This won’t be a feel good post. Sorry. Just move on if you’re not up for a bit of negativity. Sometimes I’m told I’m opinionated, overly critical. I think that is true while I also reject the automatic corollary that that’s a bad thing in every situation. As I often say, I’m not negative, I’mContinue reading “Things that annoy”
Author Archives: The OW Factor
The Northwoods
Some people think the tropics, the beach, the sun — those are the best ingredients for a good vacation. Not me. Give me the Northwoods, give me cool temperatures requiring layers to keep warm. Give me a wood fire and plenty of mosquito and tick repellent. A little sarcasm there, but really, my ideal locationContinue reading “The Northwoods”
Forest bathing
Have you heard of forest bathing? I have, but only in vague terms. This NPR story talks about it in more detail and I encourage you to read it if this concept intrigues you. Forest bathing to me is just a fancier way of describing a walk in the woods, which I happened to doContinue reading “Forest bathing”
Food
In my family, a lot of talk revolves around food. I doubt we are much different from any other large family. The older we all get, the more we seem to talk and reminisce over food. This past weekend, my wife and I were able to spend time with extended family and we enjoyed someContinue reading “Food”
Neglect
I’ll admit it: I’ve neglected this blog lately. I’m not sure of all the reasons why although the most common one is that it has felt like one more thing to do. And I don’t need or want “one more thing to do.” I read an interesting article recently about someone in higher education whoContinue reading “Neglect”
Menagerie
Welcome to the new year, all. New year, new start, including (hopefully) more regular posting on this blog. We are a family that loves animals, and we have a bit of a menagerie now: three dogs, two parakeets, and the most recent additions: two kittens. You guessed it, the kittens were Christmas presents for twoContinue reading “Menagerie”
The Beatles to Beyoncé
I have no use whatsoever for the Beatles. Never have. I know I am in the minority here, but seriously, I have never understood their popularity. They have a few good songs, but that’s about it. What little I know of them individually and as a group just … annoys. What also annoys is theContinue reading “The Beatles to Beyoncé”
Chicken and dumplings soup for the soul
Recently, my wife made a wonderful chicken and dumplings soup, which was quickly devoured by us all. Not only was it tasty, it was comforting and soothing. There are many kinds of food like that, wouldn’t you agree? Some that I can think of: A well-made cup of tea (favorites include Irish or English breakfastContinue reading “Chicken and dumplings soup for the soul”
Strange(r) things
Strange(r) things have been happening lately. For example, did you know that such a thing as Green Bean Casserole Pizza exists? And that it is actually tasty? And that it comes from Aldi? Weird, but true. Another example: a coworker asked me how I know for sure what I believe (referring to my faith). ThisContinue reading “Strange(r) things”
An on- and off-again love affair with Apple
Since they first came on the scene decades ago, I’ve had an on- and off-again love affair with Apple (the computer/device company). I can distinctly remember the fascination I felt when viewing their first mouse-controlled computer in the ‘80s, for example. I’ve owned many Apple computers and devices over the years, and still do. ButContinue reading “An on- and off-again love affair with Apple”
The OW Factor 