Author: Buddy McElhannon

  • How to Name a Drug

    I figure it’s time for a less-than-serious reflection on the lifestyles of the Medicare generation. The weeks following last year’s knee surgery is the inspiration for this post. With limited mobility and the usual aches and pains that follow surgery, I found myself watching more television than normal — my normal being not so much. …

  • The Hypocrisy of the Left

    In recent days, the media world has been ablaze with reactions to a commencement speech given at Benedictine College in Kansas by NFL Placekicker Harrison Butker.  There is even a petition circulating calling for the Kansas City Chiefs to fire him for his antiquated and misogynistic remarks. You’d have thought he staged a campus riot,…

  • Praying for the Apple of God’s Eye

    His name was Willem.  A watchmaker by trade and a Christian by faith, he proved to be more than just a father to his children.  How he lived out his faith would echo for generations. One day, his pastor made an unusual request of Willem — to start a prayer group for the Jewish people.…

  • People Make the Best Memories

    People Make the Best Memories

    My wife and I just returned from a three-week European Ocean Cruise around the British Isles. After waking up in our own bed for the first time in almost a month, I texted our children, “What’s going on?  There’s no breakfast buffet, no one has made up our bed, and no tour bus is waiting…

  • My Southern Affections

    My last post addressed the language of the South and the manner of speaking that is uniquely our own.  The South is known for more than its linguistic distinctions; we have our own distinct culture, with different customs, accents, fashion, architecture, musical styles, and cuisines.  So, I thought I might muse upon some of the things…

  • The Language of the South

    Growing up in Georgia in the 1950s and 1960s, I became saturated and steeped in Southern speak.  So, when Southern Living Magazine recently published an updated list of “50 Southern Phrases You Won’t Hear Anywhere Else,” (shown below) I read them as if taking a trip down memory lane.  None of these expressions needed defining…

  • A Time for Patience and Kindness

    I received a lesson in patience and kindness yesterday. Having a craving for chicken nuggets, I pulled into the drive-thru line at our local McDonalds. I was only the 3rd car in line, but I quickly noticed no one was moving. I must have sat still for a good five minutes. Finally, the lead car…

  • The Most Ironic Question Ever Asked

    I have often embarrassed myself by asking a question that produced smirks or giggles from others. Asking a dumb question can have that effect. It’s also part of human nature. We humans can do idiotic things (think the Darwin Awards) and ask stupid questions. Some folks believe there is no such thing as a stupid…

  • Ground Rules for Dating My Daughter

    My grandchildren are still a few years away from “dating.” And my two granddaughters are spitfires; neither I nor their parents will have any reason to doubt their ability to handle themselves in the future. Nevertheless, when I came across this decades-old list of “Ground Rules for Dating My Daughter” I thought it a good…

  • Wearin’ of the Green?

    Wearin’ of the Green?

    I must weigh my words carefully in this post lest they be misunderstood by those whom I hold dear.  I am not opposed to wearing green on St. Patty’s Day, but I confess to wondering if that is the best way to honor the patron saint of Ireland. Allow me first to establish my credentials. …