Me bloggy familiars: recognize this? We made such pies a few years back. And we ate those discs of lemony lime so again Kodachrome the tarty goodness in oven-baked form. After Don Turkey loses his head we’ll top ‘em with cream. Whipping it first! (Did I say, Don Turkey, THE Donald Turkey? Pardon me, pardon … Continue reading Don Turkey & Key Lime Pie
family
Diwali. Art. Humanity.
Rangoli beside our door means one thing. Diwali! Colored powders, various beans, and a few candles set around the entry welcome our visitors. Our virtual visitors. Welcome, virtual visitors! See who has already come? The purple-footed Lakshmi tip-toeing around the fern. A confession: I’m no fan of rangoli. They irk me so. Such beautiful creations, … Continue reading Diwali. Art. Humanity.
Ridin with Biden!
Biden's election takes me back to Mexico City, March 2012. While I worked a presser at the Four Seasons with Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, my sons horsed around with the Veep at the U.S. Embassy. It was a long day. Those who attended the meet-and-greet arrived early, navigating Secret Service protocols and waiting … Continue reading Ridin with Biden!
Captain’s Blog…
Raw eggs hurtle toward earth. Our lunar descent vehicles promise soft landings. Of course, we lose a few good eggs along the way. Big Red Dan was the first to go. Never even made it out of the living room. One short drop from shoulder height in his 12-straw craft, plus inner capsule, pushed his insides … Continue reading Captain’s Blog…
Easter Egg Hunting
I miss the thick green grass of Virginia's Spring. I’m grateful for the patch of green I have, here in the middle of this concrete megacity, but I miss the wide open lawn where we gathered to hit baseballs every spring and summer. Oval-shaped, canopied in deep shade by a dozen oaks at the edges, … Continue reading Easter Egg Hunting
Hold My Hand
We barely walk together anymore. The limited times we venture out, now, the barren streets pose no threat. And anyway, you have long since been “too old” for my protection. Still, you reached for my hand. Hand-in-hand we moved along the sidewalk. In whatever chaotic place, in Mumbai, Washington, Mexico City, across whatever peaceful pasture … Continue reading Hold My Hand
No Joking, Dum-Dum
This morning I received the bad news in the form of an email signed, “Sincerely Yours, Dum-Dums.” The disappointment? Dum-Dums lollipops Save Wraps Program is coming to an end! Now, I’m no distinguished and orderly candy wrapper saver (I’m no distinguished or organized anything), but the message did send my already quarantined spirits spiraling ever … Continue reading No Joking, Dum-Dum
Toast
All is quiet. Both sons, sound asleep. Dad enters and taps the top bunk. Top: Why are you waking me? Dad: Shhh. You'll wake your brother. Bottom: Zzzzz.... Top: Why are you waking me? It's Saturday. Bottom: Zzzzz.... Dad: You have land training. Top: Uhhhhhhh... Dad: [brightly] I'm making eggs and toast. Bottom Bunk: Toast?!
Tart on Thanksgiving
That's two Key Lime Pies. A bowl of fresh cranberry sauce. And a big smile just thinking about eating it all. Thanksgiving for decades has been a blend of the traditional and the tropical. From celebrating at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Malawi ('96) to floating in the pool with a turkey on the raft … Continue reading Tart on Thanksgiving
Everyday Life
The novelist is exhausted. Whole worlds suggest themselves to her but that is all. The worlds do not appear. They do not come ready-made. They do not exist. They require focus and time and attention. The worlds must be pulled forth. Forged. The novelist is exhausted. Characters whisper in his ear and run through caverns … Continue reading Everyday Life
Ben East Books 