All I knew about Dr. Becker was what I learned in two seventy-five-minute classes held twice a week for fifteen weeks in the fall of 1967. The only thing I knew about his family was they were expecting a foreign exchange student to arrive within a couple of weeks after I completed my junior year …
Dr. Becker
During my time in higher education, I earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan and a specialist degree from Michigan State. I took a lot of classes. I remember two instructors from all that time. Dr. Alan was my advisor for my specialist degree, and Dr. Becker taught …
December Memory
The month of December brings up a slew of memories from my seventy-seven years. Most are positive, but I’m happy to have some in my rearview mirror. The selective service draft held on December 1, 1969 is one of those. I had started teaching in the fall of that year and had a deferment because …
True Colors
My daughter-in-law, Lindsay, attended a work-related workshop a couple of weeks ago. Each participant learned a few things about what makes them tick. Our personality guides us as we deal with the events of each day. When I arrived for the Thanksgiving holiday, we talked a bit about her results. She’s a blue/gold personality. I’m …
Wine and Words
I’ve been invited to share my book publicly tomorrow at The Villages’ Wine and Words. I’ll be reading at the Riverbend Recreation Center starting at 6:30. I knew of the program but really didn’t know much about it. When I looked it up, this is what I read. What if there was a place where …
Off
It’s hard to focus on the day when life throws a curve, and things look off. You stumble when you’re not sure of what’s next. If you’re lucky, you have someone to share your story. And if you’re very lucky, they can help you get back on your path. They ground you and help you …
The Forever Kind
I’ve been running around the state for the past few days attending funeral services and birthday celebrations. While attending the funeral remembrances, I ran into some old friends from high school. I dated one, Karen. Another friend, Sue, and I hung out for thousands of hours during high school. The last time I saw the …
A Conundrum
I’ve spent the past several weeks recording an audio version of my book. It’s a long-involved process, but I’m nearing the end. Here’s a sample. I’ll let everyone know when it’s up and running. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase a copy for yourself if you like. You’ll be able to listen to my voice …
Mitch
My first friend, Mitch, died last Friday. The last time I saw him was during a luncheon that my sister, Jackie, held at her house in June of 2023. She invited the two of us to join our third friend, Rudy. The three of us reminisced about our younger days. Our most recent bond was …
Ed 107
My friend, Ed, turns 107 on Tuesday. My first story was posted on November 19, 2017. It was about Ed. He turned a hundred that day. We spoke on the phone about a week ago. He sounded good. I plan to meet up with him during Thanksgiving week. A few of the poker guys are joining …