighbor Tom and I strolled down Main Street in one of those constant sunbeams that sometimes envelops Our Town. “What a day, Soupster!” “Yes, indeed, Tom, it is special.” “Soupster, have you noticed Our Town seems to be in a growing epidemic?” “What, Tom? Epidemic? Are you saying we are diseased?” “No, Soupster, not that…
Read MoreOur Town – May 6, 2010
The Soupster awoke to the sound of birds – early birds. He heard a number of cars pull into the neighborhood and park in the street. The engines stopped and car doors creaked open. Next came the cawing of excited squawks and warbling calls, as the early birds recognized each other and descended on their destination.…
Read MoreOur Town – April 8, 2010
The totem pole-lined paths through the woods of Sitka National Historical Park were silent, dark and deep. The Soupster strolled through an evening mist, alone. This is the park’s 100th birthday, the Soupster remembered. While reaching 100 years old is the ultimate achievement for any human, 100 years for a mountain is a blink of…
Read MoreOur Town – November 5, 2009
Through his kitchen window, the Soupster saw Madeline coming his way and stiffened. He wasn’t sure how he stood these days with his cross-the-street neighbor, but he knew Madeline didn’t usually steer his way for anything but business. He went out the door to meet her. Madeline was one tough cookie. Madeline had a Rottweiler,…
Read MoreOur Town – October 22, 2009
Originally published October 16, 2003 “Ouch,” said the Soupster, as Dr. Gwen pulled on his arm to examine the skin above his elbow. “Don’t yank it off, Doc!” “You’re a baby,” chided Dr. Gwen, hiking up the Soupster’s sleeve to get a better look. “But I’m glad you came to see me. Moles can signal…
Read MoreOur Town – June 18, 2009
For two weeks, the sun shone from early, early morn to long past when it had any right to still be up at all. Two solid weeks of sun. Our Town melted and oozed toward Solstice. Throughout the spate of sun, general sprucing had ensued: wall colors brightened with paint, unruly lawns subdued by blades,…
Read MoreOur Town – June 4, 2009
Guy had worked the order counter at the lumberyard for the past 20 years, after spending an equal amount of time working out in the field. Examples of his handiwork stood all over Our Town. And stand they did – even after decades of salt-encrusted gales, Guy’s decks, fences, sheds and garages stood strong while…
Read MoreOur Town – May 21, 2009
The Soupster rode shotgun alongside his buddy Dorothy, who drove her ancient pickup west down Sawmill Creek Road into Our Town. A satisfying lunch shared earlier at Dotty’s abode had lulled them both. Dot’s four new summertime tires (no studs!) carried the two friends smoothly down the roadway. The Soupster glanced out at the alders…
Read MoreOur Town – March 12, 2009
The package delivery truck pulled away from Soup House and the Soupster cradled the box he had just received. He tried to sneak his package indoors, but was confronted by his nosy neighbor, who always came outside when a truck stopped anywhere near. ” It’s a Snuggie,” the Soupster admitted to Chesley, who had been…
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