State park trail entry point.

Journey Home

Tales from the pilgrimage.

Living in Society

Politics mostly social commentary.

  • A Place To Work

    Only after a couple of days away from daily routine can a person begin to be themselves. That’s where I am this morning. I crave a place to work. Desire is a blessing and a curse. When we want something, we set ourselves up for disappointment. We may get it, but can’t always get what… Read more

  • Vacation – Hour 12

    A political meet up, dinner using orchard-fresh apples, watching the presidential political debate on my phone, and five hours of sleep highlighted the first 12 of 96 hours of vacation this week. I need to get more rest, but not now. Not today. Awake and writing, soon to be picking detritus from the yard, I… Read more

  • Crashing into September

    Things are falling apart so Tuesday I begin four days paid vacation from the home, farm and auto supply store. I plan to catch up around the house and run a few errands in and near the county seat — and try to regain a sense of being in control. Not counting one paid sick… Read more

  • Protect Environment; Stop Nuclear Weapons

    (Editor’s Note: When this guest column ran in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on Wednesday, Sept. 21, its abstract nature became real as heavy precipitation events pummeled Butler County and other parts of northeastern Iowa, disrupting lives there and downstream. Living in an environment where rain damages crops instead of nurturing them; where rivers jump their… Read more

  • Letter to the Solon Economist

    If you have been thinking of running for elected office, a slot is open on the ballot in Big Grove Township. Mark Haight is the lone candidate seeking re-election as township trustee for two open seats. Mark has unique skills suitable for being a trustee, so I hope you’ll flip the ballot and vote for… Read more

  • Iowa Returning to its Roots

    Tucked away in a North Liberty strip mall in Iowa’s most Democratic county is a Republican campaign office. The yard signs along Highway 965 are noticeable only for their comparatively large number (five), and one including an image of the GOP elephant and the letters “G.O.P.” The county had 18,335 registered Republicans on Sept. 1… Read more

  • Work in Late Summer

    This week my to-do list turned into a deal-with list and I don’t like it. The tipping point was the car overheating while driving north on Highway One. There is not enough time to fit car repairs into late summer. I’m going to have to deal with it. The pool of liquid in the garage… Read more

  • Pressing the Limits

    For the first time in a long time I missed work on Wednesday. After a futile attempt to shave, shower and drive into the home, farm and auto supply store, I called off and slept until 2 p.m. — a total of 19 hours in bed. I’m back to normal and scheduled four days vacation… Read more

  • Into The Vanishing Point

    A new perspective revealed itself from paths traveled daily. Something showed through the uncut grass and garden in the light of a rising sun. I should quit thinking and mow the damn lawn. It depends. What time will I finish at the orchard? How will I feel after interacting with locals for a shift? Will… Read more

  • September Song

    An air traffic controller can land only one airplane at a time and so it is with us. Life’s cornucopia brings many gifts. Midst the abundance of life’s instance what’s essential for a sixty-something is reliance on a foundation built over time and selecting single tasks related to grand plans as well as we can.… Read more