For the last five years, I’ve spent one Saturday in January at a unique sporting event that induces anxiety, quickens the pulse and triggers a few tears. Of course I’m talking about the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. This anachronistic competition is a throw-back to the days when kids made their own toys out of what … Continue reading The Power of Pine
Tag: South
A Minor Surgery
First thing Monday morning, Harris had his adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears. It was the very definition of a “minor surgery.” All went according to plan, and Harris returned to school on Wednesday. In fact, he perked up several hours after he returned home. If you have to have a surgery, this … Continue reading A Minor Surgery
Everything I Need to Know I’m Learning on the Farm
Everybody needs a farm. Not to make a living. That’s one of the hardest things anyone can do with his or her life. No, I think people need a farm, even if they don’t own it, to go and learn how to live. The lessons there are simple, profound and unavoidable. Last Saturday we visited … Continue reading Everything I Need to Know I’m Learning on the Farm
Answering the ‘Call of the Wildman’
An amazing thing happened Jan. 2. Rather than watch college football, which is my usual New Year’s custom, the boys and I spent the afternoon watching the most compelling television I have ever witnessed. While in Florida last week on Christmas vacation at my parent’s house, my dad introduced me to Animal Planet’s “The Call … Continue reading Answering the ‘Call of the Wildman’
Time passes one brick at a time
Yesterday we took the boys to the new Legoland Florida theme park. The boys had an amazing day, judging by their smiles, laughter and my over-exuberant uploading of photos to Facebook. Carla and I couldn’t help but reflect on our two previous visits to that property, each in a very different set of circumstances. Before … Continue reading Time passes one brick at a time
No matter how far away we roam
I’ll be home for after Christmas. We’re at T-minus two days and counting until the big day. Soon, Carla’s parents will be arriving and we’ll being going to Christmas Eve services at church. The surprise and joy of Christmas morning will give way to the irritability and arguing of sleep-deprived children. Cognitively, I know that … Continue reading No matter how far away we roam
With every Christmas card I write
Even before my children start their annual greed lists, my wife begins a months-long odyssey of creating the perfect family image to send to loved ones at Christmas. What some people dismiss as an antiquated practice involving such archaic institutions as the U.S. Postal Service, sending Christmas cards is the apogee of the season for … Continue reading With every Christmas card I write
Build yourself a merry Lego Christmas
That children inherit certain physical and personality traits from their parents is indisputable. Carla and I are both planners and list makers, so it should be no surprise that our children follow suit. However, I am having trouble explaining the borderline mental disorder that has beset my children this year as they compulsively write and … Continue reading Build yourself a merry Lego Christmas
O Christmas tree
“How about this one?” I held the 6-and-a-half foot Frasier Fir at arm’s length, shaking it vigorously so the branches would fall into a more natural position. “Nope. Too skinny,” my wife said, frowning and shaking her head. “You keep rejecting these trees because they’re too skinny. I’m starting to get a complex,” I said … Continue reading O Christmas tree
In search of Black Friday
I hate shopping. I don’t even really like Internet shopping. There is absolutely nothing appealing about Black Friday to me. I don’t believe in its philosophical underpinnings. I don’t understand its attraction. I don’t acknowledge its existence. But like someone chasing a ghost or questing for grainy 8 millimeter footage of Big Foot, I set out … Continue reading In search of Black Friday
New South Essays 