The BIG question: Why do I love unconditionally all 19 of my current and former dogs, who constantly display major personality flaws and behavior lapses, while I hold close friends and family members accountable for minor relational hiccups? About the dogs: I got Sarge …
I’ve been thinking about the people who, early in my life, gave me the straight “bad” scoop about me. To begin with, the individual who comes in dead last was Irene Duffy, my dear mother. She told me, and all her friends, I was the greatest thing since …
I have a crush on a new friend. Maggie moved from California to Carson City a couple years ago. I met her at a CONNECTIONS gathering, and now it’s hard to get her out of my mind. While softly strumming her guitar, she sang several songs she had composed. Later, Maggie shared …
I’m a lucky guy. I have many friends all over the place. Four of them may be considered nationally famous: one an entertainer, one an artist, one a researcher and one a business tycoon. It got me thinking. How did they get so big? They have a few things in common. Each …
Sherry and I have been blessed with keeping up with 19 dogs in the last few decades. At first, I thought my job was to teach them how to behave. How silly of me. Instead, those puppies were mentoring me, teaching me how to live a happy and healthy life. A few examples: Nigel …
This one may not make it through my editor, Jenni. I think she’s always cheery and uplifting and expects me to be the same. But yesterday was one of those funky days until the very end. It started when I had a tough time getting my socks on. All of a sudden, my legs were …
I have a new friend. I met him in prison. Recently, we were both doing work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, helping inmates find purpose in their lives. Mark was bringing it through music. I was teaching them to journal. Mark Collie was a big name as a country singer, …
A new friend (let’s call him Robert) asked me to his home for lunch. It turns out we both have an interest in the relationship between the second and third presidents of the United States. In fact, I believe the close friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson has …
At 78, it’s all relative, but I think I’m so much better-looking than the proof indicates. Sherry and I agreed a few years ago that we would not allow our pictures to be taken any longer. When future generations glance at photos of their great-grandparents, we want them to …
Dear Kate, Happy birthday. I don’t keep track, but I think you broke the 50 mark. I am so proud of you. Memories I treasure: Your first romance with Walter in Denver. You were both three. You told him what to do (in a kind way, of course — most of the time). Our Dairy …
