Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

Bebo and I go for brunch in Cole valley. Waiting to see if we could get into Zazie https://www.zaziesf.com to get some of those good old Eggs Benedict, a guy says, “I really enjoyed your talk, fascinating.” I have become … Continue reading →

A cameo. James is off on an adventure in the truck. Street cleaning looms and I have to move his bike to the other side of Fell. I venture out and fall into conversation with a guy who is sitting … Continue reading →

I test negative! Hooray! After 2 weeks of isolated languor I can get on with life again. We take down the barrier between my room and the one behind, creating a luxurious 2 room suite. It is a great space. … Continue reading →

After a truly wonderful time in Scotland, I am definitely moving back, I return to San Francisco and am immediately scythed down by Covid. Not so bad as I had son James to generally look after me, go shopping and … Continue reading →

I fly back to San Francisco, having had a negative Covid test before getting on the plane. A couple of days after arrival, I begin to feel bad, sore throat, cough, headache etc. I don’t worry about covid on account … Continue reading →

I leave Kintyre and spend time with university friends. These are people I met in 1970. Over 50 years of friendship. Will takes me to drop off my car as I am too scared to go alone. I then get … Continue reading →

The whole Calder clan unites in Scotland to sprinkle our Mother’s ashes. After a very long trip, Okinawa,Tokyo, Istanbul, Dublin, Glasgow, I find myself in a grubby Portacabin on a filthy potholed yard somewhere in Paisley. I am there to … Continue reading →

Last weekend we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of OIST. Well actually 11th; OIST was accredited in 2011. I know, I was there. As with so much else, Covid got in the way and the ceremonial had to be pushed back … Continue reading →

My driving license validity runs out at the beginning of June. Since I am now over 70, I have to go through geriatric driving training, vision testing and a supervised drive before they will re-issue my license. I am fairly … Continue reading →

50 years ago today Okinawa reverted, strange term meaning became part of again, to Japan. Since the 2nd World War Okinawa had been an US colony. The dollar was the currency and cars drove on the right. The Okinawans, after … Continue reading →