About 12 of us first met in the winter of 1967 in a training class at the Greater Peoria Airport as prospective employees of Ozark Airlines. Most of us were in our late teens or barely 20. This was many…

Read more →

When I was a child, I often asked my mother whom she loved most: my dad, my sister or me. I was hoping, and rather confident I would be high scorer in this category. It never happened. She always told…

Read more →

The prospect of making New Year’s Resolutions has always grabbed my attention even as a child. I love the idea of a new year waiting to be filled with all life has to offer. I have since learned, of course,…

Read more →

Holiday traditions have always been very important in my family. We’re not hesitant to make adjustments if an activity loses its significance, but we’re not slackers when it comes to celebrations. I grew up in a very small family, but…

Read more →

Back in the day, a euphemism for non-specific but multiple numbers of decades ago, school reconvened in September. More specifically, the day after Labor Day, regardless of the calendar date. With no regard to outside temperatures, we parochial school students…

Read more →

Job searchers are advised to consider familiar, favorite places when looking for employment. That’s precisely what I did in the early spring of 2001. I wanted part-time work where I could feel comfortable in a business environment, and make a…

Read more →

Singer, songwriter Bob Dylan insisted in 1963, “The Times They Are A-Changin.’” While he was addressing issues more profound than technology or consumerism, the lyrics still ring true. If we weren’t into his music then, we can sing it now!…

Read more →

Respect and acceptance do not require official documents, summit meetings, or highly evolved symposiums to discuss matters at hand. Sometimes a room in a building’s lower level with participants gathered around a large table, some sporting beverages or maybe a…

Read more →