Author Archives: jimholleran29

   I had decided the family collection of Christmas albums were like library books, tools and casserole dishes. Every time you lend one, you have a 50-50 chance of it disappearing.    So when my sister, Anne Marie Holleran, asked to borrow Christmas records from my late father’s prized collection, I winced a bit. IContinue reading “Christmas season began with sorting family record collection”

    As we entered the hearing clinic, I carried a sense of dread. When married folks argue, men often protest: “I didn’t hear you say that.’’   That excuse might not win many arguments, but it sure has sturdy legs. The first cousin of that excuse – “I think my hearing is going bad’’ – alsoContinue reading “Marriage is a lifelong skills test based on hearing. Whadya say? “

   The two oldest basketball players – 69 and 68 – kibbitzed in the lobby of my  local YMCA, recapping the morning results, assessing who hogs the ball, and critiquing which guy calls too many “tickle’’ fouls.     I swung the conversation to retirement, not from work, but from play. Jimmy Nunn-sense and I mayContinue reading “OGs (Old Guys) ignore age for a chance to keep playing”

  Every time the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is discussed, Kathy McSorley lives through another 15 minutes of fame, sort of a “Groundhog Day’’ movie.     TV documentary? Let’s talk with Kathy.    Another book – The Gales of November – is published? What does Kathy think?   The 50th anniversary of the GreatContinue reading “Captain’s niece treasures lore of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

   Literature has its triangles — stories work when one party is at odds with the other two. The U.S. Constitution has its life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Christianity has its Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In life, two is a coincidence and three embodies a pattern.    The rule of three struck againContinue reading “Three books provide a surge of memories”

      My Irish forebearers did a wonderful thing spreading Halloween to America. Who doesn’t remember the costumes and a night of trick-or-treating, spilling the bag on the living room rug and sorting through all the sweet treats. Our parents cringed at the sugar intake, but they gave us a pass for one night a year.Continue reading “The time and energy devoted to Halloween will scare you”

   A gentle rain was falling when the first car pulled up to my driveway. The shower kept my golf clubs tucked in the garage, but it opened a window for piemaking, something my posse of retirees hadn’t undertaken in five months.    We don’t go out to breakfast, complain about politics, go shopping, orContinue reading “Simple Simon never met with my humorous piemen”

     Jed Dukett of Tupper Lake will be glued to the TV set this week, watching Aaron Judge and his beloved New York Yankees duel the Toronto Blue Jays for a chance to reach the American League Championship Series.     The author of “Jacks: The Most Incredible Home Run Seasons in MLB History,’’ makes aContinue reading “Tupper Lake researcher identifies true HR king”

     The charge was issued on the way home from Reading, Pa.    “You’ll dance with your granddaughter, and you’ll dance with Katie in Ireland, but you won’t dance with me,’’ complained my editor of 41 years.    “That’s not true,’’ I countered.     “Oh, really,’’ Mary said. “You’re good at making up BS excuses.’’Continue reading “My wife laments the tune ‘Dancing With Myself’”

   Dinner had ended when Katie Holleran’s hero leaned in and asked if she’d like to sing “Danny Boy.’’        “Oh my God, yes, completely yes,’’ Katie responded feverishly.        John Dady’s lilting voice started.     “Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling.’’      John was on key; Katie was off key butContinue reading “My daughter realized a dream when Irish eyes were crying”