The American reality television series called American Pickers has popularized the little known past-time of “picking.” This captivating show of exploring barns, sheds, workshops, and attics in hopes of discovering unique, collectible, and sometimes valuable items of Americana vaulted the program to the History Channel’s highest-rated show. In my case, I don’t have to go … Continue reading This Thing Called Prayer
As you may have noticed by now, my blog posts vary widely in topic and tone. For my last post of January 2020, I think it’s time to enjoy a chuckle. It is a common saying for grandparents that if they knew grandchildren would be this much fun, they would have had them first. I … Continue reading Grandkids are Good Medicine
My son and daughter-in-law had to put down their fifteen-year-old poodle this week. Every dog lover understands the heartache that comes when its time to say goodbye to a loyal, lovable, and forever-a-part-of-the-family pooch. It’s especially tough when you have to explain such a loss to your two young daughters. My son shared how he … Continue reading A Mouse Named Noel
My adult children struggle to buy Christmas gifts for me. It’s not really as bad as it sounds. They have just run out of gift ideas for their dad. Usually, in early November, the pleading starts, “Dad, we need your list of what you want for Christmas!” I have a problem answering that question. As … Continue reading What This Grandfather Wants for Christmas
I lost a friend last week. Lost him to pancreatic cancer. He was more than a friend - more like the big brother I never had. And that doesn’t describe him justly. He was a mentor, a role model, the kind of man whose opinion you sought, whose counsel was valued, and whose approval was … Continue reading Well Done Faithful Servant
Being a parent, I have always tried to be mindful about how my behavior influences my children. Ironically, there are some life lessons they have taught me. Case in point — how to treat a server at a restaurant. Two of my daughters served as waitresses at various times during their high school and college … Continue reading Life Lessons I Have Learned from My Children – Part 2 How to Treat a Restaurant Server.
Another milestone passed! This post represents my 100th blog post on TheBuddyBlog.com website. No one is more surprised than I am. To celebrate this you-gotta-be-kidding-me event, I thought I’d share my thoughts and reflections on how I came to be a blogger. It might surprise you. After all, I never thought I’d spend any time … Continue reading The Memory Blogger
The title of the opinion piece caught my eye. "Dear militant feminists, stop messing it up for the rest of us." The author, Carol Roth, is a "recovering" investment banker, bestselling author of "The Entrepreneur Equation," and television news contributor. The article (1) expresses her fears that good manners are being killed because some women … Continue reading They Are Always Watching
A recent email from my favorite tool equipment company has suggested that Moms want to get their yard-work done quickly and get back to what truly matters, family. Moms, so says the email, deserve the very best. The headline of the ad-mail reads “Dear MOM, Happy Mother’s Day. Love, STIHL.” The implication being that lightweight, … Continue reading Avoiding the Chainsaw-Toting Mama – A Mother’s Day Reflection
Wait a minute! I’m the father. I’m the grandfather. I’m the one that is supposed to be the role model, the one leaving a legacy. Then why in the name of ancestral protocol am I the one learning life lessons from my own children? Yes, this father has indeed garnered a powerful lesson from … Continue reading Life Lessons I Have Learned from My Children
