Category: Daily Life

Playing Hooky in Tar Hollow

September 19, 2017 I sent a group text with pictures from Tar Hollow to the Wednesday night men’s group in my church recently to prove (jokingly) that I wasn’t just skipping that week’s Bible study for no good reason. I had some trail maintenance to do. A couple of men responded (jokingly—I think) that they wanted to do trail maintenance, too. Most, if not all, of the men in our group are outdoorsmen, and there is something almost spiritual about outdoor projects to men like that. There sure is for me. Tar Hollow State Park …

Traffic Woes

August 29, 2017 Traffic has been crazy this summer in Northern Kentucky, due in large part to the lane closures on the Brent Spence Bridge for repairs. A lot of traffic was diverted over my way, and my nerves are frazzled by the wealth of bad drivers I have encountered. The good news is that the bridge repair is finished and, though it’s still a little crazy out there, traffic has eased somewhat. Still, the burnout effect lingers. It isn’t so much the speeders. It’s hard to finger-point considering my past driving record. Besides, it’s …

Ice Cream Heaven

August 14, 2017 Recently I traveled to northeast Ohio to visit my Aunt Mary and cousin Don. We had a great time together; it had been a while. After goodbyes and hugs to my aunt, Don and I went to the Heavenly Creamery in Conneaut, housed in what was formerly a Lutheran Church. I’ve had coffee in a church sanctuary, but I think this is the first time for ice cream. And not just any ice cream. It was some of the best I ever had (and I’ve had a lot). It was made right …

More Than Just a Game

July 24, 2017 During the third week of July 2017, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games were held in Cincinnati. This was the 37th year for the games, and the first time in the Cincinnati area. Over 600 veterans competed. It’s an event made possible by the joint efforts of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Bonnie and I both greatly respect our veterans. We, along with dozens of other volunteers, were blessed to be involved with the bowling events. One bowling venue was right down the road, Super Bowl Bellewood …

My Smartphone Education

December 18, 2016 For years I listened as my hiking buddies bragged about their smartphones. But I didn’t care. My antique flip phone did what I wanted it to at the time: call and text people. Besides, if I was careful it could hold a charge for a five-day backpacking trip while my friends scurried for ways to power up almost daily. They shelled out hundreds for their high-tech gadgets, plus more for high monthly service charges, while I spent only 19.99 for my phone and pay about 15 dollars monthly to TracFone. Pretty smart, …

Walking Resolution Still on Its Feet

March 21, 2016 As I stated in my previous blog, I had a seemingly impossible task ahead of me. I could only reach my February goal of walking 100 miles for the month if I trudged 61 miles in the 8 remaining days. And 3 of those 8 days would find me on the road to Florida and back. It didn’t look good. I checked around to see if anyone would trade resolutions with me. No way, they said. Sure stinks being you! February 22–I mall walked with Tom. After 7 miles, I was tired …