I participated in a local talent show last weekend. I sing a little.

As I sat in the audience prior to my part, I noticed four young girls come in. The older two are in high school. The others, younger siblings. It’s Adair County, Iowa. Young people often travel about in packs like that

I know them, but not well.

They first sat mid-way up on the left, then moved to the front row. They were casually well mannered and well behaved. They watched the show with intent and delight, seeming to enjoy each act on its own terms.

Included in the program was a young man. Again, I know him, but not well. I believe he is in his early high school years.

He took the stage in jeans and simple button-down shirt; Continue reading →

I’ve charged myself with a mission this holiday season. There’s a box for food pantry donations at the local grocery store and I’m determined to put one item in every time I buy groceries.

I’m there a lot. It’s a block and a half from my house, so easy to run and pick up a few things every few days.

Now, lest you think you should join in the back-patting, let me make this clear – to date my donations total about $5.95. Maybe.
Yesterday my contribution was a 99-cent box of pumpkin pudding.

That’s not going to go very far toward feeding a hungry family, especially one that probably can’t afford the milk to go with it. In retrospect, it may not have been the wisest choice, Continue reading →

Last Saturday night found me where I seem to end up once or twice a month – tending bar at the Warren Cultural Center in nearby Greenfield. It’s a volunteer gig. My contribution to the center, a wonderful addition to the local arts scene.

According to the State of Iowa, I am officially qualified to serve liquor. I have a certificate to prove it and everything. Friends and family have suggested I hang it in my kitchen near the island where the drinkers hover during gatherings.

Saturday’s event was the Annual Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame Banquet. It’s a major affair. Continue reading →

My dad would be 100 years old today.

Even though he has been gone for a few years and was in his 80s when he died, that is nearly impossible to fathom. Even more incomprehensible are the world changes he experienced in his lifetime.

He was born in 1914 on the family farm northwest of Fontanelle, the same farm where I grew up; surrounded by extended family, just like I did. He walked or rode his horse to country school with his brothers and sister. They had a car when they attended high school in town – a very rare treat in those days. Dad graduated in 1933. Like most young lads with mechanical inclination, “car” may be too loose a word. Continue reading →

I awoke this morning to a Facebook reminder telling me there are only six more Mondays until Christmas.

WHAT?

How can that be?

Perhaps I shouldn’t have ignored the other 46 warnings my Christmas-fanatic friends sent me.

Christmas can’t be here. I haven’t even completed the fall yard work. Oh, wait, that happens about two out of every three years. Continue reading →