31 December 1980 – 11:50 p.m. – Luttrell Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. At the time, Leland lived on Luttrell Avenue in North Knoxville, Tennessee, in a renovated shot-gun style house of the 1920s. He was single; some days, he enjoyed his new life, but other days, he dreaded getting out of bed. Like many divorced men […]

Christmas always brings memories. One such memory involves my friend, partner, and colleague Ron Loving on a dark, drizzling, cold night in Memphis, Tennessee, the week before Christmas. We had secured the CEO into the Peabody Hotel. Ron had gone to the front desk to get some change. He and I then headed toward the […]

At 540 South 93, there sits an old black mailbox. Beside it is an even older gray metal folding chair. It has been like this for many years. Yesterday, with a 72-degree stillness and puffy white clouds in a crystal blue sky, I headed to FArmstrong, my retreat. As I rounded the curve, I looked […]

Today is the last day. My birthday month. Leaves are still falling. Finally, we have rain. The colors may pop or not. Some will be bright and cheery, and others are not. September has always been a puzzling and, at times, challenging month for me. It has been a month of exponential joy and great […]

Old dogs and old men smell bad. I know that because I am one and have an older dog. If my Calista weren’t with Kay at the Lake, she would have to get wet doing her business at some point. And when she does, she smells like an old dog. Older men don’t have to […]

The ever-dependable Dollar General Store sits five miles down Hopkinsville Road from FArmstrong. I know that because I frequent it regularly. And the greeter there is “Old Gypsy.” Gypsy walks to work every day. Exceptionally dependable. Always on time. But she has no keys to the store. Yesterday morning, I went to the Dollar Depot […]

Of all the years of my 56-year career, perhaps the most memorable and enjoyable was my time serving at the Tribune-Courier in the early 1970s. The team from those days, those of us remaining, had a reunion yesterday with lots of laughs, hugs, and recalled memories. As a young man, I dreamed of one day […]

Elders, Respect and Decoration Day From my earliest years and recollections, my Mother taught me to respect and honor my elders. All elders were either “Grandmothers,” (ulisis ),“Grandfathers” (ududus), Aunts (elogis) or Uncles (edutsis). Somewhere around six years of age I think, my Grandfather and I were in his old truck headed to the Liberty Church […]

My wife, best friend, and business partner, Kay, and I are moving into the first stages of retirement. I have no idea what that means. You see, for almost 60 years, I have worked. From age 13, having forged my father’s signature, I started working at the local Ben Franklin store in Princeton, Ky, […]

“Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”― Mother Teresa

My Mother loved Easter. I believe in her mind Easter was really the beginning of spring and being a gardener and “green thumb” this meant she was now free to start her growing season. For those of you that knew my Mother, you can attest to the fact that she could take a seemingly dead […]

“There are, Boy, some things in life you hope you never forget.” With that comment, he sat back and lit his old E.A. Carey half bent apple bowled pipe filled with Black Cavendish. I loved that smell. It reminded me of my Grandfather. I admit I enjoyed listening and talking with the “Old Man” as […]

Zuzu Bailey: “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” George Bailey: “That’s right, that’s right. Attaboy, Clarence.” It’s a Wonderful Life (1945) Every man and woman needs to know they have made a difference in life and that their lives have impacted their community, family, and friends. George […]

Recently my wife expressed concern that I didn’t join her and her family for the Miller Thanksgiving, a tradition I have passed on for many years. It genuinely bothers here and yet I have my reasons. I reminded her why a quiet Thanksgiving at a Waffle House, or alone reading a book and eating a […]