I am walking on the sand between the green rolling hills and the crashing surf.  The sun is illuminating the land with its first rays of...

When you hear or see the word “anticipation” what’s your first thought?  If you are of a certain age, it might be the 1971 hit record by...

Not long ago, I came across a quote from the French author, philosopher, and playwright Albert Camus. A heroic member of the French...

Dr. Kevin Cherry, Vice President of the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, former state historian of North Carolina, and this year's...

Routine is something that has eluded me in my retirement years. I felt badly about it until I realized that I had been rebelling against...

We’ve all been there. The DMV and the ER are the most iconic waiting rooms with their own vibe and rules. At the Department of Motor...

When I was at the National Archives, we were unwillingly drawn into the controversy regarding the public display of the Ten Commandments....

relax you copyright attorneys. I am not charging anyone to see this image, so it is not enriching me in any way, shape, or form. I wanted...

The English Language is special to me. Its care and proper use is a big part of who I am. Since beginning this blog, I have been told...

Photo by T.C. "Andy" Andersen “Love is patient, love is kind…” I Corinthians 13:4 I chose the word patience because it is the hardest...

A dear friend, now departed this earth, invited me to join a Men’s Bible Study group at St. Michael's Episcopal Church ten years ago. He...

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, one thing for which I am thankful is Thomas Jefferson's retreat nestled in the stunning landscape...

by Robert Frost My Sorrow, when she's here with me, Thinks these dark days of autumn rain Are beautiful as days can be; She loves the...

I am not an avid hiker but have always recognized the therapeutic benefit of a long walk in the woods. I had such an opportunity this...

Hobson's Choice. 3145 Florence Road, Woodbine, Howard County, Maryland. c. 1830 In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Thomas Hobson...

I looked up the definition of “legacy” this week and was surprised that Webster lists money or property as the first meaning of the term....

I’m always amused by the concept that Columbus discovered America, as though it wasn’t here before he first saw it from the deck of his...

Today is my birthday and I absolutely refuse to be discouraged. The gloomy predictions about the future of democracy, threatened violence...

It was like saying goodbye to an old friend. I know. It’s silly to conflate fandom with friendship. But we were fans of the character...

photo courtesy of Deposit Photos A lifetime of holding yard sales has taught me a lot of lessons and this installment is a humorous...