THINKING BACK TO OUR SCHOOL DAYS (and this could include junior high through college), we enjoyed fun times, fretted through stressful days, and survived episodes we’d like to forget. Students earned reputations such as the cool kids, the groupies, the brainiacs, the bruisers, loners, and others. In school, I didn’t…

I WENT TO A MIDDLE SCHOOL RECITAL several years ago and had the good fortune of sitting center-way, 17 rows back. It was an excellent place from which to hear the full acoustic resonance of the student orchestra. …

IT’S DIFFICULT FOR ME to write during the holidays, especially when visitors are present. I’ve had company since December 19th, and of course, I enjoy their presence, but it does make it difficult to concentrate on the project at hand. I’m trying to make adjustments and project an editorial calendar…

THIS IS BEING POSTED in the final few hours of 2021. Another hellacious year of sickness, divisiveness, cultural and economic strain. We’re all hoping for better things in the new year, but COVID won’t rest. So, it’s onward with flimsy expectations. But expectations are mandatory. What choice do we have…

Thinking back to our school days (and this could include junior high through college), we had fun times, stressful times, and times we’d like to forget. Students earned reputations such as the cool kids, the groupies, the brainiacs, the bruisers, loners, and others. In school, I didn’t fit in. Anywhere! I was quiet but friendly. I was often accused of not smiling enough. Other students seemed to like me, but I never had a “good buddy”, nor did I have a steady girlfriend. I was athletic but never played on the team. Today, I am what I am, I’ve been married 45-years to my best friend, Diane, and I’m happy with that.

It’s up to each of us to change our outlook for the better — SO, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT 2021? True, it’s not over yet, we have about six weeks left, and we do have “the holidays” to look forward to, but you can probably still express how the past 46 months felt to you. I was happy that we at least seemed…

Curiosity may be another link to longevity. One cloudy autumn morning a few years ago, I was visiting my five-year-old grandson in Colorado. For several minutes, I watched him aimlessly kick a ball around his backyard. He looked a little sad, so I set down my coffee and went out…

It’s something to think about as we age. Are you happy? It sounds like a simple question, but it often has a complicated answer. I don’t mean the kind of joy that comes from, say, buying a new car or losing 15-pounds since starting your Mediterranean diet. …

I SLOWLY EASED INTO THE BARBER CHAIR, removed my glasses, adjusted my mask, and the barber swung the cape around me. I don’t usually talk much when getting my hair cut. It’s typically a relaxing experience where my mind tends to wander. …