Yesterday I decided on a whim that I would probably die if I didn’t alphabetize, organize, and thin out my fiction collection. It really was a perfect activity to put February to bed. I don’t…
Browsing Category Bowling
Memories unfrozen in pizza
Today is my nephew Max’s birthday. He’s 12. It’s crazy because I remember when he turned four like it was yesterday. Despite all the familial heaviness we had a lot of fun at his birthday…
A few memories of Holy Roller Bob
Ever since reading Kevin Brockmeier’s A Brief History of the Dead whenever I learn about the death of someone I have cared about I immediately want to sit and scribble down every memory I have…
Life imitates art
I just got an e-mail from Sister #3 that included a link to a story about a man who dropped dead moments after bowling a perfect 300 game. For those of you who are familiar…
It’s so good to be back here
I saw the ruins of Dan Patch Lanes for the first time this weekend. It was not easy. Even harder still is having to dive back into the bowling alley stories so soon after viewing…
Gone, gone, gone: RIP Dan Patch Lanes
Well, it’s done. Gone. Over. Today they tore down Dan Patch Lanes. My dad sent the picture. I’m a little sad that I didn’t get to see it in person. Seeing the old building decimated…
Our last goodbye
I sat down at the bar on Saturday and used my elbow to push aside empty cigarette packs, screwdrivers, and Diet Pepsi cans so my arm would have a place to rest. I could hear…
The Last Frame
It was the perfect last night. There was beer and pizza and the crash of pins mixed with laughter. The alley was full all day with old-timers and first-timers. Lots of people stopped by to…
Bawling Banquet
Everyone stood up. The men took off their hats, and people looked at the ground solemnly. We were having a moment of silence for Eddie McQuestion. I was, of course, crying. I think Eddie might…
The last time ever grows ever near, or the Star Tribune does our little bowling alley proud
The Strib article about the bowling alley is up. The accompanying photo gallery even has a pic of my dad on top of one of the machines. The article is cute and sad. The reporter…