I've openly said and admitted several times here that my parents had four children and that I certainly wasn't the brightest light-bulb in the package. In fact, my dad often said, "Johnny, you're a 40 watt bulb in a 100 watt package. Just shine the brightest you can." With that in mind, I ...

My wife and I celebrated 46 years of marriage last week and went to see my daughter and her family in Texas, who were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. I had a great time reconnecting with my 1 ½ year-old granddaughter. Finally, she had begun warming up to me, while having a great ...

-You know how to Polka and do the Chicken Dance. -The name of your bank includes your town name. -You know what “cow-tipping” is. -You’ve had to stop your car and wait while 8 deer cross the road and clear the fence on the other side. -Little smokies in barbecue sauce are ...

Why do foolish things come so naturally? When I got my driver’s license, every car I got to drive, I wanted to see how fast it would go. And I-35 had flashing speed signs, meant to slow you down to the posted speed limit. Foolishly, I wanted to see how high I could get those signs to ...

Remember this old adage? It clearly states my thoughts and opinions today. The Proof’s in the pudding my friend!!! In 1962 on a 6-1 decision, the United States Supreme Court held that reciting government-written prayers in public schools was unconstitutional, violating the Establishment ...

Born left-handed, I was forced into a right-handed world who thinks their right, and left is wrong. In school, desk chairs always had arm rests for right-handers. We left-handers were forced to write “to the right,” which always smeared our school papers. In sports as a kid, we were forced ...

As you know, last Monday was Memorial Day, the day we take a moment or two and honor those brave men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we cherish today. But it’s also a time for people to reflect on all our loved ones that have passed on. Deb and I don’t get down to Chelsea ...

Schooling at home for our children is probably one of the most stressful events for most parents during this virus outbreak. Thoughts plague the mind, such as “How do I make sure my kids are getting the education they need?” “I’m not qualified to teach them!” Etc. Relax! You can do ...

About once a year I have to clear my over-used brain of all the little stuff that really bugs me throughout the year. It's my form of therapy, I guess. Simply put I call it my "Annual Pet Peeve's Column." Those little and perhaps not-so-little annoyances in life that bug the "bejeebers" out of ...

Growing up on a farm in northern Iowa in the 50's, we lost a hog which slipped on ice and had a split pelvis. Having to put it down, the butcher came to our farm and slaughtered the hog. Nothing was as fascinating to a little kid than watching the dressing out of that hog! But nothing was ...