When my sister, Sharron, and I were very young, Mom often took us to Detroit on the train for a Friday fish fry dinner. We boarded the train in Royal Oak and got off at the Michigan Central Station in Detroit. It was a short ride and we made it about once a …
A Den of Thieves
Several years ago, while all three of our children were college students, I discovered that Ruth and I had raised a den of thieves. This is not my proudest moment as a story-teller but facts are facts. Several months ago, when I began my new story telling blogging career, I pledged to only tell true …
Finding Kate
David and Michael dated several girls in high school, college, and early in their work careers. I liked them all but one. Michael dated one girl for a brief time that I found unusual. I don’t remember her name but she was focused on Michael. Fortunately, the focus wasn’t mutual and the relationship …
Study Hard
I began my working career at a young age. I had a lot of jobs that helped fund my lifestyle, but most importantly taught me the importance of working for a living. I’ve been an independent contractor and I’ve “worked for the man”. I’ve been a “union man” and a “non-union man”. I expect …
Living With Hippies
I’ve been living with hippies for several days now. More correctly, hippies have been living with me. When they arrived I thought that they were gypsies, however, that’s not the case. They may be hippy gypsies, but I’m very sure that they’re hippies. Don’t get me wrong. I love them and enjoy their …
The Most Important Lesson of My Life
The most important lesson of my life was taught to me by a seven-year old boy. He wasn’t just any seven-year-old. He was mine. He turns 40 at a little after 1:00 p.m. today. Michael is the third of our three children. We didn’t plan to have three, but like most …
iChallengeU
After I retired from what I call “my real job”, I became the director of a program sponsored by the local branch of Michigan Works! The original version of the program placed a teacher in an area business for four weeks during the summer. The teacher learned the workings of the business while completing a …
Jiggle the Handle
Sutton, Elizabeth, and Jonesy (their dog) have been with us for a couple of days. They are here through the week, move out for a week, back for a week, and return later in the summer. Such is the life of a travelin man and his support team. Their first Michigan show at the …
Three EKGs and a Stress Test
Over the past 71 years I’ve undergone several medical procedures. None (knock on wood) have ever discovered anything serious. I’ve never been a big risk taker so I think that has helped me maintain my health. I’m overweight but have never smoked. I’d identify myself as being in good health (knock again). …
Story Telling
I had lunch with my grandson, Brady, on Saturday and while we were talking I told him the story of three instances involving my getting an electrocardiogram. He laughed at the end and told me that he “loved it” when I told stories. “You’re a good story-teller.” Later, it struck me that there …