I thought I was doing okay with my financial affairs, shooting for a stress-free retirement. Then I did something stupid. I was going over my shelves of old, dusty books whose pages were yellow and stained. It was time to gift or throw away most and keep only a few of my …
Retirement didn’t work out for me. Lordy, I tried. I bought good books to read. I talked friends into going to lunch with me and lingering. I purchased a movie package for late night viewing. I bought a new frying pan. I washed my car. Three times. Nothing took the place of …
I’m not much of a measurement guy. Yet, I understand how researchers must come up with silly stuff to garner the favor of those folks offering grants. My guess is, a team of seasoned researchers goes out to a local pub for a beer or two to get their creative juices flowing. …
In the world’s longest scientific study of happiness, conducted at Harvard University, participants are posed questions to determine their level of happiness at various times in their lives. In the book “The Good Life” by Harvard professors Waldinger and Schultz, …
Dear Grandson Carter, I was thinking of you today, now midway through college at the University of Wisconsin. Based on the wonderful young man I see today, I believe you are picking up the best from your great-great-grandfather Henry, your great-grandfather Vern, your …
In my silly mind, I’ve come up with a game for those 70 years and older. Individuals who are lucky enough to have no major health issues are disqualified from playing. Sorry, but I have no sympathy for you. Those eligible all sit around this huge, black pain/disease pot. We …
Next month, the Lyons Township High School (LTHS) 60th high school reunion will be held for the class of 1963. I was in that class of 900 or so kids trying to figure life out before heading to college, a job or Vietnam. I signed up, but I’m uncertain if I will go back to …
About 20 years ago, I made a tee box behind our guesthouse and cut out a golf green made of artificial turf about 90 yards up our mountainside. To give me a fighting chance at my goal, a hole in one, I made the hole the size of a water bucket and placed a beckoning …
No one has ever accused me of being a perfectionist. After all these years, I’m comforted by author Tal Ben-Shahar to know that this is a good thing. In his book, Being Happy, I learn that attempting to do things perfectly is a troublesome trait. So, to tout my …
Here’s a list of things that are beginning to worry me about me. Oh my, what an expanding list. Please let me know if you have any of these things bugging you as well: I look at my watch and, five seconds later, wonder what time it is. I have trouble putting on certain …
