When I was managing editor of The Astorian, my desk was next to the editor of Coast Weekend. Kathleen Strecker and her successors were among my favorite career colleagues, interesting company, creative and efficient. I always marveled at their skill in juggling so many projects, and envied them because of the material that was their daily bread and butter.
I love the arts: theater, music, books and paintings bring me joy, even though I cannot claim to be an expert on any.
The most enjoyable era in my 38-year full-time professional newspaper career was my second of two years at the Anchorage Times…