Has anyone else noticed that Thanksgiving comes around faster and faster each year? While most businesses skip right from Halloween to Christmas, I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is in the fall, my favorite season and it is about family, my favorite people. I have been anticipating having all four kids home … Continue reading Thanksgiving

22 years ago today, I was in a hospital thinking I was going to die. In fact, I told Bill as I grabbed him by the collar, “When I die, and I am going to, I want you to sue this hospital for everything they’ve got.” What can I say? A woman in labor pain … Continue reading 22 years ago

It is a mountain. You can see it from pretty much everywhere around here because of it’s distinctive shape. It’s Cleveland’s version of the Big Chicken. You can also pick it out when you stand on the top of surrounding mountains. It is a landmark. Climbers know it, and have been climbing it for years. … Continue reading Yonah

Each year at our school we have a Veteran’s Day program. It is an attempt to teach this generation of children not to forget those who lived selflessly before them. It is an intentionally solemn and serious program. Last year our speaker, Trecy Kent husband of fifth grade teacher Martha Kent, was skyped in from … Continue reading Veteran’s Day 11-11-11

As a parent, we wonder how much our kids are getting of what we try to teach them. Wonder how they perceive the world around them. Sometimes we are surprised when we catch a glimpse of what they see. This is a poem Peter wrote for a class assignment. Hope you like it as much … Continue reading Where I am From

This time of year, the word blood conjures images of vampires, monsters, and all things Halloween.  It is synonymous with haunted houses, displays of gory skeletons and headless horsemen.  Or, if you are a regular at Concord, the word blood might bring to mind the crucifixion scene in the Christmas production. (For those of you … Continue reading Blood

I wrote this several years ago, and today I was reminded of it as when I came into my house and saw the glowing colors in my kitchen again. The leaves are at their peak and I couldn't love it any more than I do right now. This piece still holds true...for me anyway. Holy … Continue reading Excerpt from My book

The trails I walk have personalities. Unicoi Lake is my good friend and companion. Dukes Creek Falls is where I go in times of pressure…when I need to run away from life. It happens from time to time. Stress builds and I just need air. Perspective. Movement. Release. This trail was the first one I … Continue reading Pressure Walk

I got what I affectionately call “the chicken shot” today. The name is not derived from the fact that I am a chicken when it comes to shots. (Though that is an accurate play on words for me.) The nickname comes from the fact that it is chicken cartilage the consistency of jelly, and they … Continue reading The Chicken Shot

Contrary to the fact that Ms. V believes I am teaching her, I have found that, in fact, she is the teacher and I the student. I have found it is like any ministry you do for others. You go thinking you are going to change their world, and instead they change yours. The first … Continue reading Adventures with Ms.V.