Category Archives: Family

Brunch, Tamales, Chile con Queso, and Family

Posted on December 24, 2014 by John Swinburn

Tonight, my lovely wife and her beautiful sister and I will share a tradition that goes back as far as I can remember in my family.  We’ll eat tamales, dressed with chile con queso that I made last night, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Tradition | 3 Comments

Dad’s Birthday

Posted on July 18, 2014 by John Swinburn

Another year’s gone by since my Dad’s last birthday.  When I look in the mirror, I see traces of him.  There’s more resemblance than I thought there was when I was younger. He was a bigger man than I am, taller … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Memories | Leave a comment

Holiday Meal Extraordinaire

Posted on December 26, 2013 by John Swinburn

We had every good intention of having Christmas dinner on Christmas day. But a big midday meal of tamales and chile con queso, for the second day in a row, coupled with my wife’s tendency to enjoy her long afternoon … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Food, Love | 10 Comments

My Late Sister’s Birthday

Posted on November 2, 2013 by John Swinburn

Today, November 2, is my late sister’s birthday.  I pause to remember her, especially today, though I think of her often still.  It still catches me by surprise when I find myself thinking “I need to tell her about this,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | 2 Comments

For the Record

Posted on October 10, 2013 by John Swinburn

A few mornings ago, I read a couple of pages from Susan Sontag’s journals and notebooks (As Consciousness is Harnessed to Flesh).  I don’t have a copy; I searched it out online, spurred to look for it by reading someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | 7 Comments

Happy Birthday, Mom

Posted on September 28, 2013 by John Swinburn

Here it is again.  It came so quickly; could it possibly be a year since I last gave my mom flowers in remembrance of her birthday?  Yes, today would have been my mom’s birthday. And again I pause to remember … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Memories | 5 Comments

Finding Places–Ohio and Beyond

Posted on September 8, 2013 by John Swinburn

We started the trip on Tuesday, August 27, around 11:30 a.m.  We had planned to start it Monday (and before Monday, Sunday and Saturday and the week before…but never mind), but decided for a variety of reasons that we should … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Family, Food, Racism, Regret, Travel | 2 Comments

Hearing Voices

Posted on August 7, 2013 by John Swinburn

Wading through masses of “stuff” we’ve kept in boxes, drawers, bins, closets, and who knows where else, my wife came across some old cassette tapes.  Her encounter with the tapes happened as she was seeking to find things to give … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Voices | 2 Comments

Memory of Knives

Posted on July 26, 2013 by John Swinburn

What is it about knives, especially pocket knives, that I find appealing? It has nothing to do with protection.  It has nothing to do with monetary value.  It doesn’t even have much to do with utility, beyond a few core … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Memories | 3 Comments

Dad’s Birthday

Posted on July 18, 2013 by John Swinburn

Today would have been my dad’s birthday.  I’ve written a little about him from time to time, but nothing has seemed quite right, quite sufficient.  It may take me a while yet, as I think I have to become more … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Memories | 3 Comments

West Texas Road Trip

Posted on May 18, 2013 by John Swinburn

It was a whirlwind trip, mostly driving with very little in the way of stopping to take pictures.  But taking pictures wasn’t really what it was about, anyway.  It was about giving my older brother an opportunity to get out … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Travel | Leave a comment

Road Trip in a Mercedes Benz Convertible

Posted on April 27, 2013 by John Swinburn

My wife keeps frighteningly meticulous records.  I, on the other hand, assume I will remember things.  I don’t.  Not unless reminded. Today, she reminded me of the trip I made to Florida back in 2007.  She pulled out credit card … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars, Family, Memories, Travel | Leave a comment

Chatter

Posted on March 31, 2013 by John Swinburn

We had a good time yesterday and today.  My brother, the one who’s retired in Mexico, came through and stayed the night with us.  He left this afternoon, bound for Paris where he’ll join his wife and, after a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Food, Music | Leave a comment

Too Little Sleep

Posted on February 28, 2013 by John Swinburn

I wonder what it is that dashes expectations and wishes on the rocks?  Whatever crushes those crucial components of hope should be incinerated.  None of us need such oppression. But here we are.  My mood proves to me that, on … Continue reading →

Posted in Dreams, Family, Politics, Religion, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Remembering Mary Eleanor Swinburn

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John Swinburn

I don’t know quite what to do to celebrate my late sister’s birthday tomorrow, November 2.  She died February 19, 2010.  I guess I’ll just remember how remarkable she was.  She, more than anyone I know, made me understand why … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Love | 1 Comment

Back home in Ajijic

Posted on October 11, 2012 by John Swinburn

Four-plus hours after we started the journey from Manzanillo back to Ajijic, we arrived.  After a quick bite at a wonderful open-air restaurant (best grilled octopus I’ve ever had), we’re unwinding at my brother’s and sister-in-law’s place.  Here are a … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Mexico | 2 Comments

My Mother’s Birthday

Posted on September 28, 2012 by John Swinburn

Today is my mother’s birthday.  She has been dead now for more than a quarter century, but many days I think about her and wish I knew what she’d think about something or another, usually something related to language. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Family | 3 Comments