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T.C. turns 84 years old 11.7.20
Yesterday, my father-in-law, T.C. Dickerson turned eighty-four years old. And it was a great day. T.C.’s health has not been the best for the past four years. Three years ago, he had to leave our oldest son’s wedding reception early, and two years ago, was not able to attend our middle son’s wedding. At the beginning of COVID, the retirement community where he and his wife Sarah reside had to shut down. And I was not able to see them until a few weeks ago when it reopened. So, the thought of Sarah and T.C. actually making a trip to our farm, which neither had seen, seemed out of the…
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A Healthy Exchange of Ideas 11.6.20
Earlier on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, Lizzy and I were driving back to the lake house after a full day of working at Poor Creek Farm. Our oldest son, who lives in Boston, calls us on our cell phone to check in. After chatting for a few minutes, he asks, “Who did you vote for?” We laugh at the question because he already knew the answer. Elizabeth and I were among the Americans who had voted early. Davis, on the other hand, was going to vote later that day because he wanted to cast his vote on the actual Election Day because it felt more participatory. I can proudly…
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James at six weeks
James, Today, Sunday, November 1st, you are exactly six weeks old. And in your grandparents’ minds that is an important milestone. And here is the reason. When your dad was the same age, I was scheduled to attend my good friend Sam’s bachelor party in Washington D.C. Sam was the best man in our own wedding, and he happens to be your uncle Jack’s Godfather. So, he really wanted me to be there. However, that afternoon before I left, your dad appeared very lethargic. So, as a precaution, I gave your grandmother Lizzy a phone number where she could reach me. Later that evening your grandmother called me to tell…
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The Homestead in October
We love sharing the Homestead with our friends, especially friends who have not visited before. This week we had friends from Gastonia, NC, Southern California, and Richmond share the week here with us. Thanks David and Patty, Bob and Judy, and Jeff and Denise for making this week so special for us. Enjoy the photos.
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James at One Month
James, You are so big. You had your one-month check-up today and you were 8 pounds and 13 ounces. When you were born, you were 6 pounds. So, in one month, you have increased your weight by 46%. Think about that. You came two weeks early. So, if I do my math right, in one month you gained almost 50% of the weight you gained in a little over 8 months. Your mom deserves most of the credit. She has been so diligent in making sure you get all of the nutrients you need for a great start to grow up healthy and strong. In addition, your mom and dad…
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The Football Field Meltdown
My first semester of college was a major transition for me. In addition to happily adjusting to indoor plumbing, I had to adapt socially and academically to my new environment. And although I did not know or care about Phi Beta Kappa when I matriculated to Randolph-Macon College, I would realize its significance later when I narrowly missed graduating with that honor. It was not my nemesis, freshman physics, that kept me from that honor. It would be another freshman class – one that to this day, as a writer, I wish I could take over again. Although my course load was light during my first semester with Pre-calculus, French, English and…
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We are Salt
Poem inspired by Bible Study Group
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Two Thriller Novels – A Review
When I included the category “Curated – books” for this blog, I envisioned book reviews on books like David Brooks’ The Second Mountain and Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled, or even Jeanette Walls’ The Glass Castle, all of which I will summarize and review one day. I never thought I would include a review of a murder mystery or spy thriller. It has been a long time since I’ve picked up a mystery/thriller to read for pure entertainment. The last such book may have been a John Grisham novel years ago. While visiting Jack’s in-laws, the Holloways a weekend ago at their beach house in Sandbridge, Virginia, I noticed…
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James – Week Two
James, You are so small. And you appeared so fragile, causing my heart to race from nervousness when you were first placed into my waiting arms for the first time. However, once I got past the thought of dropping you, I focused on your delicate facial features, your breathing, and the little noises you made. And I felt the heat from your little body. I hope you keep that heat with you your entire life – the heat of energy and passion, to fuel you to do good in the world. Our week with you in Maine and Boston is nearing its end. When Lizzy and I arrived at Boston…
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Life of The Beloved
Reading a post on instagram this morning reminded me of Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved". We are "like bread at the table, taken, blessed, broken, and given." If we cannot accept and love ourselves as broken, yet chosen, how can we love others? And suffering, although an unpleasant and painful wilderness, is the journey most of us require to develop perseverance, empathy, gratitude, and love.
