Clayton Patch to Shut Down

After one year of writing for Clayton Patch, I have learned they are folding up. They could not make it in Clayton. There last day will be December 5, 2011.

My last story submission was tonight.

Over the last year, I wrote nearly 50 stories on subjects ranging from self check out, city lighting and landscaping, internet service, archery, hiking, numerous public events, chili and rib cook offs, a murder, a fatal car crash, and fallen, but not forgotten, police officers.  

The greater joy was doing the photography that conceived the hundreds of images that went along with the stories.

A compendium of the stories are listed on my blog at this link.

The good news is that I have been asked to write my weekly column for Concord Patch, which will cover Clayton too. So, things are not changing all that much.

Also, I was also approached by the Clayton Pioneer newspaper and asked to write for them; although, I don’t think it will be a column.

So, the end is not an end at all. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and has put me in touch with many terrific people. We shall see what the future holds.

I wish to express my warmest thanks all my Facebook friends for your comments and readership.

Blessing to all in this Christmas season.

Dad, What Is That? - A Recent Experience With Daughters, Public Decency And Car Cullions

Well some things are hard to write about. Some things are even harder to talk about. This one is both. However, something has been nagging me for over a month now and it’s time to let it all hang out, so to speak.

A Midwinter Night in Clayton

(This is the unedited version of the article that was published in the Clayton Patch on February 8, 2011.)

This past Saturday night you may have noticed that the weather was more like a midsummer night's dream. Warm and clear, it seemed as though we were being charmed by this sublime event.

On this night, our daughter Stephanie is having her friend Natalie for a sleep over. For dinner, we decided to go out for pizza. As we left the house bound for Skipolini’s, I took note of the temperature, 70 degrees!

What Do You Mean I Have an Unexpected Item in the Bagging Area!

(This is the unedited version of the article that was published in the Clayton Patch on January 26, 2011.)

About six months ago, I stood inside the Clayton Safeway starring at the large newly arrived wooden crates. Staged next to the Starbucks kiosk, I was filled with both anticipation and anxiety as the installation crew began revealing their contents. I knew what was in them because I had asked about a week earlier.

Self check out had arrived at our local grocery store in Clayton.

Window Smashes in Clayton/Concord Continues

Somebody knows something and needs to step forward to stop this stupidity that is giving so many decent people a lot of unnecessary heartache.

Click HERE for the full story.