When we’re there, though, the sea speaks to us — Seen: I’m due for an extended leave from keeping the home fires burning. I’ll soon focus on the fiery sun rising over Mother Atlantic. Heard: The “off-season,” as we veteran OBXers call it, is the best time to frolic in our home-away-from-home. Noted: La Familia Nelson — an overflowing ensemble…

A dirge of determination —

Sunday marks 16 years since Virginia Tech massacre — Seen: It’s been 16 years since Virginia Tech lost 32 to gun violence. The shooter’s weapons-of-choice: two semi-automatic pistols. Heard: The carnage at the Blacksburg, Virginia campus still ranks as the worst school shooting in US history. Noted: Leslie Sherman, one of my former students, was one of those who…

We know tomorrow will be different — Today, the classroom echoes the chaos of a world turned inward upon itself. But tomorrow can be different. We don’t have time to wait and watch, malingering in sorrow, while someone else’s reality bites, claws, and blasts our world apart. Because tomorrow can be different. We can’t ever stand still…

It might be a sign —

The stunted cherry tree is part of DC’s spring celebration — Seen: It balances—emitting an “I’ve been there way too many times before” vibe — on the edge of DC’s famous Tidal Basin. But Stumpy — part of the group of 3,200 Japanese Cherry Trees donated to the United States in 1912 — is hanging in there. Heard: Beleaguered Stumpy, nicknamed…

Don’t be too chicken to capture fabulous foodie moments — You’ve heard, I’m sure, about those of the digital generation who like to capture every single scintilla of life. Largely known in the trade as “influencers,” they’re the ones front-and-center on the beach; in the club; along a well-traveled road, taking selfies with the flora and fauna. My daughter, in…

No one will want to split your party with this new take on an old fave — Moker worked in Fort Worth, Texas, for five years. The gal who ran the office, answered the phones, listened to the *sob* stories of the younger employees, negotiated blind dates, and knew everyone who was anyone, was named, coincidentally, “Texas.” And boy, Texas could cook! Texas’s specialty, which she whipped…

If AI wrote our notes, would anyone know the difference? — One of my favorite photos from my high school years is of my friend, Sue, placing a call from one of the pay phones near the main office. Classic move from back in the day, especially our senior year: Hitch a ride to school with family or friends, cross the…