I learned more from two friends in death than I had learned from them in life. 

Giving thanks to those departed souls.

The last First Day of School, the end of summer, just what summer means, and life's next stage

Southeast Alaska, the Inside Passage, Klondike Gold Rush

A dying art, a gift from yesterday, there's nothing so full bodied and rich as  words on paper. Photos may capture the appearance in any given moment, but words, his words, they capture his mind and spirit

On generational service and the reasons we serve. Remembering  sacrifice and celebrating a new Army lieutenant in the family. 

A Story and Two Short Poems: by a Zen Monk & Mary Oliver

April Fools Day and Humor in Uniform. Three stories from cadet life. 

The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes. Churchill

“Would you mind if I take off my shirt?” he said.  A story from a retreat in North Carolina. 

The Odyssey, the Devil, and a Home

Fun things-to-do and great eats in Key West. New Year's on Wheels - Road trip (Ct to VA) and family skating. 

Tough times define us. 

Whitman's Ghost or Simon, played by Joe Pesci in the 1994 film With Honors, shares a message.