In his play, "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Although the Bard opines here that naming things has no real importance, I have to say that in my experience, a name can be a blessing or a … Continue reading What’s in a name?
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Sept. 20, 2023 As my grandchildren have gotten older, graduated from high school and into the world of "adulting," I have found myself missing the thrill and pride of going to their sporting events and watching them spike a volleyball or sink a buzzer-beater. My girls attended Adrian so … Continue reading Basketball dreams
March Madness. For as long as I can remember, this has been a "thing" every spring. I don't really follow basketball, but if I had to pick one sport (besides golf) that I will watch, it's college basketball and usually during March Madness. I'm not sure why, but there is something almost hypnotic about the … Continue reading Madness of March
First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, Dec. 14,, 2023 Squibs: Christmas Cards We are now less than two weeks from Christmas and already I'm behind on most of the things I typically do this time of year. At the top of that list is sending Christmas cards. As I write this, I have mailed about … Continue reading Christmas Greetings
First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, Aug. 31, 2023 This is a story about Billy. Billy made a calendar for his mother when he was in first grade. It was a piece of thick cardstock upon which he had carefully stamped his handprints with red finger paint. His long, slender fingers were separated by gaps … Continue reading Billy
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Nov. 2, 2023 Boston, London, Chicago, Berlin, and New York City have something in common that is said to have originated in ancient Greece: these are the top five cities worldwide for marathon runners. Although millions have run 26.2-mile courses around the world, they still represent a small percentage … Continue reading Marathon Man
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Oct. 11, 2023 "That government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." These words have been used by politicians over the past 160 years, but they were first utted by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, at a … Continue reading We’re all in this together
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Nov. 2016, 2023 Writing a regular column is both a joy and a challenge, and right now, in this space and time, I am finding it a challenge to find joy. We are right at the start of our holiday season, with Thanksgiving just days away, and I think … Continue reading Thanksgiving joy
First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, January 6, 2024 As I reflect on the past year--it went pretty quickly, didn't it?--I think about the stories I've written for The Tecumseh Herald and the many people I've had the pleasure of interviewing. Most of you know I love my work at the Herald and I'll always … Continue reading The Community Newspaper
Most people would describe Declan McNelis as an amiable, affable and patient person with a great sense of humor. For a tour bus driver, these are essential qualities. McNelis, who will turn 60 in July, is a coach driver who spends his working hours piloting a tour bus around Ireland. He navigates the tightest turns … Continue reading Declan McNelis
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