September 25th (Day Zero) - Adventure with a purpose.

A Dutch classic that earns every star.

Sorry to Intrude

Because Empty Space isn't Really Empty

A Most Resilient Feline In 2021, after completing a vaccination campaign with Mission Rabies in Tanzania, I took a short flight to Zanzibar, the tropical island off the coast, for a few days of rest and relaxation. Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches, and for being the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, Queen’s lead singer. I spent 3 days enjoying the beach, and three fascinating days in Stone Town, the island’s biggest city. In February of 2024, I went back to Stone Town

I’ve participated in five Mission Rabies vaccination campaigns. Some of you might remember my post from February 2023, during my fourth campaign. If not, let me briefly set the scene. ( Fair warning: the first photos are from 2023. After that, the good stuff — me and Paddy today, living his second act. ) On the way to a vaccination site, I spotted a scrawny dog walking tentatively and unsteadily through a rice paddy. Scrawny stray, wandering aimlessly through a rice paddy Th

Five-star novel of 2025. Back in 1983, I read Katherine Dunn’s masterpiece  Geek Love  and, like just about everyone else who picked it up, I was completely blown away. I never forgot it. Fast forward a few decades, and word comes out that a previously unpublished novel of hers has been unearthed, written before  Geek Love!  I didn’t hesitate. I bought it immediately… and then let it sit on my shelf for two years. D’oh. I finally cracked it open, and wow, it’s brilliant. The