So, I’ve been thinking lately about things people say that, quite honestly, are not true. Or, they might not even be possible. For example, when a coach tells a player to give 110 percent, that’s simply not attainable. We can only achieve that which we are capable. I would hope athletes commit 100 percent to their teams. Most fall considerably […]

Forty years ago, Kathy Schroeder of rural Canton and I stood before friends and family at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel to exchange wedding vows. I felt extremely lucky to be marrying my best friend. I still feel that way after four decades. So much has changed, but our love has remained steadfast. And, for that, I am thankful and […]

What a difference 60 days can make! Two monthly columns ago, I was admittedly a bit dismissive of the approaching coronavirus pandemic. Then, the state basketball tournament ended. Then, the normal second semester ended for schools. Then, social distancing became a thing. Then toilet paper disappeared. Then, we were told to stay home. Then, we started looking for someone to […]

In what was not one of my better literary moments, I attributed the quote about having nothing to fear but fear itself to Winston Churchill. I could offer up some lame excuses, but the bottom line is that I clearly made a mistake. It was, of course, Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt who uttered those famous words during his inauguration address […]

By definition, an authority figure is a person whose real or apparent authority over others inspires or demands obedience and emulation. Those who continue to walk in lockstep with Donald J. Trump certainly place him on a lofty pedestal. It seems nothing he does or says will shake their undying loyalty. But, what if other authority figures chose to act like the President of the United States? As […]

Attention, everyone! Big predictions for 2020 follow! Drop what you are doing! Read this! I’m using exclamation points! Harbor Freight will have a sale this year, probably at least 20-percent off any one item. Whatever you do, don’t pay full price for anything. Donald Trump supporters will continue to support him. No matter what he does. No matter what he […]

My twin grandchildren turned two years old last week, and though everyone told me how much being a grandpa would rock my world, I have to admit I did not expect them to be such an integral part of my life. They live just 45 minutes away, so their grandmother and I have seen them just about every weekend since […]

Does anybody else think the English language is worth saving? Grammar, I mean. Once again, I find myself feeling like the Lone Ranger when it comes to attempting to teach my students to speak correctly, especially when it comes to pronouns. Who is out there telling youngsters that a “person” can be a “they”? Does anybody else wonder why gas […]

Some random thoughts as fall finally shows its face in central Kansas: My advice to everyone is to avoid bruising your ribs if at all possible. I fell while running about a month ago, and I am still hobbled by the damage I did to my right side. I am back on the road, but I am definitely watching every […]

Our most noteworthy local event, the annual craft fair, is coming in a couple of weekends. I know not everyone is excited about it as it causes a healthy dose of disruption to our little burg, but I kind of like the adrenaline rush. Sure, all that outside traffic can be a royal pain, but the fair brings in more […]