Almost exactly 40 years ago today, I sat with my parents and watched Walter Cronkite narrate the landing of Apollo 11. This man was a journalist, and today seems to dwarf almost all of what is loosely called journalism today. Married for 65 years to the same woman, father of three, and grandfather of four. … Continue reading Walter Cronkite 1916-2009

This next week, our house will be just a bit more quiet, because my wife will be gone. We will be a bit (ok, a LOT) more disorganized around here. Meals might not have as much love in them as usual, and may have some rather odd, "guy-inspired ingredients". But it's for a very good … Continue reading What My Wife Does for Summer Vacation

Warning. Do not leave me alone with an underwater camera.Nancy and Kelly took off this morning for college orientation at DePaul in Chicago. I came home and just generally vegged out, save for a trip to the roof, to clean off the solar panels. Yes, Al Gore loves me.I then found the waterproof mount for … Continue reading A Different Sort of Sunday

John Adams wrote to his wife, with a prediction, soon after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in July of 1776:"The Second Day of July, 1776, ought to be commemorated by succeeding generations as the day of deliverance. It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows and games, sports, bells, bonfires, … Continue reading John Adams – The Day of Deliverance

A Summer EveningIt was a warm summer evening last Sunday, and we spent it with good friends, enjoying, listening, and for me, remembering the past, and pondering the future.Over the past decade or so, the music of one particular group has been one of the primary play lists in the background music to the life … Continue reading A Summer Evening, A Teacher, The Future

Last weekend was graduation time for the Older Daughter.These June endings, they always surprise me, and leave me with a rainbow of emotions. Melancholy, hope, sadness, joy, wonder, bewilderment. What is happening to the days of childhood in our home? But in the midst of these transitions that hasten life forward, slipping from our hands, … Continue reading Kelly's Graduation, Skipping Onward

Cardinal John Henry Newman, said this:"Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever, where ever I am. I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him. In perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He … Continue reading Old Outside, New Inside – Words to Live By

I recently attended the moving memorial service for a man who spent much of his adult life standing guard for the rest of us. A simple job, and yet filled with almost a royal sense of dignity. I will never forget my friend Ron Cherry. Now, each time I pull up to the front of … Continue reading There is a Guard There…. His Name is Ron

I am so jealous. I want this job.For some amazing views of the latest Shuttle Mission, go here.

This weekend would have been the 100th birthday of Benny Goodman, the "King of Swing".Enough said.