Like many of my Facebook followers, Allyson wished Ruth and me “happy anniversary” this past Wednesday. We only met a few times over her 40 plus years. Our last communication was on-line a couple of years ago when her dad passed. We have only one thing in common, her parents, and especially her dad. So …
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After Ruth and I married in the fall of 1971, we moved into my apartment with my roommate, Chuck. Since we eloped, we didn’t have much of an opportunity to consider our living arrangements until we were on the return trip from Vegas. I had recently moved into a new apartment, and Ruth had signed …
$1.19
I had my left knee replaced in 2015. The surgery went well and I have no regrets from having the procedure completed. One life-long change is the requirement to take a large dose of an antibiotic prior to each dental appointment. The drug that my doctor chose is Amoxicillin. I must take it one hour …
Back To School
This is the first week back to school for tens of thousands of students. For others its just “back” after a long week-end. Schools in Michigan have been having “first days back” for the past couple of weeks. It’s another one of those location – location deals. I started my career in education fifty …
I Went to a (Beer) Garden Party
Growing up in suburban Detroit, I occasionally heard my dad say that he was going to a beer garden. He wasn’t a big drinker, but I assumed that he liked a beer now and then. As I got older I learned that many beer gardens are outdoor areas where beer and local food are served. …
Two Tales
Read the Manual The 1970’s featured two oil crises. One was in 1973 and a second followed in 1979. As a result, gas prices escalated. While the diesel auto engine was put into production in the 1930’s, its popularity increased in the late 70’s and early 80’s in part because of the oil crisis. …
New Tricks from An Old(er) Dog
I received tons of advice when I first became an elementary school principal. One of my favorite observations was from an older cousin who knew nothing about what I had done or was about to do. He offered up, “If you work hard, someday you’ll become a high school principal.” Becoming a high school principal …
More Firsts
Today is Brady’s first day of high school. He’s officially a ninth grader. Eva made the move from elementary to middle school last year so she knows the ropes. If Ruth and I were still working we’d be getting ready for our first day as well. Ruth would be dreading it, and I would be …
Fire Fallout
My discussion with my mom about my artwork was short lived. I had been ill and home from school a couple of years prior. While I was home she tossed a couple dozen “your body is changing” books on my bed and told me to read them. “If you have any questions, just ask.” I …
And Then
The day after the fire Mom and Dad had to find us a place to live. Grandpa Barner had an open flat above his Detroit home on Troester, so we moved in there. It was a simple apartment. It had a couple of small bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and a bath. We …