“Daddy, you smell like Sizzli.” I had just walked in the door after my overnight shift, and we were in the midst of our 3-way turnaround — Mom leaves for work, I get our daughter to the bus stop, and I come home and consider going to sleep. This all unfolds over 10 or so … More An old dog struggles to learn new tricks — but refuses to roll over or play dead
We didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up. (Wait — isn’t that what everyone says?) It was a time when Moms stayed at home and Dads earned the paychecks. We had one “previously owned” car. I remember watching my father pull out the back seat and anchor and install seat belts, … More When parents do what they have to do to keep the family afloat
This particular column isn’t really about the joys of being an older father with a younger child. It’s still closely linked to that theme, but it’s more about the serious implications that can occur and cast a shadow over that relationship. One day last summer, I was on my way to a job interview in downtown … More Still unemployed — an unfortunate sign of times, it appears
“We’re going goat catching.” Hmmm. Blame this on friends who filled our heads with stories of the delightful hours they’ve spent goat catching. Wait a minute; that’s geo-caching — no goats involved. While we were attending a New Year’s Day pajama party, the host and hostess told us how much they enjoyed geo-caching and gave … More We went goat-catching and got a skinned elbow– but didn’t get skunked
There aren’t many occasions where you find yourself spending the evening with a plastic goblet in your pocket — and your pocket is in the slacks of the suit you’re wearing. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. The plastic goblet was grabbed early in the evening of my daughter’s Princess Ball, … More Pink goblets, Princesses and beautiful ringlets: A time to remember
It’s a good thing I don’t get paid for writing this blog, because I’d be making about as much as I am right now on extended unemployment benefits. Ta-dum-dum. That was supposed to be funny. Humorous. Amusing. Anyway, I’ve written two columns over the past 6 or so weeks and really didn’t like either of … More Jimmy Stewart meets Josie Wales: Gratitude from the depths of our souls
Another morning at the bus stop. OK, well it’s Halloween morning, but none of the kids are in costumes. Most of them consider themselves too old for that — at least at school — but you can bet they’ll be scooping up a little bit of candy tonight. This is only a stepping off point … More Halloween can be a great way to learn about — and conquer — bias
“I learned about compassion today,” the 6-year-old said rather matter-of-factly as we walked home from the bus stop. That stirred my curiosity. Not a word that generally comes up in 1st Grade. Perhaps they’re really moving ahead in language and usage, I thought. Just another reason I love our charter school. “How did you learn … More The source of pain and new vocabulary: Getting older or just plain clumsy?
“I was singing to the deer.” She had stayed in place on the trail and now stood about 50 feet behind us, where we had first spotted the pair of white-tail deer in the nearby woods. She stood still while her mother and I hiked a bit further up the trail. We turned to watch … More Through her family’s tears, a 6-year-old touches death
Where does the time go? … She went back to school this week, to first grade. She’s crossed over into the time zone that marks the beginning of my own significant memories. Certain deep impressions of first grade left lasting creases in my brain. Will she look back in 50 years and know this feeling? At face … More Recipe for making sweet memories: You provide the ingredients
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