The voice on the other end of the call became garbled and faded out. I saw the senior executive's face on the Microsoft Teams call, but I couldn't make out what he said. When he came back on, all I could hear him saying was "what do you think, Brian?" In this crazy COVID-19 world,... Continue Reading →
Staying safe doing nothing
I’m a multitasker. I've never been one to sit completely still. It's not in me: Why do one thing, when you can do two, three or four. For example, in the evening, you'll usually find me working on a blog or possibly paying bills on my laptop, checking out social media on my smartphone, and... Continue Reading →
My father’s birthday
My father pushed away the oxygen tube from his face and strained to get down on the kitchen floor to play with my daughter. My wife had given birth a few weeks before to our middle son, so my daughter was two in picture of the two of them that I keep in my desk... Continue Reading →
The best laid plans of mice and men
Folk singer and songwriter John Prine had been planning to play several live shows in Kentucky, Calgary, and at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City in a few weeks in May and June. He had shows booked well into the Fall and even had a couple of events planned for next February. Prine... Continue Reading →
Coronavirus: A bittersweet drive
I pushed hard down on the gas pedal and raced up the highway. I’ve made the drive to Washington D.C. hundreds of times over the years and I smiled thinking of the great time I was making, I would be there in no-time. I left late at night, but I still figured I’d run into... Continue Reading →
Missing the family! When technology crosses the miles, but still comes up short
I see my daughter's face on the laptop screen. I focus on her smile. I can even see that she’s doing well and enjoying herself. It kills me though knowing that I can’t hug her or hold her by the shoulders and tell her that I’m proud of her for giving her best. I try... Continue Reading →
And a child shall lead them
My daughter loves hanging out with her friends. She also enjoys reading or relaxing with our dog Nittany. Likewise, my oldest son loves to lift weights and watch action movies. Over the past twelve months, I’ve watched as both have given up things they love and stepped out of their comfort zones to tackle new... Continue Reading →
Erasing the past
I hesitated. I looked at my cell phone again. The "erase" button jumped off the screen. At my wife's urging, I recently purchased a new phone and was getting ready to trade in my old one. To protect my information, I needed to erase everything and return the phone to its original factory settings. In... Continue Reading →
A perfect day
The coffee was weak, my toast was burnt, and my omelet tasted bland. My wife’s breakfast wasn’t much better—her crêpes looked soggy and lumpy. That’s not all. The restaurant was loud and had a strange echo and a cold breeze shook me every time a customer opened the door. Despite the food and the surroundings,... Continue Reading →

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