“Ma’am, ma’am!” called the boy from behind the deli counter. Obviously, he was looking for some old woman and if only he could find her, I’d be next in line. In an … more

Ramona Jan more

I shouldn’t have said it, but I did. When this very attractive blue-eyed dog (and his owner) passed me on the road, I blurted, “Oh, it’s that dog!” The dog immediately turned … more

Wrapped in plastic, a newspaper lies marooned in the middle of the street. It’s been delivered in the pouring rain. I picture a bygone delivery person hurriedly peddling a bicycle while … more

When I first met six-year-old Oona, she acted somewhat aloof and I can’t say I blame her. We were in Callicoon and she was very busy playing with two friends: Charley, the four-year-old … more

Like many people in our area, I enjoy a humble existence in the countryside with nary a thought as to how I got here aside from one day hauling a bunch of belongings from point A to B. And then … more

“Caller ID is not even a thing anymore,” smirks my 30-something year-old neighbor just before he goes running after a wayward delivery truck. I’m left bewildered and, though there … more

“I go to the hills when my heart is lonely,” sings Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. When I’m lonely, I go to the boat landing in Callicoon…for a swim. I call it a swim … more

I’m in our local hardware store buying paint when I begin feeling lightheaded. Am I that excited about the color Greenmount Silk or just a Victorian lady about to have a fainting … more

Four year-old Charley is not a dinosaur, dragon or tiger. Don’t even ask him to imitate one because if you do, as I did, he’ll politely look away with patience at first and a slight … more

White hot lightning illuminates the night sky just as I prepare for bed. Bolts flash silently but bright and frequent. Hopefully, this threat will pass. Under a sleep mask, I close my eyes and begin … more