A Beacon of Light

“One of the last 12 great places in the Western Hemisphere.”  The Nature Conservancy Kathy and I spent the day of our 40th wedding anniversary on scenic Block Island. The island is located just one hour by ferry boat from Newport, Rhode Island. It seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in America. I…

“A great marriage is notwhen the ‘perfect couple’comes together. It’s whenan imperfect couple learnsto enjoy their differences.” Dave Meurer  As of today, by the grace of God, Kathy and I are both alive and well. We’ve been blessed with three impressive sons and five delightful grandchildren. Through the years, we welcomed two extraordinary daughters-in-law into our…

“What cheer?” Motto of Providence, Rhode Island I woke up in Rhode Island this morning — Providence, Rhode Island. Yesterday’s flights from San José (we had a stop-over in Denver) were quite pleasant, as far as air travel goes these days. From San José to Denver, the woman sitting next to Kathy engaged her in…

“The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.” J.R.R. Tolkien And we’re off… together this time. Kathy and I certainly don’t qualify as avid travelers or frequent flyers, but we have traveled a bit in the past forty years. Since we’ve been married, Kathy has taken a few trips without me — to Chicago, Seattle, New…

“Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.”  John Spence I would guess that I’m not alone in wondering why some things have happened in my life. Whether they be good things or bad, it’s human nature to consider why life happens…

“Be the lighthouse in the sea of darkness.”  Unknown I am a firm believer in the overwhelming good which exists in our world today, yet, like you, I am well aware of some of the somber darkness with which many of us struggle. If we take a quick look back at human history, we’ll likely…

“A city that outdistances man’s walking powers is a trap for man.” Arnold J. Toynbee If you live in San Francisco, or anywhere in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, you are most certainly aware of the Bay-to-Breakers race, which takes place in The City on the third Sunday in May each year. The event…

“Few things in life are more delightful than grandchildren fighting over your lap.” Doug Larson Love. Love. Love. This is what our grandchildren bring into our home each time they visit us. When I was a child, I never gave a thought to being a grandparent myself. Even when our own kids were born, the…

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” Eleanor Roosevelt It’s a truth that cannot be denied. Kathy and I are getting older. I don’t think we’ve reached the age when the term “old people” applies to us yet, but with each passing year, we are getting closer…

Happy Birthday to my granddaughter, Penelope! Birthdays are special occasions for all of us. We gather to acknowledge the growth of someone we love dearly. Today is a day for such a celebration. Kathy and I are grateful that Penny, along with her Dad (Steve), Mom (Morgan), sister (Scarlett), and brother (Henry) live just two…