Miscellaneous

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…

We are all familiar with Aesop Fables and the “famous race” between the tortoise and the hare. We all understand the advantages that the hare had versus the skills of the tortoise. We often fail to recognize the natural differential between the two competitors and that if the race were held today most bets would…

Traditions connect families across generations and over time. As family members from multiple generations gather to share traditions, your children can learn about their cultural or religious heritage. Many family traditions revolve around specific foods, music, seasonal or cultural events, or other activities of importance to your family. Your children can learn about where they…