I continue to learn lessons from my dogs. Why? They are kind and forgiving. They recognize I am a special-needs student who can’t roll over. Plus, my dogs have much to offer in their HCCC (Human Corrections Course Catalog). Jack Carter Newsom, a young, bright professor dog …
Thank you for the many responses to our little contest last week. After much pleasure in reading all the emails that came in, Annie Frances Burke is the winner. The childhood memories of being brought up in the countryside I shall treasure forever. Mazing through the …
It’s been a spectacular success. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds get together in small groups to discuss a single question. Over several years now, three questions evoke the most lively discussions: 1. Based on your experiences of friendship, what are the two …
Always know where my keys, wallet and phone are when I’m late for an engagement. Watch my beloved Wisconsin Badgers basketball team win a national title. Quit thinking I can solve my friends’ problems. Sneak out of the house for a double dip chocolate ice cream cone without …
In my junior year of high school, my folks took off on vacation for a week and left the care of our apartment in my capable hands. What responsibility! What opportunity. I called the gang to let them know it was open season at the Kuhl place. Being an entrepreneurial …
Aging has made me a wiser man. I now know how to translate what a friend, spouse or colleague really wants to say to me. I only focus on what comes after the BUT. A few examples: WIFE: “Honey, it’s so nice of you to do the vacuuming around the house, BUT you …
Recently, I’ve been talking out loud to myself. I don’t think I did this in my younger days. If I did, I paid no attention to what I was saying. I probably shouldn’t now. For example, when I see a beautiful sunset, I’ll speak out, “Vern, get your camera.” Well, neither …
I’m in total stupefaction about my new year’s resolutions. My plan was to reduce my inner promises to only two this year due to failing at all 10 of mine in 2024. After much consternation, I came up with two, but only one is still in play. I screwed up the second …
I usually flunk out when I try to build a meaningful relationship with kids and young folks (say, seven to 18). They are polite, but a special connection fails to materialize. Maybe I’m trying too hard. Maybe I need to try harder. Then I think back to when I was a youngster. …
Bob Roberts is a new friend I have lunch with twice a month. Last Thursday, over cheeseburgers and fries, Bob said he hops out of bed with gusto each morning. I stared at him. “You’re kidding, right? No man our age hops out of bed. We roll out and struggle to the bathroom.” …
