suzanneruddhamilton

I choose

On primary election day many years ago, my husband and I went to our polling location together. He was ahead of me in line and asked for a particular party ballot, as was required of our state in a primary election. When it was my turn, I asked for my party ballot, which happened toContinue reading “I choose”

Awaiting Approval

First thing in the morning, I turned on my computer with baited anticipation. Yesterday, I interviewed with my company’s HR department for a promotion I really want. I think I have a good chance. I been at the company for fifteen years and my bosses and subordinates both like me, I think. My company unusuallyContinue reading “Awaiting Approval”

Following Detours

Life was pretty normal, structured. I like predictable, no surprises. As an accountant for 30 years, I guess it’s an occupational hazard. I think that’s why I like numbers – you can count on them. They’re ever steady, reliable. I live my life by the numbers, so to speak, every day running like a SwissContinue reading “Following Detours”

The Main Connection

My husband and I bought the Main Plantation outside Charleston on a lark. We retired five years agoand after thousands of games of golf and a closet full of paint by numbers canvasses, we needed asecond career. So the Main B and B began. The name shows it’s a bed and breakfast and also namesContinue reading “The Main Connection”

Ups and Downs

“That’s it, Mr. and Mrs. Brakes, you are free to go now,” the lawyer said. “That’s it?” Karen said. “Yep, that’s it,” Mark said. Karen slowly grabbed her purse and walked to the door in a trance. After twenty years together, her marriage was over with just a few swipes of a pen. Once inContinue reading “Ups and Downs”

Distance

If I keep my distance, don’t take offense; For social distancing is our best defense If I don’t socialize, please don’t feel disrespected; For sacrifices are necessary to keep us all protected If I wear a mask, don’t belittle my caution; For if everyone did, we could slow or stop the infection And If IContinue reading “Distance”

Zoom around the World in 7 Days

“Where are you going on your vacation, Gayle?” Clark asked. “We’re going on a 7-day trip around the world,” Gayle answered. “We can’t wait.” “A 7-day trip around the world? You can’t do that?” Clark laughed. “Sure you can. It’s easy with Zoom Virtual Travel,” Gayle said. “We’ve been Zooming around the globe forContinue reading “Zoom around the World in 7 Days”

Mary-Go-Round

Mary-Go-Round “In ten miles, turn left at Exit 104,” said the kindly GPS voice. After school, Katie has band practice, then Holly has dance, and Robbie has to get to guitar lessons, Mary thought. Do I have a lasagna in the fridge for dinner? Mary’s daily commute gave her ninety whole minutes to herself eachContinue reading “Mary-Go-Round”

Generations

It was 1975, in a Playboy Club Resort in Wisconsin. Ricky Nelson serenaded his former teen fans in a small dimly-light, smoke-filled nightclub where malted drinks didn’t mean ice cream, but single-malt scotch in ice-filled tumblers. Everyone was a little older, but for those moments, transported back to a time and place where swooning andContinue reading “Generations”

Taken for a Ride

Purchasing a first car was a rite of passage. It was a sign of adulthood, that you could survive on your own in the real world. But before the internet, buying a car required a little more work. The only source of information was blue books and the wisdom of prior generations. I sought helpContinue reading “Taken for a Ride”