Category Archives: General

Wintertime Fun in Vail

We’re getting more snow.  The previous blast of snow and cold air a few weeks ago, left branches covered with wet, heavy snow, and very slick streets.  Once again, this month, I am reminded of living as an adolescent in … Continue reading

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Homer’s

There is a bar in Vail, Iowa, called “Homer’s.”  The bar has been there since I was a kid.  The owners have changed, the name hasn’t. Francis Devaney was an old bachelor that owned the original Homer’s.  His nickname was … Continue reading

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Big Yellow Taxi

When I was a child, our home had a row of American elm trees separating our property from our neighbor to the south.  I climbed one of those trees so often that I could get to a branch 20 feet … Continue reading

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John Patrick Ryan 1953-2020

Our brother, John Ryan, died sometime during the weekend of August 28-30, although the official date of his death is September 1, we were notified on the 31st, a day earlier.  Some things just don’t make sense. John was a … Continue reading

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Popcorn, Peanuts & Cracker Jack

Sunday afternoons were slotted for room inspection during my childhood.  My father was a military man and he believed in duty, integrity and most important of all, humility.  As the youngest of six children, it never occurred to me to … Continue reading

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Take A Pill

One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small And the ones that mother gives you, don’t do anything at all White Rabbit by Grace Slick, Jefferson Airplane. This week I have my yearly visit with my primary … Continue reading

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