Category Archives: Parent and Kids

Father’s Day 2020

Like many dads today I await a phone call.  Or maybe a text.  That’s all I need.  No ties, cards, soap-on-a-rope, or socks.  Just a call.

Posted in Holidays, Parent and Kids, Words of wisdom | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Father’s Day 2020

A Few Takes on COVID-19

Walk into any essential store these days and you’ll see X’s marking the spot for social distancing.  This COVID-19 stuff is spooky.  The only positive is if you test negative.  At least our April 15 tax deadline is delayed until … Continue reading

Posted in Health, Home and Yard, Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on A Few Takes on COVID-19

Veteran Pen Pal Comes Knocking at Door

(Readers: I wrote this story based on an event nine years ago, glad to update it a bit.) Eighty words bridged seven thousand miles. “Write to a soldier and cheer them up,” said Mrs. Larsen, while coordinating a holiday writing … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Veteran Pen Pal Comes Knocking at Door

Hanging Out With Old Attitudes

They are kids with wrinkled skin who wear plenty of attitude. Shuttle vans park outside the main entrance to cart them to and fro, whether to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping or to the movies.  Panel doors slide open and wheel … Continue reading

Posted in Health, Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Hanging Out With Old Attitudes

Buying Your Teen a Car? Hmm…

I’m a hand-me-down guy with a mindset inherited from my grandparents, Great Depression veterans.  Whether it was hockey equipment or clothes the only “new” stuff Mom bought was either underwear or socks.  She’d hand down Dad’s shirts telling me I’d … Continue reading

Posted in Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Buying Your Teen a Car? Hmm…

Alexa, a Parent’s Assistant

My parents bought into the virtual assistant world.  Their assistant, Alexa, connects to music, games, or anything cerebral.  Alexa answers nearly any question, whether it’s the weather in Missouri or the capitol of Romania. I challenged Alexa to see how … Continue reading

Posted in Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Kid’s Quitting is Father’s Dilemma

She lasted 90 hours over three seasons.  Maggie was not an outlier.  Not in soccer. In Outliers author Malcolm Gladwell explains the “10,000 Hour Rule” which claims that the key to success is a matter of practicing a specific task for … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Parent and Kids, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Coldplay Tops Family’s Bucket List

Kate introduced me to them.  Our SUV, loaded with ski gear, skidded over a snowy highway.  We caught glimpses of powder covered peaks between wind blasts.  I didn’t mind the weather—I enjoy winter driving so long as crazy people don’t … Continue reading

Posted in Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Coldplay Tops Family’s Bucket List

Voter is Stuck in the Middle With…Who?

I love to go to Washington.  If only to be near my money.  (Bob Hope) Our family debates are more introspective than lively, more on her end than mine.  Maybe I’m just cynical.  But discussing the upcoming Presidential election with … Continue reading

Posted in Parent and Kids | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Voter is Stuck in the Middle With…Who?

Bucket List Trips With Parents Were Worth It

Note: We’re in the season of Mother’s and Father’s Days.  This story appeared in several newspapers and magazines.  I wanted to share it again.  Dedicated to parents. I don’t remember my parents pursuing fun.  They worked too hard.  Nor did … Continue reading

Posted in Parent and Kids, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments