In the southwest corner of our linoleum floored family room, rested a brown Naugahyde fabric Lazy Boy recliner. Overhead light was provided from a 70’s style swag lamp casting a “just bright enough to read” warmth. It was a comfortable throne for my Dad ( Bud Thomas) to do his crossword puzzles. Under that lamp, he would consistently read three full newspapers a day. Family court was presided over by him on current events or the latest ball games involving any of his three sons. Answers to questions were often uttered from behind that newspaper. The words, “No, that’s not necessary” were more commonly spoken than the alternative of: “Sure son, go ahead and take the car. And by the way, here’s a five-spot to spend. Have fun!”
While watching a youth recreation league baseball game (14 and under age group) a couple nights ago, my wife and I made several observations. The evening weather was perfect and we were comfortably seated along the third base line in my truck. In between gobbles of tater tots and spoonfuls of a fried ice cream shake (my new favorite flavor), I regaled her with stories of my baseball career that was played in this very same park, on this very same field. I commented how everything pretty much looked the same. The exception being how neatly the actual diamond is now manicured. Kudos to our city rec baseball director, Joel Webb.
Craig Horne, senior vice president of advanced energy solutions for Energy Vault, a company that is creating an emergency power system that relies on hydrogen and battery storage, shows a battery system Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
A worker lays cables at Energy Vault, a company that is creating an emergency power system that relies on hydrogen and battery storage, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Carlos Rubio waters his plants at the community garden adjacent to the dog park that used to house diesel generators Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Calistoga Roastery owner Clive Richardson sips coffee behind the counter Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
A worker walks through Energy Vault's facility, a company that is creating an emergency power system that relies on hydrogen and battery storage, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)
Calistoga Fire Chief Jed Matcham poses for a portrait Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
A sign for a hot spring is displayed on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Calistoga, Calif. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
FILE - A firefighter passes flames while battling the Glass Fire in a Calistoga, Calif., vineyard Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)