Biography

6 days ago9 min read

Oh So Happy Retreat

Mrs. Adelaide Close Riggs (1908-1998) In a continued effort to prove to my friend Susan Rountree that maybe I am Forest Gump, here is...

Oct 316 min read

Reggie

In the midst of the joyful anticipation on this crisp September afternoon, I don’t remember who first noticed, but word spread quickly....

Oct 15 min read

The Walk

Newly inaugurated President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Roslynn on their walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, 1977 President Jimmy Carter is a...

Aug 124 min read

Anticipation

When you hear or see the word “anticipation” what’s your first thought? If you are of a certain age, it might be the 1971 hit record by...

May 268 min read

Commencement 2024

Dr. Kevin Cherry, Vice President of the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, former state historian of North Carolina, and this year's...

May 224 min read

Routine

Routine is something that has eluded me in my retirement years. I felt badly about it until I realized that I had been rebelling against...

Apr 1715 min read

Car Talk*

My son-in-law describes himself as a “car guy” and the more I’ve thought about it, so am I. Now, though I have done a brake job and...

Dec 28, 20235 min read

Dance Recital Blues

I have spent a good portion of my life at dance recitals; or I should say waiting at dance recitals. Waiting for the performance of the...

Nov 27, 20239 min read

Our Memorable Thanksgiving Fails*

Rockwell interpretation by artist Sam Spratt Let me begin by saying that my wife is a fantastic cook. My daughters, sons-in law, and...

Nov 17, 20233 min read

Band of Brothers

A dear friend, now departed this earth, invited me to join a Men’s Bible Study group at St. Michael's Episcopal Church ten years ago. He...

Oct 16, 20237 min read

Bucket List Belgium

The canals of Bruges Belgium I recently had the opportunity to cover two life-long wishes with one compact trip to Europe. I don’t use...

Sep 29, 20235 min read

Brooks

I just returned from a week in Belgium and France with a head full of blog ideas, but the passing of a Baltimore legend requires a pause...

Sep 8, 20234 min read

Front Porch Photos

While I love summertime and its accompanying beach, baseball and boating, my favorite season has always been autumn. The anticipation of...

Aug 20, 20236 min read

I will lift up mine eyes

I am not an avid hiker but have always recognized the therapeutic benefit of a long walk in the woods. I had such an opportunity this...

Aug 13, 20238 min read

Hobson's Choice

Hobson's Choice. 3145 Florence Road, Woodbine, Howard County, Maryland. c. 1830 In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Thomas Hobson...

Jul 15, 20237 min read

Hi-Yo Silver

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty ‘Hi-Yo Silver’… The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion,...

Jul 7, 202310 min read

In Search of St. Francis

All Saints, Catonsville, Maryland Today is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. I use the occasion and the third anniversary of...

Jul 3, 20233 min read

Not Just a Day Off

Those of you who know me, have heard me say, "when you work at the Vatican you have to work Christmas Eve; and when you work at the...

Jun 25, 20233 min read

Happy Birthday Pollyanna

Today is my birthday and I absolutely refuse to be discouraged. The gloomy predictions about the future of democracy, threatened violence...

Jun 9, 20234 min read

So long Ted

It was like saying goodbye to an old friend. I know. It’s silly to conflate fandom with friendship. But we were fans of the character...