One of my favorite fruits are Morellos, a very tart cherry species that are used in compotes, in red wine gravies, for juices, and in Black Forest cakes. In my childhood, the arrival of tart, dark cherries marked the arrival of summer. Sitting in the top branches of a cherry tree with a book, while […]
Lakewood
Westside Story – Father's Day
Father’s Day was over 7 days ago, but I am still enjoying the celebration because I keep reading the three cards sent to me by my daughter and grandchildren. Father’s Day continues to be sizable fun for me because these cards are the best when it comes to sentiment and humor. I have been receiving […]
Across the Fence: The real remote deal
The sun doesn’t have to be out, and it doesn’t even have to be really warm; the only prerequisite is calm air. That’s when my husband packs one of his planes into the trunk of the car and drives out to a venue for other model airplane aficionados, an airfield somewhere in the very scenic […]
Letter: Keeping out those who don’t belong
Within minutes of my phone call police had arrived. Even though no known guns or drugs were involved. Even though there was no name calling, slamming of doors, or other altercations. After all, the suspects were sleeping. We’ve had hasps and locks ripped from doors; a window broken; full gasoline cans stolen; and the list […]
Susanne Bacon’s 5th Wycliff Novel Visits with Ghosts of the Past
While assessing the inventory of an old villa, Izzy Watson, the Wycliff museum’s part-time curator, wonders who is leaving vintage jewelry on her doorstep. This is the beginning of my fifth novel in my series centered on the fictitious South Puget Sound Victorian small-town of Wycliff. Or is it? Because “Haunted Homes” – that is […]
Westside Story – Do You Live With A Killer?
This morning when I woke up, like every other morning, I thought I knew everything. But that was before I read an article in The New York Times about a new killer among us. This killer may strike anytime and anywhere, including my or your home. The killer is the new silent cutting-edge technology of […]
The Producers – Lakewood Playhouse Musical Review
I’ve re-read favorite books; watched favorite films over and over again; and watched back to back musicals. Why not? People listen to the same music all the time. Musical comedy is a double plus with music and comedy acting together. Mel Brooks says the essence of comedy is anticipation and payoff. That’s why people can […]
Across the Fence: Building Character
The other day, while I was just finishing my first lap of power walking around Waughop Lake, I was chatted up by a gentleman who I had encountered about ten minutes earlier. After another lap in lively discussion, I came away with some huge inspiration and signed copies of three mind-blowing books. The gentleman I […]
Letter: A Father's Influence – answering my critics
Among the many examples my dad set for my life – he loved our country (served in the 10th Mountain Division in WWII); he loved my mom (58 years married); he loved our community (instrumental in obtaining the playground equipment) – and the roles my dad played in my life – baseball coach, Soap Box […]