Very few of us have formal education in parenting. Our main instruction came from the universal course called “Watching our parents 201”. Our parents, in turn, completed their parental training titled—“Watching their parents 101”. Parental strengths and shortcomings pass from generation to generation. Given our lack of family education and support, it’s amazing we do so well! Read more about Parenthood isn’t the easier job

On December 18^th, Diane and I will have been married for 40 years! Wow! Where did all that time go? It seems like a lifetime ago that we got married in her parent’s living room, surrounded by family and friends. It was a small, inexpensive wedding by today’s standards. But everyone was as happy and as celebratory as they are at today’s bigger ceremonies. Read more about Lessons from 40 years of marriage

On these gray winter mornings, I like to walk around Green Lake and watch the sun rise. This time of year, I think about my mom’s brief illness and death four years ago, which quickly followed Christmas. It was both a sad and sweet time. I was able to help take care of her and comfort her during her final weeks. On my early morning walks I find myself recalling those last mornings, watching the sun rise from her Florida terrace, listening to the sounds of tropical birds, wondering if each day would be her last. I think about her often.

I miss her terribly. Read more about Coping with holiday loss

I can always tell when the holidays are around the corner—drivers start to take out all of the slack! Gone are the polite Northwesterner’s who always let someone into their lane. Beware of those four-way stops! It’s everyone for themselves!

For many adults, the holidays are a mixture of sweet, sad, and stressful moments. Here’s my recipe for a rewarding holiday season for yourself and your loved ones. Read more about Recipe for a joyful holiday

The hustle bustle of everyday life can keep us from experiencing stillness, wonder, and grace. It prevents us from being aware of the moment and cultivates impatience with our here and now. Read more about Experiencing stillness, wonder, and grace

Everything changes. Every day our kids grow older. Companies enlarge, shrink, and become something else. Relationships develop or die. Our bodies age. New technology replaces old gadgets.  Intellectually we know—Don’t get too comfortable with the status quo. But when something changes that we value, we’re angry. Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? We react. And unless it’s something that we wanted---not too well. Read more about Maintaining balance amid change

Alcohol abuse is a growing problem for older adults. According to public health surveys, older adult alcohol use disorders are on the rise. Read more about Older adult alcohol abuse, a growing problem