Happiness is a Choice

“Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination.” — Immanuel Kant

The great German philosopher got it right. Happiness is not based on logic, facts or reason. Happiness is the result of imagination and decision. Happiness is a choice. We can choose to be happy by choosing what we focus our attention on. Attention is a choice, much to the surprise of some.

Real Peace

“If we are not peaceful, if we are not feeling well in our skin, we cannot demonstrate real peace, and we cannot raise our children well either.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

This Buddhist monk speaks to the importance of the life we live in the presence of our children as their parents. Our children imitate the attitudes and behaviors they see us live in their presence, regardless of what we may try to teach them with our words. Let us live peaceably with our children that they may experience peace in their lives.

Children are Artists

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up…” – Pablo Picasso

"Children dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music." — William Stafford

Both of these artists recognized the joyful creativity of young children. In their innocence and spontaneity they freely and joyfully create from their imagination. They are not inhibited or worried about what others think. They avoid the poisonous trap of comparing themselves to others. Too bad we can’t be more like these children.

Blog Widget

I recently discovered a neat program that creates a widget from a blog or web page. I have used several widgets in the past and find them both useful and creative. Now I can place a widget on any of my other blogs. Two examples are here on the left. Try it yourself. Just click on Blog Widget or GET WIDGET on the left and join the fun.

Check out my parenting blog. I share my reflections on choice quotes that touch on ideas and attitudes concerning personal growth.

Another birthday

Today we celebrated another grandson's birthday. Derek turned 3.


Cool train


Amazing Truck Book

More of the train

Turning 18

We celebrated our oldest grandson's 18th birthday with a family gathering at the house.

Josh also graduated high school a few days ago. He finished early. In this video clip he is enjoying a humorous card be gave him.

Winter visit of four deer.

We had four winter visiters this morning. They were attracted by some oarmeal that had passed the expiration date which we decided to share with the squirrels, birds and deer.

Christmas excitement

The grandchildren were excited about openning their Christmas stockings.

Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice. As I was returning home this late afternoon, I witnessed a gorgeous sky over the lake, the same lake and sky that produce such gorgeous sunsets in the summer. Enjoy.





Moments later, Bach's Christmas Choral, O Little One Sweet, was playing on the radio in the car as I slowly crept into the cul de sac to return home.

Eave lights

The cold weather has lifted just enough for the eaves to drip. Some of our house Christmas lights are positioned just right to catch the eave drips and freeze on the bulbs.

What would December be without rehearsing Christmas music?

Buck runs throught the driveway

On November 3rd, a buck deer that we've been sighting lateley dashes through the yard and across the driveway. He was anxious to retreat when the neighbors dog came out on their deck next door.

September Weekend

Judy and I decided to share some of the natural beauty of Minnesota in September with out house guest, Joe Wade, visiting from Ireland. On the morning of Saturday, September 22, 2007 we set out on a road trip to northern Minnesota. Our first stop was the Father Hennepin State Park on the southern edge of Lake Millacs. The Maples were aflame and the oaks and ash were turning as well.

Father Hennepin State Park

Shores of Lake Superior

Gooseberry Falls

Al's 95th Birthday

Surrounded by family, Al reads birthday cards on his 95th birthday.

Christopher's birthday

On Christopher's birthday, the family gathered on Revere Circle.

Summer fawns at play

Summer Sunset on the Lake

Another pretty summer sunset on Medicine Lake in Plymouth Minnesota.

Kids love donut holes

Four generations enjoy a Sunday afternoon in spring.

Surviving the snows of 07

After several years of mild winters with no bragging rights, we finally experienced a good old Minnesota winter, like I remember from my childhood. This one brought real school closings and a genuine "snow day" when everyone staid home from work and school.





This is our deck after the first storm.










Trees were heavy with wet snow.

























9 inches of snow after the first storm of the week. Another 10-12 inches fell later int the week.
















The snow clung to the tree branches like a python.

The sun finally returns!

Judy and Davey

Nenagh Castle tower

Nenagh Castle tower standing 100 feet in height is a reminder of the first castle built by the great Butler family around 1220.


When the Normans came in the 12th century, a powerful warlord established himself here at Nenagh. The warrior, Theobald Fitzwalter, who occupied the lands and began the building of the castle. Appointed to be the Norman king’s butler, Theobald adopted Butler as his surname and was the originator of one of the greatest families of Ireland. He died in 1205, years before his grand castle could be completed.






An effort is being made currently in Nenagh to preserve and restore the tower and castle grounds.