My apologies…

Trying to get back to basics.

Lately my life in Moscow is controlled by events swirling around Ukraine and the personal angst and difficulties it has caused. Consequently, my writings here have taken a particular political turn. And it has been all consuming.

That was not the purpose of this column. It was supposed to be a mix of memories, nostalgia, a record ot events, ideas about the world we live in and a look to the future. It was also to be a creative outlet for my writings and philosophy. As an eclectic grab bag of postings, it was my hope to provide an understanding of who I am and provide insight for future generations about who this ancestor was…and entertain a little.

All this was an easy way out of organizing and writing a memoir. But at 87 I didn’t feel that ticking time and diminishing skills were on my side for such a cohesive undertaking. Besides my presence in Moscow is served better by small targeted and whimsical entries that keep my day moving along.

So from now on I am trying to get back to basics. Occasionally I might refer to events here, but if there is anything you want to know, you can always ask.

Living through this Ukraine period has me considering the meaning of “war.” Reading so many wrong-headed opinions prompts me not to respond, but rather to write about the difference between stupidity and ignorance.

And anything I say is never to convince anyone. It is simply a declaration of where I stand. I figure there might be some value in observing how an 87-year-old is responding to the world while approaching nearly a century of observations and experiences.

Just remember I always try to approach things objectively. That is my professional training. It is the way I taught. Truth is my main concern. And truth never resides in only one side of an argument, event or philosophy. But do not mistake my coolness, my dispassionate approach for not caring. And when I do have a strong point of view, I always understand the other side - but not enough to be a fence sitter.

And finally, this is a voyage of personal discovery as I work to further develop my voice as a writer.

Hallelujah and Amen