When we are in Lewisburg, we like to do runs and walks on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail—a long, paved walking/biking trail that follows the path of old rail lines no longer in use. Lewisburg is home to the Bucknell Bison, and the logo is a charging buffalo. A sign along the trail refers toContinue reading “We All Sit on Thrones of Lies”
Tag Archives: Daughters
Try Reading Some Signs Now and Again
We went to Pennsylvania for the weekend to see Lindsay at a wrestling tournament and Grant at his football banquet. On the way we listened to the podcast Ghost Story, which focused on the long-ago murder of Naomi Dancy and the alleged suicide of her brother Morris. A historian who had researched Naomi’s husband JohnContinue reading “Try Reading Some Signs Now and Again”
How to Celebrate a Teen Boy’s Birthday: Chick Talk, Potty Humor, Wiener Jokes
The first of Graham’s buddies arrived on the dot at five pm. Lindsay and I were in the front room with the Iron Bowl on, and within two minutes, Lindsay looked at me and said, “Oh my gosh, it’s already so loud and only one of them is here.” Four more arrived within fifteen minutes,Continue reading “How to Celebrate a Teen Boy’s Birthday: Chick Talk, Potty Humor, Wiener Jokes”
Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It
For years, I’ve told people, “Be grateful for Satan—it’s a lousy job but someone has to do it.” In Latter-day Saint theology, opposition to righteousness is absolutely required: “For it must needs, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). According to the prophet who said this, without opposition there can beContinue reading “Satan Has a Lousy Job but Someone Has to Do It”
Dark Kermit and Fried Turkeys
Years ago, Grant was a freshman at Silver Lake Regional High School. Midway through the season, he was called up to the varsity to play defensive line. This meant that he got to ditch halftime band performances where he was supposed to play clarinet. He saw a lot of action in the Thanksgiving game, whichContinue reading “Dark Kermit and Fried Turkeys”
Mental Puddle
There’s an old Bill Cosby sketch where he talks about raising a son (yes, I know … Bill Cosby; don’t @ me—it’s a good sketch and we’re not debating art from fallen artists here). Not quoting, but he says something like, “Your boy is born. As soon as you can, you put a walnut inContinue reading “Mental Puddle”
Nimrod the Mighty Hunter
I am going hunting this week. This is a great source of mockery and fun for the kids. I have had a hunting license for probably twelve or thirteen years. I have an archery tag, turkey tag, and an antlerless deer tag (the license comes with two buck tags). I own no rifles or shotgunsContinue reading “Nimrod the Mighty Hunter”
The View from the Rafters
When it comes to my kids’ athletic events, it’s me, I’m the problem, I am that guy. A noted therapist said recently that parents should not give their adult children advice unless asked. I vowed to follow this … and failed miserably in Lindsay’s last match this weekend when I gave a lot of loudContinue reading “The View from the Rafters”
Bonus Post: Crazy Head
Lindsay was probably nine years old and Lucia eleven when we were playing soccer in the front yard and Lucia antagonized Lindsay. I don’t remember exactly what the issue was, but Lucia was clearly at fault and Lindsay clearly was not. So I got irritated with Lucia, spoke sharply to her, and banished her toContinue reading “Bonus Post: Crazy Head”
Quotes from the Road
We finished traveling to Grant’s game, watched it, then headed to Princeton for Lindsay’s wrestling tournament. We met Lindsay for dinner. Family friend John Howe traveled with us. Here are various texts, conversations, and one-liners from the day. Grant [text read aloud over Apple CarPlay]: Marvin Harrison Jr is not the best ever. I hateContinue reading “Quotes from the Road”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 