Keep it brief

The Lord's Prayer in the book of Matthew in the King James Version has 66 words. The book of Luke is even shorter. The Gettysburg Address is made up of 286 words. The Declaration of Independence totals 1,322 words. Monday, August 23, 2010

The best investments

The Sunday newspapers give a list of financial institutions and the rates that they pay o CD accounts. The shorter the deposit time, the lower the return rate. Some banks have three month CDs, most or all have six month deposits. We guess when we buy or renew CDs. Should we buy a one, two or five year CD? What will the interest rates do in the future? Monday, August 16, 2010

Life's important decisions

Most adults can think of acquaintances that fit many categories. There are the good luck people, the bad luck people, the lazy bunch, the ambitious ones, the happy folk and the complainers. We could probably add many more to our list. Part of this is reality, all is perception. Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Content and contentment

There is an old story about someone asking a very wealthy man the question How much wealth would it take to make you content? He replied, just a little more. If a runner or a golfer improves their time or score just a little, that is good enough for now. Thursday, August 05, 2010

It is not about me

It is not the awards, educational degrees or accomplishments that count when considering from birth to forever. Yes, they are nice and satisfying, but they are not the end in themselves. Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Counting our blessings

During the 1950s and 60s we sang an old chorus that we well might sing again. "When upon life's billows you are tempted and tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count you many blessings, see what God has done." Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Counting our blessings

During the 1950s and 60s we sang an old chorus that we well might sing again. "When upon life's billows you are tempted and tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count you many blessings, see what God has done." Monday, July 19, 2010

A very special day

Father's Day was a very special day. The last get together at the old homestead was even more special because all four daughters were there. Then of course, the grandchildren and great grandchildren only added to the joy of our family get together. Thursday, July 08, 2010

A different Father's Day

This year was the 51st Father's Day at the same house for our family. We have many great memories. A variety of games including volleyball have been part of the routine. A great meal including grilled hamburgers, steak, chicken and hot dogs have been standard. Twenty-five to 30 family members usually get together. But this year was the last one. Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The best gift ever!

Giving and receiving gifts can be very enjoyable. We could each make a list of good gifts that we have received. It might be five or it might be 50. Now let us imagine that we list them from the best on down to the end. This would be quite a chore and take days, weeks or months to complete. The following are a few of mine. Monday, June 21, 2010

Another great fish fry

Approximately 37 years ago another couple and my first wife and I started to plan a camp up north. In 1974, we started to bulldoze and clear trees and brush for the first building. The basement block was laid and capped before winter. Now 36 years later, 20 building including 15 cabins, house Camp Dellwater on the beautiful grounds next to Dellwater Lake. Monday, June 14, 2010