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.” …
Mike McEvoy died last week, far too soon. He was a salesman for Hudson Printing in Salt Lake City and a good friend of mine for 20 years. Often, Mike would show up in Carson City on a Tuesday. We’d meet at the Dairy Queen. I’d have a chocolate milkshake. Mike favored …
It takes one dynamic person who wishes to make a major contribution to his or her community. Two years ago, I started a venture called CONNECTIONS. It has blossomed and helped several hundred Northern Nevada residents make fun and meaningful connections with others in their …
A few mornings ago, I was taking my early morning walk after smashing Sherry in our two hands of gin rummy we play at 5:30 each morning. After our competition, I routinely walk down our long driveway to our mailbox and back. Sherry needed subtle revenge, so she reminded me I …
Yes, I once again have done an evidence-based study, and I am searching for a scientific journal to publish my findings for the world to devour. It’s about reassessing one’s true age. I just need a little help from anyone who passed a ninth-grade math class. Based on …
I like to ask that question of my friends. It gives me a refreshing perspective of what counts for them on the inside. A few of my intellectual buddies (you know, the Ivy school crowd) came up with books I didn’t know and couldn’t pronounce. I wrote down the titles as …
