I recently read an article that quoted Virginia Satir, a world-renowned family therapist, who said “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”  At that point I realized that I was significantly underachieving as a husband and needed to step up my … Continue reading Comfort Chickens (and Dahlias)

I don’t possess a fear of flying, that does indeed grip some people, but I do dread flying, like a visit to the dentist or a bout with the flu or diarrhea, it’s something I could live without. I harken back to the pre-covid or even pre 9/11 days when there were no security lines, … Continue reading Dread of Flying

This is not a political post unless empathy and kindness are political constructs. And its not a post about religion, I respect anyone rights to believe in whatever they want, as long as it does not bring harm others. To quote Henry David Thoreau*, “Everyone has to believe in something, I believe I’ll go canoeing.” … Continue reading Donuts (and coffee) for strangers

In the classic animation film Ratatouille the nasty and sinister food critic Anton Ego, when asked what he would like for dinner snarled, “Know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well-seasoned perspective. Can you suggest a good wine to go with that?” The bumbling waiter Mustafa was absolutely … Continue reading What we all need is a little (different) perspective

Many people view 2020 as a terrible year and lists all of the things they can’t or didn’t do.  I myself have fallen into that trap at times listing the things I can’t or didn’t do like attend music festivals, watch March Madness, visit my favorite bourbon distilleries, or find myself a rock 'n' roll … Continue reading Memory jogger – Things I learned in 2020

(The year without music festivals) It’s no secret that I am a big fan of music, primarily Americana and Alternative, but few people know that I am also closet hippy.  Not a hippy in the pot smoking, dreadlock and tattoo wearing, unbathed, unemployed way, but in the peace, love and happiness way. In fact, when … Continue reading Do you Realize?

I confess, I spoiled my children. During their childhood I let them play and watch a lot of TV, and I bought them video games and they did not work until they were young adults. They turned out mostly fine, but don’t ask them what a Philips head screwdriver is, or how to change the … Continue reading Boards of Education

Many years ago when I was in grade school it was not uncommon for teachers to have their students write an essay upon the start of a new year about what they did or learned over the summer break. Growing up in rural Kentucky my essay was usually about how I learned to paint fences, … Continue reading Top 10 Things I learned on Spring (COVID-19) Break

When I was a kid growing up in rural Kentucky, we did not have Nintendo, or Switch, or a Playstation, we had woods, and fields and bicycles. During the summer when we were off from school, we ate breakfast (as fast as we could) and then we were out the door to do whatever seemed … Continue reading Make America Walk Again (MAWA)

Other than getting notified you have COVID-19, nothing strikes more fear in the heart of Americans than a trip to the BMV or DMV.  It’s like being put on death row, or having a colonoscopy or dental exam. It will take way too long, you will get to spend a lot of time with questionable … Continue reading B.M.V