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Recent Posts: M Thomas Apple Author Page
Shadows on the Hudson: The Forgotten Borderland Raids of Saratoga
This is the second of a series of posts introducing the five-part historical fiction novel Unbowed, which will be published in November 2026. All five parts are based on true events and real people – my ancestors. The first post described the outcome of the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 and one of its survivors, […]
Dear Diary — June 12, 2001
The Blood of Dunbar: The Forgotten Holocaust of the Scottish Covenanters
This is the first of a series of posts introducing the five-part historical fiction novel Unbowed, which will be published in November 2026. All five parts are based on true events and real people – my ancestors. Most students of American history are familiar with the standard narrative of New England’s early settlers: the Mayflower, the […]
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© Matthew Apple and Taking Leave, 2009-2020. Duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. If you would like to post or copy brief excerpts from the blog, please provide a link to the original URL along with an author’s credit.
Category Archives: health care
Who was that Masked Flu Avenger?
Looking back now, I can laugh. The first week of February was rough. My wife had to work both weekend days, at the end of an already exhausting end-of-semester work week. I had also had little sleep. The previous month, my … Continue reading
Posted in festivals, health care, Japan, Japanese, Japanese culture, Japanese society, parenting, school, sickness
Tagged children, customs, family, health, Japan, medicine, parents
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‘Tis the Season…al Flu
These past few weeks have reminded me of an old Catholic joke. St. Peter’s at the Pearly Gates, and he’s checking his list of the recently departed when a new soul suddenly arrives without warning. St. Peter glances down at … Continue reading
Shika Kenshin – The Final Menu
Click here for Stage One. Click here for Stage Two. STAGE THREE START. The final stage in the shika kenshin was a consultation about food. My daughter was feeling fairly groggy by this point (as was I), but luckily we … Continue reading
Posted in eating, health care, nutrition, parenting, Paternity leave
Tagged baby food, baby nutrition, child care, child-raising, Japan
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