Grandma Irene was a remarkable woman. Steady, determined, opinionated, kind, and thoughtful. Few people looked forward to each day with as much enthusiasm. She studied the Bible and went to church regularly, always trusting that God would take care of her. And he did. Grandma died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 104. … Read More »

Dad was a good man. Strong, stubborn, kind, opinionated, resourceful, sentimental, and understanding. He was the ultimate putterer who loved to figure out how things work, lived a long and full life in good health, had a comfortable retirement that most people only dream about, and died quickly while doing what he loved. Dad will … Read More »

How far back can you trace your family’s roots? Great grandparents on both sides? Perhaps one or two additional generations? If so, your family is special. Most of us have difficult tracing family roots back more than a few generations beyond grandparents. Maybe that’s a good thing. A friend began just such a journey and … Read More »

Many years ago I read a Dennis the Menace cartoon that was so funny and insightful that I never forgot it. Why? I call it the Perspective Lesson. Do you have a perspective on this? Dennis the Menace was the Calvin and Hobbes of 40 years ago. Unlike Calvin, Dennis had his own TV series … Read More »

When the boys were barely two, they disappeared. When small boys play at home there’s always sound; chatter, clatter, clunking, and play noise. One day that noise stopped. Vernelle was in the kitchen making her own clatter. I was in the downstairs office when I heard Vernelle’s voice. A woman’s voice changes when there’s a … Read More »

I didn’t do well in the VCR years. TV shows would come and go and once in awhile I would record a show to watch later. VCR tapes were just a pain to deal with. Today, there’s the digital video recorder; the DVR. I can record TV from an on screen schedule and store up … Read More »