Stray Thoughts: Full Disclosure

As my kids begin their own adult lives, I wonder what to tell them. I have told them many stories of my youth, but certainly not all… growing up in today’s world, they aren’t ready for everything yet.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

I just finished listening online to a sermon my Episcopalian friend Whitney Kimball Coe gave on Sunday.

CANDLES AND MIRRORS: When overalls could stand

It’s Monday morning. The sun is shining. Delmer informed me via text that it is five degrees in De Smet, SD. On a similar January day nearly 70 years ago, our mother would have said, “It’s a good day to get the laundry done.”.

Home Country: The cold factor

“This is ‘bout the best time of year,” said Steve, “to get out and do something fun, like go to a rodeo.”“Awful cold out there right now, Steve,” said Doc, who has more degrees than a thermometer. “I guess it’s a good thing they have all those building rodeos these days.

What can we learn from the dying?

For the last five years, I have had the great privilege of serving my local health system as Medical Director for Home Hospice.

It’s here

Lately I’ve been reminded of a blockbuster movie from my youth. It contains a scene that even those who never saw the film are likely to recognize. A sleeping family is jolted awake, and from the foot of the bed the young daughter sings “they’re here!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor: I am extremely concerned about the governor’s proposed cuts to the South Dakota State Library and changes to State Library services as proposed in House Bill 1041.

CANDLES AND MIRRORS: Not necessarily necessary

Her freckled face burned bright red. She folded her hands, averted her eyes and whispered, “I need to use the necessary.” This scene led to the attempted escape of the young woman from her captors in the historic novel I recently finished.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

Lane was a father, son, husband, brother, rancher, and valued community member. I was his English teacher in high school, and I have to say, reading someone’s essays about English literature when they are a teenager is an unexpectedly good window into their personality.

The seven warning signs of cancer

Recently I was working with my son’s scout troop to help them achieve the personal fitness merit badge. This merit badge has many requirements including discussions about healthy habits, diet, and exercise.