Drawing conclusions after 3 months of Shayna

It’s been many years since we had a dog in the house. I’d forgotten some of dogs? habits, routines, dominances and passions. First a review: Shayna is a pre-owned, 15- month-old, neutered, Husky, Hound, Shepherd, etc. ? Dogs have to pass you in the doorway to make sure they get there first. ? Left alone […]

Letting my mind wander a little longer

Wonder if any sports writer ever asks a referee or umpire who they favor? Sometimes it sure feels like favorites are getting calls. Speaking of referees, the next time you see one giving the sign for loss of down, pay particular attention to the refs mouth. See if you detect a smile. The signal is […]

Grandchildren update; herald new addition

Grandson Dan Offer has made it through his first year at Michigan State U. Granddaughter Karen Offer made the Oxford High varsity golf team as a sophomore. Granddaughter Savannah Speed, 8, got her first gift from a boy — a pencil. Twins Haley and Trevor Speed, who will be five August 30, weren’t asked, but, […]

Fishing writers will not cover our trout opener

By the time you read this we will have returned form our annual trout fishing trip in the UP. You will not see our experiences – venture – outing – vacation – weekend retreat – whatever, covered in fishing magazines, sports pages or Michigan Outdoors TV show. First of all, we do not plan on […]

Sometimes we have to think to give thanks

There are times in life when we feel there is nothing for which to give thanks. Deaths and tragedies cancel good thoughts. Then you see a baby look at you and smile. And you melt. A cold or illness saps your strength, then you see a beautiful sunset. There are times in life when happier […]

Ever properly fold a fitted sheet? No one has!

The person who invented fitted sheets never refolded one after a wash. Or, that inventor was a sadist, had a bad marriage, hated the world or had a weird sense of humor. Last week I had to launder the fitted sheets used in our deer camp. What? You didn’t really expect we hunters to use […]

Just Jottin . . .

We’re often reminded to look at the world through rose colored glasses. We’re told to see a glass as half full, as opposed to half empty. I suppose you’ll have more friends if you’re optimistic. That’s all fine for the ever-smiling, unrealistic, too-joyful and the therefore boring minority. However, I think the majority, people like […]

Just jotting

Last year I hired a window washer. When he was finished he asked if I knew our house needed a paint job. I hired a painter. When he was finished he asked if I knew we needed a new roof. When the roofer was finished he asked if I knew we needed a new roof […]

One way to explain the importance of time

But first some observations: ? These generations we’ve spawned are just too darn plain talking. The only organ that was ever mentioned in Hazel’s and my conversations was our Hammond. ? Box stores — So big, so little help. ? The most dangerous animal on Wall Street is not the bull or bear, but the […]

A child writes of Christmas break

After Christmas break, the teacher asked her third-grade class to write a composition on their holiday. One little boy wrote as follows: We always spend Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live here in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida. They live in a place with […]

1 62 63 64