Last week we had the joy of welcoming grandchild #5 into the world and to our family. Apparently, Zakkai Patton had been listening to the news and put off his entrance as long as possible (he was almost two weeks “overdue”). Can’t say I blame him. Nevertheless, December 1 becomes…
To be brutally honest, I am not much of a horticulturist. So many times, we’ve been on a hike somewhere—doesn’t matter, desert, forest, alpine, meadow—we see a plant or tree and wonder what kind it is. I’d like to be more adept in the field, but like anything else, it…
It was the Spring of ’63 or ’64 at my Grandma K’s house in Avon Lake, Ohio. Not sure why, but if I recall correctly, my brother and I were staying with her for a few days. Perhaps it was 1963, and mom had reached the midpoint in her pregnancy…
The air was cool and crisp, but not cold—the sun’s warmth kept any discomfort at bay. The occasional clouds were not a nuisance or obstruction; they added to the texture of the brilliant azure blue sky. Dry leaves swooshed and crunched beneath our feet. Those they had left behind on…
Nineteen years ago this month, my better half and I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a two-week Alaskan land and sea tour—and it cost us next to nothing! I should also mention that Chris and I were co-hosts on this cruise-tour with another couple. Our presence was expected….
Late last July, my wife and I spent a few days in Breckenridge, Colorado, just before our 40th Anniversary. To be sure, so much about the trip was wonderful. Beautiful scenery. Great weather. Time alone together. But there was too much reminding us of the COVID pandemic. For starters, having…
I’m a child of the sixties, turning 12 in 1970. I’m told it was a tumultuous era, the 60s and 70s. From what I recall, it was. Playing on the floor in our living room as a 5 year old, I heard “We interrupt this broadcast to bring you an…
One of the things I wanted to do during the semi-isolationism of the COVID-19 pandemic was to watch the 1993 movie Gettysburg, based on Michael Shaara’s historical novel, The Killer Angels. I own the DVD, but the movie is a long one—about four hours—and viewed best in one sitting; consequently,…
