Rains falls down in Austin today, allowing me to continue my dedicated procrastination towards the obvious weed pulling and mulch spreading needed in the front lawn. Every day I am reminded of all the outside work my husband did when he was still alive; and, every day that it rains is a chance for me to … Continue reading Thrive or Survive
Hook Wild Basin Endowment
Hook Plaid Shirt Story
In defense of myself, I never expected the absence of the plaid shirts would mean so much. I figured that by the time I’d gotten around to fessing up to Allan -- 20 or 30 years later -- how and when they disappeared in 2011 that so much time would have passed that he would … Continue reading Hook Plaid Shirt Story
Live Forever
Today I will spread the last of Hook’s ashes. In the movies when a person does this, it's made to seem as though ashes are but a cup full maybe two. The reality is that a human body cremated produces more than four liters of ashes. I only know this because I dropped off four, one … Continue reading Live Forever
A Pilgrimage of Milestones
In two weeks, I'll be on a plane to Australia. Someone said that I was taking a pilgrimage but I've realized that this entire year has been nothing but a pilgrimage of milestones. The first birthdays, the first holidays, the first trip back to the Texas coast, our anniversary in June which by the way is not … Continue reading A Pilgrimage of Milestones
All Things Must Pass
Even though I haven’t posted a blog since December, I have been writing like a mad woman. Today I write from a condo on the Texas coast in Port Aransas having arrived Sunday night. The plan is to spend the rest of this week focused on cranking out the … Continue reading All Things Must Pass
When the Epilogue Comes First
Sometimes we have to finish writing the ending of one story before we can begin writing the beginning of a new one. A year ago today, I was at the hospital to pick up Hook after a three-week, post surgery stay. Absolutely nothing since that time has turned out the way I'd expected, and mostly … Continue reading When the Epilogue Comes First
Hook Story: Dr. Hook is Ruining My Life
Last night, I hosted a mini Hookabration, a celebration of Hook's life, for the entomologists who are in Austin for the annual ESA conference. Five different hymenopterists shared heartfelt stories of their relationship with Hook -- how he influenced their lives, what he meant to them as a friend and colleague -- with 30 other … Continue reading Hook Story: Dr. Hook is Ruining My Life
