Category: Life Lessons

The first time I recall having a thought about oatmeal was on one of the trips that our family took to visit Old Granny Barner in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We drove in my dad’s 1953 Ford about a year and a half after my sister, Jackie, was born. Dad packed the suitcases on the floor …

I published the following story on November 22, 2017.  It’s the second story I posted. My first was about my friend, Ed. I tried to point out that the opportunities that come our way are numerous.  It’s up to us to make the most of them.  I was writing about economic opportunities I failed to …

A few years ago, Ruth and I stopped to see the Noah’s Ark exhibit in northern Kentucky. It was right off the highway on our way to The Villages. We often broke up our trips by stopping at local attractions when we traveled between Michigan and Florida. When the kids were young, we were in …

I’ve shared a lot of meals with a lot of people and through the process determined that I prefer eating at a round table vs a square or rectangular one. When our kids were growing up, we had an antique ash table that Ruth and I bought when we first got married. We bought it …

I started cardio rehab this week. I’ll be attending three times a week for the next twelve weeks. If I miss a session, they’ll add it to the end. There are two parts to each appointment. The first is instructional and the second is cardio exercise. We’ll be building on stamina and strength. And, hopefully, …

It’s a big day today. I’m starting my cardio rehab. Immediately after receiving my two heart stents, I was directed to start five medications and go through cardio rehab. I was preparing to return to Michigan, so I opted for rehab in the mitten. I arrived almost four weeks ago, but today’s the first time …

I’ve always believed that each of us should be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Being a part of a larger something adds value to our lives. When we’re young it’s the kids in the neighborhood and those we go to school with. We just like being together. Play is the common bond. When …

Last January, Elizabeth and I took part in a book expo in The Villages.  Part of our setup included a spinning wheel.  Visitors could spin the wheel and win a prize.  We gave away candy, book marks and slips of paper with “life lessons”.  The lessons looked like the fortunes you’d find in a fortune …

I’m heading back to Michigan tomorrow. I’m not the same guy that came to Florida last September. I’ve gained a new shoulder, added two heart stents and in spite of my new hardware, I’ve lost over thirty-five pounds. I’m basically the same guy inside but with different goals. I never dreamed of being where I …

There’s a song that came out when I was in high school called Little Boxes.  Pete Seeger released the social satire in 1963 as a criticism of the creation of suburbia with its urban sprawl and conformity. “Little boxes on the hillside. Little boxes made of ticky -tacky. Little boxes, little boxes. Little boxes all …