I have a confession. Last month, I said Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I think I lied. It’s really Christmas. I don’t really like the chaos, or the gift wrapping, card sending or shopping, or the organizing and running from place to place. What I do like, is what I think Christmas is …
Dog: ball; baby: rattle; bunny: carrot; teen: phone.
Marking a marriage by years of togetherness is commonplace — we celebrate wedding anniversaries. But making a marriage marvelous requires much more than time, grown-up puppy love and a once-a-year card.
It’s my favorite time of the year next to the first day of school. I’m one of those crazy Christmas-loving people who listens to Christmas music in October. There is so much to see and do in and around the Lake Minnetonka area.
It’s that time of year again when we are thinking about what presents to give to our loved ones at the holiday season. Here are a few tips and ideas about what to give to your favorite senior, and also some ideas for gifts that are easy for seniors to give to their loved ones.
I’m continuing my look at some of the more common critters that we see every day, but rarely give a second thought.
Dorcas Reilly passed away a year ago this past October, she was 92, and no, I’m pretty sure you didn’t know her, but one out of three Americans will sit down and enjoy her invention this coming Thanksgiving. Ms. Reilly, you see, was the soupie who invented Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole.
Happiness is an elusive yet powerful mantra to live by. How do we get there? My understanding has evolved over my lifetime. My schooling taught me that happiness is a thing that can be pursued. It was a condition that existed outside of my control that would allow me to be happy. It could be…
Recently I wrote about my struggle with trying to understand why we are experiencing such a sharp increase in hateful, mean and frankly rude comments from individuals to other individuals who have opposing views. On social media and in real life.
I’ve been thinking about winter. Haven’t we all? It is early November and we all know winter is on the way. The sun is lower in the sky. The morning air has an edge to it. Gray skies to the north hold the promise of snow.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No gifts means very little stress. Just time with your family and your own traditions. I’m sure some people’s traditions revolve around watching football, playing games or eating certain foods. My family had those, sure, but our best tradition was the “tu…
It’s been several weeks since I’ve written a column. I’ve been occupied with two daughters getting married within a few months of each other, and life in general. Though I don’t think that is really why I haven’t been writing.
Anxiety, stress, depression, suicide, isolation; the physical health of students has always been taken seriously in schools, but mental health is often overlooked. Excused absences from schools across the nation require “legitimate excuses,” and this list rarely acknowledges mental breaks.
I stood alone at 2 a.m. at age 13 at the end rows of 20 acres of carrots. Why? My dad was a vegetable farmer in southern Minnesota and needed help spraying for weeds when air was still, and dew drops plentiful.
Much of the focus on “the election” hasn’t been on next week’s off-year election, but that should not diminish the importance of getting to the polls and casting your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In 1955, when I was 5 years old, every boy in America wanted to go as Davey Crockett for Halloween. Disney had created a series of shows around the character, and they spawned what was to be America’s first truly huge fad based on a children’s television show.
I would love to write a nice little article about bird migration. Something short and snappy and to the point, but when I reflect about how I would do this, I shutter at the thought. You see, bird migration on the surface seems simple enough, right? Birds fly south in winter and north in spr…
The most frequent question I’m asked regarding my daughter’s suicide is “How do you do it?” Well, as the saying goes, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” You just keep going. You hope you make it through the hard days without crying and you celebrate t…
My parents accented two reference points in life. They reinforced them in multiple ways as I grew up on our farm in southern Minnesota. More than 70 years later, I can report my progress — still climbing, stumbling and looking upward, inward and outward.
In my opinion, the two standout matches of the US Open this year were the men's final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, and the second round match between Simona Halep and Taylor Townsend. The winners of each were left-handed players. I've watched a lot of tennis in my day and I can …
Recently I read that 1 out of every 3 Americans is either a stepparent, stepchild or is some form of a blended family. That is almost 100 million people. The family unit does not look like it did back in 1950, where the typical family unit consisted of mom, dad and the kids.
Last week, I wrote about tennis being a lifestyle and a lifetime sport. I received an email from a reader asking for some tips for senior players. It is true that as we get older our body does not always react as fast as in our younger days, but, I must first relate an experience that I had …
Sept. 8-15, 2019 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Each year, 47,000 Americans die by suicide. For every person who dies by suicide, 25 people attempt suicide. That’s 1,175,000 people who are in so much pain they feel they can do nothing but die to make their pain go away. With the United…
A lot of things come with a warning label these days. For example: tools and machinery, tobacco and alcohol products and toys with small parts. There is even talk of putting a warning label on soda beverages because of the high refined sugar content.
I am a member of the Minnetonka Climate Initiative (MCI), and am writing to encourage the Minnetonka City Council to create a Sustainability Commission and a Climate Action Plan (CAP). The need for urgent climate action cannot be overstated. Climate change cannot be denied — we are already f…
Wayzata’s big celebration, James J. Hill Days, kicks off Friday. Since 1975, the town has celebrated the railroad mogul and his impact on Wayzata.
Two thoughts come to mind as the kids head back to school: thank God I don’t have to go to school anymore, and I wish I’d thanked Miss Peseux. Miss Marion L. Peseux (rhymes with kazoo) was my sixth-grade teacher in 1961 and she was the best teacher I ever had.
Myth: I hear that I need to pronate my arm to get more speed on my serve, but when I try it as suggested, I get pain in my forearm and I’m less consistent. I must be doing something wrong.
It’s my favorite time of the year, back to school! I’m someone who loves a schedule, routine and organization. I’m all for the spontaneity of summer, but I love the routine that back to school brings.
Does it seem like you are always running more and working harder than your opponent in your singles matches? Exposing this next tennis "myth" may explain why.
The other day I was driving to the bank, bawling my eyes out. When I got to the bank the teller asked if I was OK, to which I responded, “I’m fine, I’m just getting my tears out of the way before my daughter’s wedding.”
The degrading of this generation’s youth has become shockingly common. Between memes only ‘80s kids can relate to and Buzzfeed quizzes Gen Z’ers can’t even get 1/12 on, we’re incessantly fed the idea that us “kids these days” simply aren’t as good as the children of the good ol’ days.
Back in the day, when I was learning tennis, we had, maybe, five to six VHS (remember those?) instructional tennis programs to chose from at the local video store. Today, there are literally thousands of websites and YouTube videos on tennis instruction. So how does the average recreational …
Playing doubles in tennis is like country music or coffee, you either love it or you don't.
It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic. I actually prefer small enclosed spaces to big open spaces. One of my favorite places I lived was in an apartment with one window. I like to feel cozy and know all windows and exits are secure.
Looking back, my life was changed by the Minnesota State Fair. It opened my eyes, emptied my billfold, warmed my heart, put college on my radar, and brought the importance of education and people into my focus.
A good question from a reader — “Coach Brian, I enjoy your articles… With all of the new changes in smaller courts, rackets and the new foam tennis balls for kids, can you write more about parental involvement in getting more youth to try tennis?” -Barney, of Plymouth.
Five words from the oft-quoted challenge to the nation by President Kennedy in his inaugural address is the title of this column. These words inspired me to pose a question for all who drive on our Minnesota roads. More about that quote and my question a bit later.
Much has changed through the years at the corner of Lake Street and Barry Avenue in Wayzata — particularly the businesses that occupied that part of Wayzata.
Healthcare is a central piece in the puzzling journey of a happy and healthy life. We all require quality medical care for everything from stitches to chronic disease, and each life stage brings new issues that require unique forms of care.
My house feels like a palatial mansion at the moment. It definitely is not one. My perspective on space has changed after spending a week in a Sprinter Van from RVThereYet.com on an epic road trip.
How I would sum up Wimbledon 2019 in a sentence for those who might want the super condensed versions: It was the best, saved for last or the “slice” stole the show or will we see the same rematches in the 2020 Wimbledon final? or those pesty tie-breaks!
About two years ago, I researched some interesting facts about tennis and wrote an article for this newspaper. ("A look at the sport of tennis," March 6, 2017). I was pleasantly surprised to learn that, worldwide, tennis is the fastest-growing individual sport.
In our neighborhood, people walk their dogs, kids play in the streets and everyone greets each other as they pass. We haven’t lived here very long so I don’t know everyone. While walking tonight, I approached an unfamiliar couple and we started chatting. Before long, the inevitable question …
Where the heck did I put that file? Don’t I own any tape? OMG why do I have so much tape? These are just a few examples of the things I struggle with in my home office. I love that I primarily work from home. For me, I can’t imagine it any other way. Personally, I feel I’m more productive wi…
We are often so destination driven that we forget to enjoy the journey. I spent years driving to Mankato when my girls were in college. Each time I made the picturesque drive, I wanted to stop and check out an antique store or historic site. I never did. I was too focused on getting to my de…
Now that summer is in full swing you may be preparing to make property improvements.
Now that summer is in full swing you may be preparing to make property improvements. If you live near a lake, stream or wetland, it’s important to do a little research before you get started. Doing so will save you time and money and help protect the water that you live on or near.
Your parents said, “We think you are ready for big boy underwear instead of diapers.” Now you pay attention to Depend ads on TV and hear your doctor ask the question “Any trouble with urine drips?”
I love the smell of fresh-cut grass in the morning, but I hate seeing my favorite professional tennis players slipping and falling-down on the grass courts at Wimbledon.
