Around 1962, when I was in junior high school, Roy and his family moved into my neighborhood. They were immigrants from Indonesia and didn’t speak English. He came from a home where love was plentiful, his parents worked hard, they were honest, they set an example for all their children, and they were doing their…

The year started out on a high. I was living in Italy, having one of those grand life changing experiences so important in young adulthood. Unfortunately, that was cut short when I developed a kidney disease and had to return home for treatment. Even though my doctors would not allow me to do any physical…

In addition to the real-life cowboys who helped me grow and understand how to live and survive in this world, I must admit that I also learned a lot from the cowboys portrayed in the movies. One movie in particular, “Big Country” with Gregory Peck, has many insightful and helpful teaching moments that, if adopted,…

As the only boy in my family, I always felt sorry for myself because I was surrounded by three sisters and no brothers. I love my sisters, but truth be told as I was growing up I had very few commonalities with them. For example: I was not interested in spending time talking about boys;…

I have often told my grandchildren that I have never told a lie. Then I rationalize it by letting them know that I have told a lot of stories, and some of them are crazy, so if people believe my stories that’s their fault and not me lying. This is a fun legacy to pass…

It was the summer of 1969, and I rushed home with four newly purchased boxes of Cracker Jack. Back then the infamous caramel coated popcorn and peanuts still came packaged with a prize, and I had a plan. I figured I needed four boxes to find just the right prize to pull it off.  ​Arriving home,…

Sometime ago I heard a story about some hunters who were sitting around the campfire after a hard day hunting. Eventually the conversation turned to their dogs and who had the smartest one. Also sitting around the fire was an older friend who was listening intently as the guys laid it on thick.​The first hunter…