lost and found in retirement
It started over sixty years ago staring through the picture window as the snow frosted the oak trees in our backyard. Nothing beat a glistening coating of snow at Christmas. I correct myself. A foot or so of snow on a school day was more welcome. Snow day! Snow on Christmas is a common topic in Ohio. My memory as a child in Northeast Ohio…
Charlie Brown Christmas debuted on January 9, 1965 in full living color, a 60s term hyping the sales of color TV. Four years later, full living color came into our living room. It’s hard to believe this Charles Schultz Peanuts special has been a Christmas tradition for 57 years. I grew up west of Alliance on US-62, the east-west route through the city. My father…
A common fear of first-time American tourists in Europe is not speaking the local language. The English language is a prominent second language in many countries. Almost all Europeans speak two or more languages. Those that work in financial, business, and tourism industries are more likely to speak English. Those in larger cities and tourist destinations are more apt to speak English than their rural…
Outlook reminded me yesterday that it was the 17th anniversary of my heart attack. I continue my annual tradition of acknowledging this not-so-happy anniversary. Time passes fast but the memories of that day and the days following remain vivid in my memory. I use this platform to talk about heart health and raise awareness of the importance of loving your heart. My Story If you…
We have a normal. As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once unknown and frightening becomes your new normal. Robin S. Sharma Eleven years ago, I saddled up and cycled from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. I had never ridden a bike for 300+ miles over a week camping every night, carrying all my possessions on my bike, and having no idea what…
“Nothin’ happened the way it was supposed to happen.” Will Smith’s character, Robert Neville spoke those words in the movie I Am Legend. That summed up 2021. In any given year, countless New Year resolutions are made only to be forgotten by February 1. COVID restrictions and the barrage of news stories were the norms at the end of 2020. The first vaccine arrived mid-December…
Snow on the ground, toys under the tree, and the aroma of Christmas wafting from the kitchen are my fondest memories of Christmas. 67 Christmases have come and gone. Many familiar traditions have faded away while many new ones have taken their place. Another year of the pandemic is nearing its end as it continues to rear its ugly head this holiday season. It is…
Just when I thought 2020 was behind me and brighter days were ahead, the US Capitol siege turned that optimism sour. Scenes brought back memories of 1968, a time when it seemed America was coming apart. For those younger than me, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were assassinated. The Vietnam war was raging. Racial unrest and riots were raging in cities. I wanted…