Some Weeks Are Tougher Than Others

When I reflect back sometimes on the adventures in life I wonder where I got the physical energy to do some of the things I did.  The very thought of them these days makes me exhausted.  I suppose it has something to do with be young and full of spit and vinergar.  My last semester [...]

The Dorm Room–D-Day for Dads

Even after you have been married for 20 years or so there is still much to learn about ladies generally and wives and daughters in particular.   As my oldest daughter neared that time to leave for college I was excited at the new adventure she was taking in life.  I was also somewhat abashed at [...]

Vingettes From A Sailor–WWII

 
My dad served in the Navy Armed Guard during the War.  That was the force that was composed of Navy personnel serving on the merchant ships carrying war materiale to Europe and North Africa.  These sailors manned the guns that were mounted on the ships, mostly Liberty ships, that plied the seas in convoys with [...]

First Trip To the Hospital for Baby’s Birth

Some events in our lives are more embedded in our memories than others.  Most of us can recall the birth of our first child and the excitement that surrounded that event.   I can sure remember mine.  We were in the last semester of my law school days.  It was the fall and I was due to graduate [...]

Dominance and Mankind

We live in society or societies.   One of the most important human characteristics is that of dominance.  The concept only has relevance since we do exist within our groups.   If we lived on a desert island then the idea would have no meaning.   A man alone like that would face survival issues but there is [...]

Road Warrior, My Hero

We all enjoy those campfire stories.  When it has become dark and the tall tales spark in the night air, we wonder of the truth behind those yarns.   Well, this one is true to the last detail.  The only thing that is not a fact is my emotional reaction to the events that occurred so [...]

And the last shall be first

By the time the little lady and me had 5 kids even the grandparents were beginning to think we should call a halt to all that progeny production.    They were concerned that we couldn’t handle any more.   I can’t imagine why they would think that.  Maybe it was the premature bags under our eyes or [...]

Thanksgiving, giving and receiving

My dad taught me that the mark of the man was how he handled adversity.   It isn’t much of a trick to be in good spirits and full of vim and vigor when things are going great in your life.  It is how you  handle the difficulties that come your way that reveal you inner character [...]

Adages for Today’s Turmoil

With both the political and economic world reeling from a constant blast of daily bad news we might ponder some of the tried and true thoughts that have gained purchase in the common wisdom to soothe our troubled hearts and minds.  These thoughts have their applicability with greater urgency than ever.
From little acorns mighty oaks [...]

Choosing fun over prudence, child #5

In the mid ’70’s my wife and I were busy as the proverbial one armed paper hanger. We had 4 children under the age of 8 and I was working very hard and even every Saturday for half a day.  She was loaded to the gills taking care of the house and being the Chaffuer, [...]