Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Story”
Back to school books

Back to school books

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Even though local schools head back obnoxiously early around here, September still feels like the true back-to-school month. It’s still not cozy-up-and-read weather, but surely we’re getting closer! Here’s a look at the four books I read this month. Week 1: Children of Nazis by Tania Crasniaski An uncomfortable read, yet fascinating. The author devotes a chapter to the children of each of eight high-ranking Nazis. Some referred to Hitler as Uncle Adolf and others were even named for him….

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John and Aubrie are engaged
John’s forever love

John’s forever love

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Such wonderful news – John is engaged! Aubrie is delightful. She’s brimming over with kindness, brains, and a sense of humor. Plus … she tells great stories. “How was your day?” I asked her last Friday when we got together to celebrate Gary’s birthday and the engaged couple’s happy news. “Well, no one threw poop at me today, so it was a good day.” Aubrie is an Occupational Therapist. She helps people, even those who don’t want to be helped….

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James in Detroit on 9/16/17
When pirates dance

When pirates dance

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I miss the brudders every day. They’re all where they need to be – and want to be – at this point in their lives, and that’s how it should be. But there are more than a few sighs around here as Gary and I reminisce. One of my happiest ongoing memories is of driving each one of our three sons to school in the morning. They were born so far apart in years (in 1984, 1991, and 1999), that…

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James dorm room
Not his father’s dorm room

Not his father’s dorm room

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Did you know Farmer Gary went to Rose-Hulman, too? Here’s the story: During his junior year of high school (circa 1972), Gary decided to participate in College Day. That’s the annual opportunity to meet with representatives from various colleges and universities. The appointment schedules for these one-on-one meetings were taped up in the hallway. As Gary made his way from list to list, he noticed one school’s sign-up sheet was blank. So he signed up. His interview with Rose-Hulman was…

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The Art of a sendoff

The Art of a sendoff

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Retirement is grand, no doubt about it. When I turned in my two-month notice, it was also time to figure out how to say goodbye to so many friends from over the years. After 28 years at the park, there were hundreds of reporters and travel writers, scores of industry pals, and, dare I say, thousands of coaster enthusiasts. A number of years ago, I served on the Communications Committee for IAAPA, the international trade organization for the amusement industry….

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Gary brakes for geese
When he’s 64

When he’s 64

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Happy birthday, Gary! When you’re born on the 13th of any month, you (presumably) get used to the occasional Friday the 13th birthday. Gary’s 13th birthday was on Friday the 13th back in 1968, which just happened to be the date The Beatles were on the cover of Life Magazine. Earlier in the year, their groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was still number one, featuring the sweet and simple love song “When I’m 64.” As neatly as…

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9/11 memories
Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11

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It was a beautiful early fall day. Back then, streaming news was nearly unheard of, but in 2001 I was able to log on to MSNBC.com and listen to morning news. It was spotty “reception” at best and I always wondered if IT would someday tell me to knock it off, but for now it kept me up to date. Hearing reports that a small plane had somehow veered off course and crashed into one of the Twin Towers was…

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Hummel newspaper ad
Walter

Walter

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Christmas is a big deal around our house. When the boys were little, we went a bit nuts with what went under the tree. To counteract that gimme-gimme message, we always made a point of anonymously donating wrapped gifts to children in need. It was a fun family activity to pick out gifts for these boys and girls and wrap them in festive paper. When James was in Beta Club in high school, he came home one day with a…

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James at Rose-Hulman
Room with a view

Room with a view

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“Mom! Come see this beautiful sunset!” With bedroom windows peering in a southwest direction, James always seemed to catch a beautiful sunset before the rest of us. He’d head outside to watch the changing colors and often grabbed a few photos at just the right moment. Other times, he slung a guitar over his shoulder and sang to the birds, deer, and the occasional groundhog as dusk settled. Mom never tires of hearing her red-haired grandson has a poet’s soul….

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Cameron in December 2015
Grinning in the rain

Grinning in the rain

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As you may have noticed from my monthly list of just-read books, I’m a sincere fan of memoirs. This interest extends to radio interviews and podcasts, as well. I think I get this love from Mom. Back in the ’70s when she had a houseful of kids, Mom would drag a portable radio with her from room to room as she dusted, changed the sheets, and vacuumed. She would catch fascinating radio interviews with musicians, actors, writers, and history makers….

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