The guitar first came into my life several years ago. My mom bought it at a garage sale in Scripps Ranch as we returned home from running errands. I was not impressed. My own guitars, I had two or three …

While growing up, I traveled with my family on numerous road-trips. There were trans-American excursions to reunions in Indiana, Ohio, and Texas. There were West Coast traverses to spend summers at our cabin in the woods of Oregon. There were, …

As I chatted with a fellow Scripps Rancher the other day, I mentioned that I had recently sold a few items on Craigslist. Explaining the need to downsize for an upcoming move, I bragged about a twenty dollar set of …

“Come on, it’ll be fun. You might even learn something.” So began, with these words from my wife, my foray into the world of antiques. I like learning things as much as the next guy but as an “un-initiated” I …

With the pressure of Christmas shopping mounting, I scanned my gift list. The variety of people there was wide, the possibilities daunting. Then it hit me; one-stop shopping at Ballast Point Brewing Company in Scripps Ranch. Of course! It’s close …

My wife and I headed off to Palm Springs the weekend before Thanksgiving. Leaving San Diego and motoring up the 15, we enjoyed the transition of city into foothills into small-town into high desert. Our journey was serene except for …

A simple enough assignment on the surface: pack up and organized my dad’s belongings. Dad was not a hoarder, not ever much of a collector. He did have several fields of interest that he enjoyed and since moving to our …

Heading into this 4th of July weekend my mind drifts back to last year. I spent half the day in Urgent Care after an unfortunate meeting between a brick and my little toe…the brick won. My wife and I had …

There is a strange phenomenon occurring at Cost-Co that could go easily undetected. I notice as I pull into the parking lot of the Scripps-Poway Parkway branch, the large two-legged predators seem to decide on slots according to their projected …

That’s it! I’ve had just about enough and can takes no more. First, let me state as a disclaimer that I like and enjoy dogs (I’ve owned several of the Alpo-munching creatures myself) and some of my best friends have …

I foolishly believed that I could perform the simple act of purchasing and consuming lunch without risking life and limb. I would soon recognize my miscalculation after witnessing an elaborate three-headed attack unleashed by employees of a local eatery. It …

At last, after weeks of predictions and threats, of displaying and analyzing satellite images of Canadian lows and Mexican highs, of warning against the liquid perils that would soon pour down upon us, the meteorologists of San Diego have spun …

I hit the stop button on the DVD remote. I have just finished watching Brian DePalma’s Scarface, a Christmas present from my wife (bless her gratuitously violent heart.) I am struck by some obvious social changes since the making of …

The beginning of the holiday season and it’s Thanksgiving in Scripps Ranch. The trimmings are sliced, diced, racked, stacked, made, and splayed. They wait patiently and know well their supportive role. Leaving the spotlight for the star…the bird, who butterballs …

So, I’m strolling through Scripps Ranch the other day. I pass by Hoyt Park and notice a sign that I’m sure I’ve seen many times before. This time, though, it strikes me differently. The sign reads: Organized Sports Are Prohibited …

In these waning days of summer I feel it is finally safe to explore a reoccurring nightmare… According to the city-enforced, mandatory, water-restrictions, today is the day to water my lawn here in Scripps Ranch. I go about this process …

I was hungry. It was Tuesday night. The Jack-in-the-Box on Scripps Poway Parkway was open. The circumstances were just right for one of my favorite scenarios: boy meets burger, boy falls in love with burger, boy devours burger! After making …

Walking down Scripps Ranch Boulevard recently I admired the 40 or so brand new Jacaranda trees planted in the brand new medium constructed in the middle of the road. These South American imports are very nice and besides their obvious …

As I go about life here in Scripps Ranch, I am like many of you. I face the daily rigors of trying to balance work, family, and social activities. And I, like many of you, have discovered a magical little …

The trip had been planned for weeks. My fishing buddies and I would hit Lake Miramar in Scripps Ranch and take over the state record for number caught in a single day. Ah, a day fishing...where a man can be …