These are whimsical short stories about Bud Ray-a man of impulse, a rash decision maker, and a product of postmodern America. He lives in the harsh climate of Northern Minnesota with his wife and a bundle of neuroses. He battles with wild animals in his neighborhood, refuses to participate in jury duty, and carries around a handbag full of fortune cookie commands and similar ludicrous notions scribbled on torn paper slips. Bud tries to lead an ethical lifestyle but always manages to either fall short of this goal or take the most convoluted route of getting there.