Who Reads False Choices?
In December of 1980 the prime interest rate in the US hit 21.5%. The economy staggered to a halt while inflation, over 13%, burned down what was left. We elected Reagan that November. But it took three years for the economy to rebound. I graduated from Michigan in 82, to a jobless economy. I took what I could find, work in restaurants for which I had some experience and skill. I followed this path to France, working in kitchens for 18 months (11 francs to the $, life was good). When the economy finally recovered I changed directions and spent over 35 years in Oracle Database and Application work. Now I own a small farm and raise hard cider apples and meat for our table. There are more choices in this life than the ones you are offered, but you have to go find them, which takes a little spit, sweat and grind. But they are there, and I write about them and the people who find them every week here.
The reader of this substack enjoys short stories about our American life. They also appreciate essays about the prospects of a small apple orchard, light sketches about life in rural America, and short reviews about old books, movies and TV shows which simply serve as a reminder of what we once where and will be again.
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About Me
I was born and raised on Detroit’s east side. Nine children, lots of yelling and laughing. Hard work was honored. I played every sport I could. Delivered the paper for The Detroit Free Press, morning route. Attended Catholic schools, University of Michigan LSA, Wayne State University Business School. I lived abroad, France, married and raised a family. On my third career as a farmer.
