On narrow, one-track English, Irish, Scottish, and Orcadian roads, there are passing places: small semi-circular areas cut into the hedge or berm, where one vehicle can pull to the side to allow an on-coming vehicle to pass. There is a gesture of thanks that goes with this — the on-coming driver uncurls the fingers of …
In mid-March, I flew from Colorado to Massachusetts to spend three weeks with my father. This is a trip I make twice a year, staying for two or three weeks of concentrated time talking, doing small errands or chores, seeing my sister — the only sibling who lives close to our father — and sharing …