Clinton, South Carolina, Thursday, October 22, 2020, 9:32 a.m.

In these desperate times, I thought it beneficial to build a list of stuff I like.

Stuff that has gotten better.

This requires deep thought, but here goes.

Whiteford’s slaw dogs are as great as when I was sneaking out at lunchtime in high school almost a half century ago.

The rear video camera in my truck has made me a fine parallel parker. I used to grouse about having to pay for bells and whistles I didn’t need. I can live with not being able to shift into reverse without putting my foot on the brake. A vehicle that drives itself still scares me but not as much as a tractor-trailer that drives itself. A compromise might be shopping carts that drive themselves and don’t remain in the parking lot.

I always laugh when Alex Moffatt imitates Eric Trump and Maya Rudolph does Kamala Harris.

All by himself, Mookie Betts makes baseball better. Imagine if he still played for the Red Sox. Time-out. I’ve got to regain my composure.

My doctor once sat in front of me in French class. If he asks me if I want a flu shot, I say, “What do you think?” He says yes. I get it. That’s the way every patient ought to be with a doctor. I’m against medical choice by pharmaceutical commercial.

I like living in my hometown. I don’t love it. I know it. I’ve just gradually concluded that I’m not fit to live anywhere else.

Music will be fine as long as the occasional Jason Isbell comes along.

I love my guitars. I just wish I could play them better. It’s what happens when you pick one up in your forties. It’s all I can do not to get worse.

I have lots of friendly acquaintances. My definition of “friend” is more restrictive. A man only needs a few. I think I have the right number.

Take a look at my website, Laurens County Sports. It’s better now that Laurens County has actual sports again.

If you enjoy my insights about racing and other subjects, make a small pledge of support. Rewards are in place for pledges of $5 or more. If 1/10 of my followers and Facebook friends pledge $1 a month, I’ll be set. Read all about it here.

If you yearn for my writing in larger doses, I’ve written quite a few books. Most are available here.

Lightning in a Bottle, the first of my two motorsports novels, is now available in audio (Audible, Amazon, iTunes) with the extraordinary narration of Jay Harper.

My eighth novel, a political crime thriller, is called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. It’s right up to date with the current political landscape in the country.