Clipped wings … But finding good stories
One thing that’s been on my bucket list since before I had a bucket is learning how to fly. I think it’s in my DNA. Growing up, I spent most of my time on Air […]
A Grin at the End: Time travelers – Class reunion weaves a magical spell
Suddenly, we were 18 again. It was as though H.G. Wells had swooped us up in a time machine and transported us to a town just outside of Philadelphia in 1971. Though the mustaches and […]
A Grin at the End: Secret sauce – Being thankful for what we all have to offer
I’m not a fan of most holidays. I know what you’re thinking – this guy’s crazy. Who wouldn’t appreciate time off work to spend with loved ones? But hear me out. By and large, holidays […]
A Grin at the End: Power of choice – A ballot of ideas
We’re going to hire a new CEO for the state of Oregon next month, and the sparks are flying, as independent and former state Sen. Betsy Johnson has the Democratic candidate, former Speaker of the […]
A Grin at the End: My dear, departed brother – From Mayberry to the Grand Canyon
When he was 12, my brother Paul had a knack for comedy. He could do a spot-on impersonation of Andy Griffith, who got his start in show business as a stand-up comedian before starring on […]
A Grin at the End: Northwest passage – Strange things are done in the midnight sun
Just got back from Alaska. I hadn’t been in the Great White North for 27 years, and I was anxious to see how things had changed. As it turned out, not much. Alaska was, is […]
A Grin at the End: Heroes – Reminders of the past
I live in a neighborhood populated by heroes. I’m not talking about Spandex-wearing, pumped-up guys and gals appearing soon at a multiplex near you. I am talking about everyday heroes. The kind of people who […]
A Grin at the End: Everything I ever needed to know – I learned from Top Gun
Like many 20-year-olds, I am prime-time in love with the movie Top Gun. I always have been and the fact that a sequel just came out has made my year. It is my nominee for […]
A Grin at the End: Good to go! – GoPros and crawdads
Some if you may know that I’ve been having close encounters of the medical kind during the last few months. And, no, it wasn’t COVID. It was really nothing super serious, although, for the first […]
A Grin at the End: Finally ready – Nadine’s gift
“I’m ready to die,” she said, turning her head toward the apartment window. I looked at my mother-in-law, Nadine Stack, not knowing what to say. This was three years ago, and at age 97 she […]