Water is absolutely imperative to support life on earth as we know it. It also is a very unique chemical as it becomes less dense as it freezes into ice! Ice is fantastic in the winter as it provides an opportunity to “walk on water” for ice fishing or skating. It is also a tool to keep us – or our drinks – cool as the summer heat beats down. Water in the right form and right physical state, can also be destructive.

It was late afternoon, and I got a call from my bride. You need to deal with YOUR oldest daughter when you get home. *I find it very interesting that our kids seem to belong to me when mischief is afoot. * My bride proceeded to explain that my daughter had cut her hair with the scissors that were in my Dopp kit. The problem was multiplied because I just sat down with her the day prior because her sheared hair was all over the floor!

“My little cowpoke tried to rope the recliner and was less than successful when the coffee table she was riding bucked her”. Those were the words that came out of my mouth when my oldest daughter and I were at the doctor’s office to have an assumed broken arm mended. Not only did those words bring a smile to the doctor’s face, but they were a balm to an already apprehensive little girl. After a couple of x-rays and a few days in a soft, long-arm splint, her arm was immobilized in a green fiberglass cast that covered just beyond her elbow. Was in necessary to immobilize the elbow? Not necessarily for the traditional healing processes; however, I have a bold cowpoke on my hand who would not let a little cast get in her way – much like her beloved Uncle Josh!

Leave it to kids to use creative ways to describe their experiences.
While I watch one of my kids at the doctor’s office, you could see that they were visibly distressed when the doctor and nurse requested the child to remove their shirt. To be fair, it was a tighter shirt that did not allow the work to be done effectively, so this was a necessary step. While the doctor and nurse were evaluating and treating this child, I tried to be a distraction by making funny faces, telling the best dad jokes in my repertoire, and telling outlandish stories about what was happening. By the time we got back to the Fuzz – our affectionate name for my Ford Escape – the tears started to flow. Although we were supposed to go to Grandma’s house afterwards, the experience was intense enough that we went straight home.

With 2022 coming to a quick close in the next couple of days, I was originally looking to share a note about how to set great goals, but there are others already doing this – including Ramsey Solutions! Please permit me to summarize the article before sharing something that struck me as much more provocative from another source.

This past month, I once again had the opportunity to participate in something that has become a ritual of the fall – cutting and splitting wood for the winter. The first iteration was at my uncle’s farm. Due to several downed trees from earlier in the year, our work load was lighter than normal. Instead of cutting up our usual 14 cords of wood over the weekend, we only cut up 12! The second iteration was at my mom’s house. Although I cannot quantify the work yet because not all of the split wood is stacked, I spent the better part of Saturday with my older three kids and brother down at the wood pile. All of us earned our sleep!

Many of you are aware of a significant event that occurred for a group of separatists better than 400 years ago. Alright maybe you are not so clear on the nuance of the history but you are aware of the consequence of their decision.

Halloween strikes again and there are plenty of people dressed up looking for a scare in my neighborhood! How about yours?

When I was younger, I used to enjoy when this season rolled around. For my dad, brother, and myself the highlight was always going through the local haunted house. Sometimes, the purveyors of horror would shake me to the bones. From Farmer Brown in a ski mask with overalls wielding a chainless chain saw to the dizzying tunnels of rotating lights, I had a very hard time guessing what would be lurking around the corner.

Riding for Reflection

I love to explore the country I live in riding my iron horse – a 1995 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The exploration or the process of getting lost is just part of the adventure. The droll of the engine provides the perfect opportunity to set back, clear my mind, and ponder all of the different things that are happening in my life. The summer also brings out one pesky thing… BUGS!!!

President Biden made a significant announcement last week. Considering 43 million American’s have student loans, I’m guessing you either have a loan or know somebody who does. Feel free to pass this information along to them as well.

Ambush Part 2

Same story different verse. I arrived home after work on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. I would have expected at least some of my kids outside. Then out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my son’s face with a sly grin obscured by the clouded privacy glass of the front door. I knew where this was going.

The Top-Ten Strategies For Dealing With a Dead Horse

While reading John Maxwell’s Failing Forward, I came across a list of strategies for dealing with a dead horse. Although this might be dark humor for some, it does provide us all with insights on the cycle of insanity when we keep on trying extract something useful out of something else that is no longer providing any value.

Ambush!

Have I got a story to tell you! Recently, I pulled into the driveway of my home after a longer day at the office. It was a long enough day, that I was surprised to see the window shades to my children’s rooms open – neverminded the fact that it was 4:45 in the afternoon, and they should be open!

On Memorial Day, I took my girls out to the lake to experience the thrill of sailing for the first time…

The Lifeline

I grew up spending many summers of my life on the waters of Lake Michigan…