Category: Daily Life

My barber’s jokes are not too bad. At least they’re usually a step above Dad jokes. One of his latest: What do you do when you come to a fork in the road? Answer: Take it. I didn’t get it right away, and I’m still not sure I do, but I always laugh at my barber’s jokes since he holds the clippers. There was a time many years ago when I came to that fork in the road myself. Life had just given me a one-two punch in the heart. Ahead of me were some …

My wife and I used to volunteer once a month at a local nursing home, equipped only with conversation and Kleenex. Not that we expected our room visits would bring any tears; it was just that the residents always appreciated the opportunity to add another box of tissues to their stash. Another stash the residents treasured was prizes via bingo: sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets, and hats. There were other prizes I can’t recall, except that they were colorful and glitzy like the others. A yearly carnival was held that offered more prizes, just in case there was …

I keep reading about New Year’s resolutions and how impossible they are to keep. Like I didn’t already know that. One article recommended just setting goals. Another softened it even more and suggested settling on good intentions. I don’t think it matters what I call them. I almost always break them. That’s depressing because this is the time of year I reflect on where I’ve been and how I might best become a better me. It’s time for a radical new plan. Actually, it’s rather simple. I don’t know why this solution has evaded me …

I had just spent a fantastic week in Orlando with my son. Matt and I watched a launch of the Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral from cozy chairs on the warm, breezy beach. We said hey to Marilyn Monroe, Scooby Doo, and the Abominable Snowman at Universal Studios. We fed sea lions at Seaworld. Just throw food within 10 feet of them and they’ll snag it. Kind of like me that week. We even had an empty pickleball court behind our condo. Are they ever empty in Florida—or anywhere? Bonnie and a couple of our …