To Lancelot

Several cultivars of basil (but not purple ruffles) reside in my garden along with sage, thyme, rosemary, chives and curry.

Every day I scan the local newspaper and WSJ online and hope to catch at least a bit of ATC.

I often contemplate what sort of resistant bacteria may be at home in my nasal passages.

I remember long ago assisting in performing CPR on a patient who had recently received t-PA.

A robust cup of black coffee and a just ripening banana is a favorite breakfast of mine.

I strive to cook without using animal products but tend to forsake that when dining out.

I have been told I am self contained and able to always entertain myself.

I am surprised and a little embarrassed when face to face comments about my musings are verbalized.

I enjoy reading about the excesses of fine dining.

Random Photo...

Foot bridge over a tiny stream at the local golf course...

Prickly

A fair representation of my disposition as I head into the workplace...

Longing To Escape...

In my wakefulness and slumber, images of the fragility of life haunt me...

A Long, Hot Summer

Regardless of the weather, this summer promises to be a long one for me. For the first time in twenty one years I am forced to seriously consider a midlife career change....

Six Word Short Story Inspiration

Ernest Hemingway said that his best work was a
very short story consisting


of six words: "For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." Do any of these photos inspire a six word story?

Riding the Bus

When I travel I always use the public transit system to navigate the city I'm visiting - I've taken buses all around Amsterdam and the metro in Paris but haven't made use of the bus system right here at home in years. With gas prices continuing to climb, my dislike of driving, and the environmental advantages of using public transit I decided to acquaint myself with the local bus system. Armed with the route maps of my neighborhood and the $3.00 I needed for a round trip I began my hometown adventure.

I was the only rider when I boarded the bus at the corner close to my home. The buses are clean and comfortable - the blast of air conditioning was welcoming in the 80+ degree weather. I was soon joined by two other riders as we rode along the streets to Campbell Court - the bus terminal in Downtown Roanoke.

The bus terminal was much like any others. Signs indicate where to stand to wait for the designated bus. The heavy exhaust odor and the general hustle and bustle reminded me of the many other bus terminals I've visited.

I particularly enjoyed my return trip home on the bus in the heavy (for Roanoke) afternoon traffic. I plan to take the bus to work when I am scheduled eight hour shifts at the hospital. Bus service stops too soon after the end of a 12 hour shift for me to comfortably feel I can rely on the bus at that time of the evening. The buses do not run on Sundays or holidays but who knows - with increased ridership that may change.