In 1960, novelist John Steinbeck decided to make one last trip across America. He was 58 years old, in poor health, and close to the end of his life. It had been twenty-five years since he had travelled extensively in the U.S., and, in light of the fact that he had made his reputation and a good living writing about America and Americans, he thought it a good idea to reconnect and revisit the places and people who had formed the fibre of his work. He bought a GMC pickup, fitt

Hello again! It feels like it’s been a while, although I know it’s only two weeks since the last blog. That’s what happens when you’re busy. Reaction to the blog has been very positive, overall. Having intentionally kept the perspective pretty benign, that’s what I would expect, but these days, you never know. There were quite a few people who responded to my “retirement” blog with congratulations. I appreciate the thought, but as I responded on Facebook, I’m not retiring! Th