She came into our life by chance. A cute black and white tuxedo cat, with a distinctive white strip running up her forehead. Starting the year, she was off. Something wrong. The vet gave us bad news. Kidney failure. At sixteen years old, there were a few options, but attempting to extend her life for…… Continue reading Ode to Oreo
We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too. – Helen Hayes Feats of heroism are often equated to extraordinary actions. Firefighters dashing into a burning build to save a life or police officers that run into danger to keep everyone safe. Sometimes they dedicate their lives for a worthy…… Continue reading A Hero of the Day
With the rising of the sun, the wall shone in the growing light. Grass damp from the morning dew, and clumps of mud from the recent rains, I made my way closer. As I closed in, I was able to see the etchings, the names. Thousands upon thousands. Each a name. Each a person. Equal…… Continue reading The Wall of Honor
Not all heroes possess superhuman talents and capabilities, and not all heroes are those who save lives, protect the peace, and serve our country. Although, many who do these are. A crossing guard who dives in front a speeding car to save a child…that’s heroic. Soldiers who go into war zones while we all remain…… Continue reading My Brother the Hero
Lowell Grand Banks Dory Model “All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.” – John Mansfield I’m not a sailor. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it, it never comes up as an opportunity in my daily life. But I love boats, especially the tall ships of the past. …… Continue reading Building Boats, Life Lessons
My Aunt Dorothy was a special lady. Naturally loving and caring, wherever she went, she left behind a trail of joy and happiness. Such a bubbly personality, with a great sense of humor and could be delightfully goofy at time, much like my mom. When we would visit, she’d come searching for a hug, and…… Continue reading A Beautiful Legacy – My Aunt Dorothy
Pilot Officer Edwin Amos Paulton I never served in the military or fought in a war and cannot begin to imagine the true horror our veterans faced. I’ve never been shot at or been in a situation where my life, and the lives of others, were on the line. I cannot fathom their experience, nor…… Continue reading Honoring Our Veterans
Sometimes I catch myself drifting back in time. Thinking of a moment in my past and thinking how good things were. For me, it’s playing little league baseball, riding our bikes around the neighborhood, or just goofing off with friends. It’s something we all do at some point in time. Reflecting on something positive and…… Continue reading The Good Old Days
I enjoy painting when I get time and am in a creative mood. Landscapes in oils mostly. Not a professional by any means, but I do try my best and always try to learn something new. Perhaps a new technique for painting clouds or trees or focusing more on how light and shadow play on the canvas, getting…… Continue reading The Idea of Perfection
Time defines most things when you think about it. The ongoing ticking of the clock, minute after minute. Time preceded us. Time will continue after us. This is the nature of things. But the beginning and the end are unique to each of us. We only have the time in between to work with. We…… Continue reading The Honoring of a Sacrifice
Deep Thinking 