Waterdog Willy’s

Waterdog Willy's bait shop nearby where we live in Phoenix, Arizona

Waterdog Willy’s across the street from us is the nicest shop around, well, at least the one with the most character. This bait and fishing supply shack sits lonely on a near-empty lot, waiting for the day a developer finally takes over the plot to assemble clone homes. Today though, it sits proudly next to the strip club next door called the Candy Store, where no less than twice a week, we get to listen to the police helicopter hovering overhead as some sex-crazed moron does something stupid so another customer steps in to start a brawl.

Aunt Eleanor

My Great Aunt Eleanor Burke nee Kurchoff at 92 years old

Great Aunt Eleanor is 92 years old and just the sweetest old lady ever. Her mind is sharp and as politically and socially aware as it was many a year ago. Auntie’s days are spent eating bird-sized portions of meals while reading newspapers or listening to news radio. One of her favorite programs is listening to Matt Drudge on Sunday evenings. Auntie is my grandfather’s older sister and was happily married to Secret Service Agent Ken Burke, who passed away not too many years ago.