101st

Yesterday would have been my Dad's 101st birthday. He didn't make it that far, but every year on my parents' birthdays, I think of them. Actually I think of them many other times as well. Recently they have been appearing in my dreams. They are the adults and I am one of the children.

Just as it was in the 50s and early 60s.

That makes me wonder about the essence of life -- and death. We seem to come and go, but after we are gone, our memory and our footprint remains.

Our stories are rich with memories of those who have preceded us in death. I'm not at all sure what our dreams represent.

***

This was a rough week at work. Many personnel issues to deal with -- people not getting along with other people. I've got several of these tough interpersonal relationships to manage. I took care of one yesterday. At least two others remain. One will prove to be a long-term project.

Most of us spend so much time at work that those relationships come to dominate our lives. Most of us have a partner at home, which is special. But that is not me, not my story.

My story is that I had two marriages, both of which lasted many years, and a few other relationships, none of which lasted many years at all.

Now at age 70.5+, I have been alone for a long time. And, for reasons obscure to me, my various IRAs are forcing me to withdraw money, which I suppose will be taxed as if it is income when in fact it is money I didn't spend but could have years ago.

This feels unfair and only one more sign of how America does not care for us as we age.

We are all left utterly on our own.

-30-

The Problem and Promise of Aging

Today I woke up at 6 a.m. That is way too early for my day off from the stresses of work, but I think it happened because I am excited -- to have a day off. Now that I am 70.5 years old, my various IRAs are sending me checks, cashing out a portion of my savings, according to some rule or another. What is that about?

I'm just going to reinvest those checks in other IRAs, because I do not need the money.

Yesterday was my youngest's birthday. I thought of her all day long, living a continent away from me. When I texted her, she responded "Thanks Pops." She's never called me that before, but I kinda like it.

There is a new biography out of Jann Wenner. In that context, some have asked me about my attempt to write one and the piece in Salon that was the basis for that attempt.

Life goes on.

-30-

Happy 19th, Julia!

Catchup

It was great to see an old friend, Van Jones, today as he came to KQED to promote his new book on Forum. I met Van when we both agreed to advise Julia Butterfly Hill years ago when she finally came down from her redwood tree.

In those years he was a community organizer in Oakland. Since becoming a major commentator for CNN he has emerged as one of the top voices in opposition to Trump.

-30-

Brunch Today!

 With Aidan and Dylan!

Happy 6th!

 Party for Oliver at my house on Sunday...

Fire

This image doesn't even begin to capture the scene from my back door. Fire smoke has coated the Bay Area. The sun is actually bright red -- too bright for the camera in my cellphone to record. Smoke hangs heavily in the air.

This is an ongoing disaster. Many people have died and many more have lost their homes.

-30-