Thu, July 16, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The Up, Down and Around Our Town is written this week by John’s wife, Barb

Two months ago, I had the biggest shock of my life. I got up on this Saturday morning, not very late by my standards for a Saturday, but I knew I had lots to do because today our family was going to celebrate ou...Read More

Sun, June 28, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This week's installment was written by John's older daughter, Sara Tripp Betz.

The day my father died, I didn’t cry much. The initial shock, contacting loved ones, and other tasks got in the way. I didn’t cry much at the visitation. I didn’t cry much at the funeral.

The stories p...Read More

Sat, June 6, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Soon the family of John Tripp will post a final entry in Up, Down and Around Our Town. Please check back to read their words.

The following was written on the day of John's funeral in Canton, MO by Steve Looten.

It's been a week, a terrible week
For all of us to deal.
...Read More

Sun, May 17, 2009 Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen

John Tripp, a man of so many thoughts and ideas, is now silent. The words in today's Quincy Herald-Whig are shocking to read:

"John F. Tripp, 58, of 2101 Jersey, died May 16, 2009, in his home. The Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is handling arrangements."

That is it. You c...Read More

Mon, May 11, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

"So many of us die with our music still in us", as Oliver Wendell Holmes so aptly put. His words were designed to make sure that we share all of our gifts as often as possible with those that are close. It speaks of making sure that those special talents are developed, shared and most of all, impr...Read More

Mon, May 4, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Dogwood Weekend. Forecast? Rain. Outcome? No rain. Nice combination. So much for the futurecast.

Okay, we get it. The Swine Flu. It seemingly is everywhere on every media outlet that is capable of getting any coverage. Hour after hour of the same message; flu is contagious and is spr...Read More

Mon, April 27, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We constantly live in a world of both change and perception. Sometimes even reality creeps into the mix. Springtime is the best time to observe all of the changes and relish in the fact that the winter is not only behind us, but the best time of the year is upon us.

With the recent onset o...Read More

Mon, April 20, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The times are somewhat interesting. Lessons are being sought and some are being learned. Yet, as we enter the spring and summer of this year, there are, lurking just beneath the surface, the template for what may or may not be significant signs of the future. We'll see.

Three months into t...Read More

Mon, April 13, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, Easter weekend. A shift in the normal schedule and the highlight of a Christian season that has seen its share of interesting aspects. But, as we all know, the joy of Easter is the significance of both the sharing and the continued aspect of the family. From the spiritual ones to the physic...Read More

Mon, April 6, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is certainly lots going on in this early part of April. The weather is breaking somewhat; the promise of even better is right around the corner. Plus, the opening of the baseball season and the week of the Masters can make any dull week a decent one. Alas, there is other stuff to deal wit...Read More

Mon, March 30, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Yogi Berra was quoted as once uttering the words that "you can observe a lot about people by just watching." While not trying to usurp the wisdom of Lawrence Peter Berra, I might add a phrase to that quote by saying that you can also learn a lot about a lot of things by just listening. That was th...Read More

Mon, March 23, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is one benefit to graying hair. It, for no other reason, does give you some degree of street cred when it comes to offering an opinion. Nothing brought this home to roost more than a few queries that I fielded this past week. It got me to thinking about the bigger picture.

Spending...Read More

Mon, March 16, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With one week to go before winter officially, exits, it was nice to get in the first round of March golf. Obviously, the dormant period of my game resulted in no appreciable changes, but nevertheless, it was wonderful to get out and share some of that frustration with good friends. And, like the C...Read More

Mon, March 9, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Here's hoping you remembered to set the clocks ahead for the onset of Daylight Savings Time. The transition is earlier and earlier, but the benefits are wonderful. While it is a tad darker in the AM, the ability to enjoy "after dinner" time outdoors is really the capper. Plus, it simply means th...Read More

Mon, March 2, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The Ides of March. Whatever an ide is. Anyway, the two months of winter are now behind us and the sneaky winter weather will now be in front of us. Funny, we remember the March snows because they tend to be big ones. Here's hoping our memory is not stocked with new thoughts in 2009.

Big l...Read More

Mon, February 23, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

February 25, 1924. Calvin Coolidge was President, the price of a gallon of gas was 11 cents a gallon and a new car cost less than $500. Dollars didn't go much farther then than they probably do now. But, on this date, something special happened.

A lovely lady was born in Scranton, PA who ...Read More

Mon, February 16, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We certainly do live in interesting times.  Just when you think there aren't any more surprises, up pops a couple just to keep us honest.  Imagine the possibility that Yankee $25M a year man - A-Rod is a steroids user.  Amazing.  Just to compete with those who are perhaps as good.  Just makes you wo...Read More

Mon, February 9, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Wait five minutes and the weather will change. Words to live by when the Midwest is your home domain. From zero with windchills that could freeze you solid to the 60's (and we mean temperature and not decade) with the hint of spring just driving us even crazier. Ah, the ups and downs. Great for ...Read More

Mon, February 2, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In preparation for the celebration of this year's Groundhog Day, one can only surmise as to how we will top what has already happened in the first 32 days of 2009. Needless to say, the first month of the new year brought us theater that could only be considered strange. Or, as my father used to s...Read More

Mon, January 26, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

From anticipation to reality. The best way to bookend the week that was. From far and wide, the inauguration of President Obama was more like a Super Bowl celebration than an election conclusion. However, it was, no matter where you lean, a sight to be seen, heard and digested. Moreover, it sti...Read More

Mon, January 19, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is a week to wonder "what if?" A time to consider the circumstances and opportunities that are now upon us. It begs for some reflection, a little dreaming and the possibility that "what if" may actually be a reality. While we don't know the ending of this story, we do know the history.

...Read More

Mon, January 12, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Evidently, I wasn't the only one who had seen enough of Billy Mays. Perhaps it was the last one when he was hawking yet another piece of goo that can survive tornadic winds. His wind is worse than anyone's. And, as many others wrote, let's dispense with the endless weight-loss performances. I mi...Read More

Mon, January 5, 2009 Up, Down and Around Our Town

2009 is here. We made it through the silly season, through the endless get-togethers and through the nasty weather that highlighted the holiday season. That being said, it is now time to take a look at the coming year with the thought that addition by subtraction may very well be the prime mover. ...Read More

Mon, December 29, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The last week of the year always brings a lot of things to the surface. Some of it valuable; some worthless. But, in this last week of 2008, there is a lot of movement both locally and nationally that will impact us whether we like it or not.

Top of the list should be the State of the Union...Read More

Mon, December 22, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's Christmas week. That one week of the year when all of the hustle and bustle of the last month comes to fruition. And, with a sense that Currier and Ives wasn't being properly represented, Old Man Winter arrived a week or so early with snow, ice, wind, rain, sleet and every other kind of incon...Read More

Mon, December 15, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

"I am not a crook". - Richard Nixon

" I didn't have sex with that woman" - Bill Clinton

"If the glove doesn't fit, you must acquit." O.J. Simpson

We're about to add one more to that list of folks who figured that they were bigger than they really were. Sometimes the news that yo...Read More

Mon, December 8, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We certainly are living in interesting times. Have you noticed, over the past few weeks, that the obsession with W has seemingly passed? Perhaps his true Lame Duck status is now passe for the news organizations, but what was all his fault is now starting to be distributed in other arenas. Interes...Read More

Mon, December 1, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It doesn't seem possible that December has arrived and with it all, lots of possibilities exist. Rather than get off on a tangent and confuse some of you, I'll just empty the inbox of those comments and thoughts that many of you have shared. If nothing else, it allows me to do a little cleaning of...Read More

Mon, November 24, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Thanksgiving week. Truly the American holiday and here's hoping that the essence of the celebration remains true to the cause. An opportunity to get together with friends, family and loved ones to share not only the fruit of the harvest, but also a chance to kick back and simply reflect on the bou...Read More

Mon, November 17, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's kind of like the old Dolly Parton story - so many ways and so little time. Or, where to start. Just some keen thoughts for us to consider, particularly with less than six weeks prior to Christmas. Ah, Christmas? May be somewhat different this year.

Unless we all get in line for the ...Read More

Mon, November 10, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

A truly historic week. No doubt about that. The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President is both ground-breaking as it is newsworthy. There are not enough words of praise to put into context the impact of his election. Now the hard part starts.

From his pulpit that he used so well, ...Read More

Mon, November 3, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Sometimes it's the little things that stir emotion and memory. In my case this week, it was a combination of both. Holding that little thing that has become my hero prompted a few thoughts. Plus, the fine folks at the Blessing Hospice are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Sadly, scheduling wo...Read More

Mon, October 27, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is no wonder why so many folks just adore October. Our four weeks of color change have just about been perfect, with sunshine and warm temperatures abound. Most likely, this will come to an end soon, but what a glorious month of simply enjoying the best in what Mother Nature can throw our w...Read More

Mon, October 20, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Sometimes just watching and listening is a pretty good gig. As Yogi said years ago, "you can learn a lot from just looking". Or something to that extent. And this week - a grand week for watching.

I watched with great delight the continuation of what has been a spectacular fall. The abund...Read More

Mon, October 13, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In the midst of two of the most beautiful fall weekends we have had in years, there is still a sense of a big dark cloud that goes from coast to coast. And, as we found out later in the week, it extends to every continent. Imagine that, the greed of Wall Street affecting seemingly everything on th...Read More

Mon, October 6, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

To say the least, it has been one heck of a week. Highlights and lowlights, but the boredom factor just cannot be measured.

The Congress passed the biggest handout of taxpayer money certainly in my lifetime. Even though the ultimate package certainly was anything but appropriate, it neverth...Read More

Mon, September 29, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Whew!  What a week.  Perhaps one of the most emotionally draining weeks that we have had in decades.  On the minds of seemingly everyone wasn't the price of gas, the fate of the Cardinals, the lack of a Rams offense (or defense for that matter), but the State of the Union.  Not in January, either.  ...Read More

Mon, September 22, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Let me put it all in perspective this week.  It will be a challenge, but here goes.  In my lifetime, I have seen us land a man on the moon, a President assassinated, two other leaders who met the same fate and a President who resigned after disgracing the country.  And that only got us to the 70's. ...Read More

Mon, September 15, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With September now half over, a few random thoughts on a number of topics. This after almost 72 hours of continious rain; something that is evident due to the presence of Ike in the Gulf. Here's hoping that their clean-up will be orderly and that the likes of Ike stay away for awhile.

I th...Read More

Mon, September 8, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Labor Day is behind us, the NFL season is upon us, the Cardinal season is essentially over and they're still talking of a Cubs/White Sox World Series. Yet, when you listen to what is being said on the streets, it still doesn't add up to the buzz that the political world has served up. Perhaps ther...Read More

Mon, September 1, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Labor Day 2008 - a most significant day for many to ponder. Let's take a look at the possibilities and the realities.

On a day when I showed a video recap of Hurricane Katrina to a group of students (the topic was economic impact), none other than Hurricane Gustav was bearing down on the Cr...Read More

Mon, August 25, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our last shot at the wonderful month of August and if you're real lucky, you would order up this month's weather as a steady diet. More like San Diego than the usual triple digit conditions that are customary for this time of the year. No one complaining and we'll savor it for as long as we can. <...Read More

Mon, August 18, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With the start of school looming, the ritual takes me back. For a couple of reasons this year, but nevertheless, for all of the right angles. Many of my generation will remember that one of the first tasks, if not truly the first, when we returned to school was that someone was going to ask us to ...Read More

Mon, August 11, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Reflections. A great time to take account of the world around you and see if any of it makes sense. That is the joy of spending a couple of weeks away from home; it stimulates the process and gives a lovely sense of perspective. And similarity.

We decided not to fly; the hassle and the unc...Read More

Mon, August 4, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Advice comes cheap. Sometimes too cheap. But, the advice to find the "blue highways" certainly did us well. And we did.

As opposed to previous years, we decided to bypass the long lines and the crappy service within the airline industry and opt for the security of the family vehicle. Sinc...Read More

Mon, July 28, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

They always say that losses come in threes. And, one more time, such is the case. Perhaps we are more aware, perhaps we just add it up during the time that all occurs, or perhaps there is some serendipity to the entire thought process. All I know is that it has occurred.

Two men I didn't k...Read More

Mon, July 21, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Summertime in the Midwest is always an unpredictable time of the year. While the heat and humidity are always a staple, there are activities that just don't occur other times in the year. And, in speaking with some of the local growers, this should be a bumper crop of those foods that we only get ...Read More

Mon, July 14, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Midsummer. Fortified in lore and in many romantic poems, it speaks of the peak of the summer season when seemingly everything is going on. And, from what appears this year, this one is no exception. Schedules are packed and regardless of economic conditions, there are choices being made to make t...Read More

Mon, July 7, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The tradition of it all. I must admit that the ritual that has become such a part of the fabric of life in the Midwest was somehow new to me, yet I have come to embrace it and reflect on its true meaning. The occasion? The Family Reunion. Not that there were not such activities in my youth in th...Read More

Mon, June 30, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

That sound you are hearing is a collective sigh of relief. One of the nice differences between 1993 and this year. The Flood of 2008 will go down as one in which there were losses, but also some intricate victories. For those in distant locations, the threat of a wall of water that is over 15 fe...Read More

Mon, June 23, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It certainly has been an interesting week. Then again, natural emergencies tend to do just that. And believe me, 30 feet of water in a tub designed for 17 will do the trick. The great flood of 2008. Coming to a riverfront community real soon. We take a more light hearted approach today due to t...Read More

Mon, June 16, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's that old Yogi Berra-ism that we're all thinking about today. Deja-vu all over again. Mother Nature in all of her wrath has decided that the midwest needs a good soaking. I thought I had lived through the 500 year flood a mere 15 years ago, but we're all bracing for more of the same in 2008. ...Read More

Sun, June 8, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I heard the best description of this year's weather. Winter, the Rainy Season and Summer. And so it goes. From cool and mostly wet to midsummer heat in less than a week. Stay tuned, it will probably change again. Or not.

But, moreover this week, the power of prayer, the power of support a...Read More

Mon, June 2, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was stated for all of us to learn in the Old Testament that God created the world in six days. And - on the 7th day, he rested. Perhaps there is an addendum to that story that has brought insight. And reality.

My lovely bride really did retire - after 38 years. The impact of it all pro...Read More

Mon, May 26, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I wish all who have given on our nation's behalf our best wishes for all that has been done and will be done to honor their work, their presence and their memories. It is the essence of Memorial Day. It seems to have lost some of its luster. We are to blame.

But, for this week, I want to v...Read More

Mon, May 19, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

How do you describe what you cannot always understand? It is never easy, but we'll give it a try this week. I have witnessed in the last seven days the most remarkable show of bravery and heroism and the story is far from over.

Regular readers have seen a theme over the past few months abou...Read More

Mon, May 12, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In this spring of cool, damp and mostly rotten weather, the feeling from the locals is that we will simply bypass spring and go straight to summer. No gradual incline into the heat and humidity, but with a switch of a week, go from the 60's to the 90's. At this point in time, that doesn't seem lik...Read More

Mon, May 5, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is simply something special about May. Well, perhaps not this year with the continued cool and damp weather, but it will soon change into the primo month that it always has been. The Dogwoods are out (a nice change for the Dogwood parade), flowers are being planted, the baseball season is in...Read More

Mon, April 28, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

One of the joys of springtime is the renewal that comes every year. It is different in springtime and with all due regard to summer and fall, can be the motivation to do things that are different. It involves people, of course, and the change in outlook that folks have during the springtime weathe...Read More

Mon, April 21, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

You knew it was bound to happen. Spring, that is. A few delightful days that were highlighted with clear skies and high winds. But, the mere fact that the temperature got into the 60's and above was enough to bring even the most reluctant out to check it out. But, our cooler and wetter spring ha...Read More

Mon, April 14, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In listening to all who were out and about over the last week, the weather was certainly on most people's minds - that and the sky high price of a gallon of gas. Funny thing, we have little control over either. But, on the former, we got our first taste of what the spring storm season really means...Read More

Mon, April 7, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I don't know, but it may have happened when I watched former Governor Jesse Ventura being interviewed on CNN last week. While I don't agree with much of what he said, it was how he said it that did resonate on a number of areas. Perhaps it was the simplistic look at what we are now all dealing wit...Read More

Mon, March 31, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With Easter in the rear view mirror (and earlier than I can ever remember), it sort of sets the stage for what should be a wonderful spring. If it ever gets here. Flooding to the south brings back memories of 1993 and as for me, I would rather not revisit those days. For the local area, the heavy...Read More

Mon, March 24, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Even though Easter weekend came early, it seemed to be very late. Mostly due to the advance of Daylight Savings Time and moreover, the continued gray and crappy weather that still has its hands all over us. But, the good part is that the baseball season is about to happen, the NCAA's are in their ...Read More

Mon, March 17, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I was reviewing a letter that my brother had written to my daughter and he revealed a part of my DNA that is, for a simple reason, that "no decent Tripp letter would not include a comment on the weather." Like I didn't already know that, but we did inherit the trait. In fact, I think one of the ha...Read More

Mon, March 10, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Getting used to Daylight Saving Time in the early part of March is a two-edged sword. One, getting all of the clocks fixed is always a challenge and two, entering a time of the year when good weather overshadows bad has been a bigger hill to climb. Perhaps this will be the week when this winter th...Read More

Mon, March 10, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Getting used to Daylight Saving Time in the early part of March is a two-edged sword. One, getting all of the clocks fixed is always a challenge and two, entering a time of the year when good weather overshadows bad has been a bigger hill to climb. Perhaps this will be the week when this winter th...Read More

Mon, March 3, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With thunderstorms replacing snowstorms, perhaps we are turning the corner. Still too soon to tell. But, saying goodbye to February was a welcomed task and the uncertainty of March probably won't top it. I hope. Nevertheless, the days are longer, the temperatures, at least for a day or two, are ...Read More

Mon, February 25, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's a funny time of the year. I'll get to the specifics in a minute, but this calendar just doesn't seem to be working well for a lot of people. I generally don't spend a lot of time on the weather for the obvious of reasons. But, then again, this winter has taken its toll and it appears that al...Read More

Mon, February 18, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is something unique and rewarding about being surrounded by the 18-22 year old demographic. On one hand, they keep you honest; on the other hand, they are young. Both are wonderful attributes and there are times when one wonders if the message is actually getting through. As we debate that ...Read More

Mon, February 11, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I don't know anymore - perhaps it is just in the water this time of the year. Stuff flying at us in such volume that one hardly knows where to start. Let me elaborate. Sometimes that in itself isn't easy.

A whackjob/wingnut shoots up the Kirkwood City Council and we wonder why the hunker d...Read More

Mon, February 4, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Reflection is a wonderful aspect of life, no matter what chapter you may start with. The object of that emotion is to put things into perspective, sense the opportunities and then put into life a sense of belonging and possibilities. It involves both anticipation and reward and never comes in a pa...Read More

Mon, January 28, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With January almost in our rear-view mirror, I find myself in somewhat different waters. Not uncomfortable; just different. The world around us is moving at lightning speed and sometimes it is hard to volley and keep things in perspective. But, I have found out one thing that is most rewarding - ...Read More

Mon, January 21, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Thoughts to consider on a frigid January morning. It was a week of both renewal, loss and challenge. In other words, a pretty typical week. Politically, the system is starting to grind some of the candidates down; name-calling is becoming a norm, the Clinton campaign is now a 2-person campaign (...Read More

Mon, January 14, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, mid January. A 50-50 chance that the weather will be great or the weather....won't. So far this year, we have had our share of ice and enough snow to celebrate both the holidays and the season. And, as far as I am concerned, both celebrations are behind us and now we can look forward to the...Read More

Mon, January 7, 2008 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, it's nice to know that even though we have turned the page into 2008, that things haven't changed a great deal. But, we really didn't expect much either.

The holiday season was a wonderful one and from the looks of the spending reports, we did our part to fuel the economy. Perhaps not t...Read More

Mon, December 31, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The last day of 2007 and the completion of another year. It poses lots of questions and probably not enough answers. This has been an interesting year, both from a professional and personal set of angles. For the record, it ended far better than it started, but it also had its highlights.

...Read More

Mon, December 24, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I have had several inquiries about the annual Christmas entry and have hesitated until the proper amount of preparation can be done. Christmas 2007 is again upon us and a wonderful experience is at hand - and that is the point. Perhaps a suitable listings of thoughts and ideas would be in order, a...Read More

Mon, December 17, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Twas the week before Christmas and some of the gifts came early. Having the opportunity to experience some of these events just makes a great deal of appreciation to report and share. Plus, this gives us a Britney-free week. Ah, another gift.

The end of the semester at the Harvard on the ...Read More

Mon, December 10, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Christmas is but a couple weeks away, we have had our first measurable snow and a couple of nasty ice storms. Welcome to December. The bigger world, however, is singing an entirely different tune.

I was struck recently with the vicious part of the world in which we live. Perhaps it's the b...Read More

Mon, December 3, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

At the crossroads of a busy season, there are tremendous things going on all around. Just as it is supposed to be, perhaps. All I know is that there must be something about the first weekend of December as two years running we have embraced winter whether we were ready or not. 2006 brought us 12...Read More

Mon, November 26, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Observations from up close with giblet gravy still dripping away. Ah, the Thanksgiving weekend. Truly an American tradition. And, with all that is going on around us, this is a great start to the Christmas season. And, speaking of the Christmas season, it certainly got off to a good start....or...Read More

Mon, November 19, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

One of the many rewards of being in constant contact with young people is the posing of questions. Not from me to them, but vice-versa. The question posed was pretty simple. "Do we have time for Thanksgiving this year?" At first, I assumed that the question had some kind of hidden meaning, but...Read More

Mon, November 12, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like the calendar, the days are flying by. Yet, there are lots of potential bumps in the road. It just seems that we can't handle any kind of calm water and perhaps that is the way it should be.. Maybe its because we're coming home in the dark again.

Starting at the top, it is interesting t...Read More

Mon, November 5, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's that time of the year when the adjustments really start to kick in. The switch back to Standard Time was completed with little problem and my computer and an old VCR got a week's head start. However, going to work in the dark will now be replaced with coming home in the dark. On the bright s...Read More

Mon, October 29, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, the ides of October. So many forces pushing us so many places and ooh - where to start. Probably the sports world is the place to initiate discussion. The wretched Boston Red Sox are now the World Series champs, beating the punchless Rockies in four games. Just sets up more talk about a Sawx...Read More

Mon, October 22, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Having heard from many of you in the last few weeks, we'll continue the focus just to keep me on their Christmas Card lists. Or, something like that. Anyway, this week was a doozy and just when you thought you had heard it all, someone trumped that with a bigger one. Read on.

That "old far...Read More

Mon, October 15, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, the joy of reality. It comes along just enough to let you know that it is part of the world in which we reside. The changing of the calendar is one thing; the outcomes are sometimes to real to understand. Consider the following.

My lovely wife is in the victory lap of her career. Sh...Read More

Mon, October 8, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is a story of a late summer weekend, a few opportunities to put things in perspective, pizza that just is sometimes too good to be true and the reality that things never just stay the same. It is October at its finest, even in our area where there will be no local apples and little local cide...Read More

Mon, October 1, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It doesn't seem possible that we're starting October, but what the heck? After all, the pre-Christmas sales have now officially begun and before long, we'll start the countdown till the big day. Or maybe not.

What I do know is that in my lifetime I have seen the fall of the Berlin Wall, the...Read More

Mon, September 24, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As we take a long breath and enter the wonderful fall time of the year, a couple of things happened that, as always, tends to put things in perspective. In partnership with the changing of the season, the two somewhat unrelated activities gets us to do sometimes things that we don't always do - sit...Read More

Mon, September 17, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

No doubt about it, there is still something magical about a fall day - particularly a Saturday. We had the opportunity to witness the football rivalry between the QU Hawks and the Culver Wildcats. There is enough history in this competition that one never really knows what may or may not happen a...Read More

Mon, September 10, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

After all of the nice notes and a lot of others whose opinions perhaps may differ, let's clean out the mailbox with a few thoughts that my motivate even more. I love motivation!

Is it just me, or are the networks acting as Bin Laden's PR firm. From the stoking of the fire of what may or may ...Read More

Mon, September 3, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, Labor Day weekend. My unofficial and premature New Year's Day. History seems to point to that fact, as there are always new things that go along with the MDA Telethon that signals a transition into the best weather of the year and renewed sense of time and place. After a hot August, there wer...Read More

Mon, August 27, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The summer's over, it's back to school. Never mind the triple digit heat - we're heading back. What a change from just a generation ago when Labor Day was actually the "back to school weekend". We cram hot kids into hot rooms, try to learn anything and send them home early. And, for what? To ge...Read More

Mon, August 20, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With all due regard to some of the comments received over the last couple of weeks, let me explain. It may illuminate some of my thoughts and further reinforce my own beliefs. Then again, it may not. Particularly since Kathy T thinks I've gone soft. Well, this one may be soft, but it is sincere....Read More

Mon, August 13, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Inspiration. Where does it come from? How does it become part of the fabric of our very being? What are the mitigating circumstances that create the opportunity to become inspired? Not motivated, but inspired. That's one of those old Zen questions from the 70's, but doggone it, that style of th...Read More

Mon, August 6, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We all knew it was just a matter of time. That is, when the choking humidity and real summer heat would arrive. While we got a big break, for the most part, during June and July, our August weather has lived up to the usual predictions of what a midwest summer is all about. It does make you appre...Read More

Mon, July 30, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, the middle of summer. Thoughts abound as to the what and where and as we head towards the month of August, there are many things to consider. The Adams County Fair will finish up this week to record crowds and lovely weather. The Quincy Park Band finished their wonderful season and will be ...Read More

Mon, July 23, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Every once in awhile, you realize that there are a lot of things outside of your control. No matter how much you would enjoy having the throttle in your hands. This past week, we were treated to perhaps the most lovely of summer weather that did not include overwhelming humidity and triple digit t...Read More

Mon, July 16, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In listening and reacting to what was going on around our little town this week, I couldn't help but be struck with the thought of deja vu. As Yogi used to say, it is "deja vu all over again". I speak of the death of Lady Bird Johnson at the ripe old age of 94 and her subsequent burial and funeral...Read More

Mon, July 9, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, back to reality. Not that it's all cracked up as to what it is supposed to be, but darn it, reality it is and there is lots on all of our plates to consider. That stack doesn't get any shorter, not matter what the circumstance.

Take the State of Illinois situation for example. At this...Read More

Mon, July 2, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Okay, I took the week off. It happens. For all of the right reasons and as you'll soon see, the right reason was presented. But, it was strange, since my routine was to continue to post this rag on a specific time. However, the aging process and other priorities took their toll. But, as Arnold ...Read More

Mon, June 18, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is one of those special weeks. Lots of pressure to say the right thing and do it at the right time. For you see, some 36 years ago, I was compelled to utter the words "I do" and start that phase of my life and there has certainly been no looking back on the fact that words truly have meaning....Read More

Mon, June 11, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

A couple of significant weeks coming up and we'll try to cover them both in proper fashion. The impact on the lives that we have led and the life we are leadinga are equally significant; hopefully the common theme of them both will suffice.

However, before we get to that topic, a tip of the ...Read More

Mon, June 4, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was only a matter of time, so here goes. Dear Britney, Lindsay, Rosie and Paris: Those of us in the outside, but real world need to chat a little with the three of you. Seems that all of you have somewhat of a deluded view of what the real world may present and also seem to have an even mo...Read More

Mon, May 28, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The first holiday weekend of the season. Memorial Day. A weekend filled with the best of what we do as a country and hopefully, a reminder of why the holiday is celebrated to begin with. Memorial Day weekend kind of sneaks up on you anymore, but still has the same impact it always should have. Read More

Sat, May 19, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Just when we thought that our local weather couldn't get any better, it did. With soaring electrical rates, how delightful to have a week of climate that is simply delightful. Low humidity, moderate temperatures and gentle breezes. If it would only last. Or, as a good friend said, "if this is ...Read More

Mon, May 14, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I now know why they put Mother's Day in May. It is the most gorgeous time of the year and befits the adulations that the mothers of our world are deserving. Mind you, it probably has gotten pretty commercial in the last generation, but the core of the reason for the day is apt. Plus, in comparis...Read More

Sun, May 6, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The month of May is always one of the great months of the year. Weather is wonderful and the schedule tends to be very busy. Plus, in Quincy particularly, there are always things that bring a lot of folks into focus with their own priorities. Let the record show that this May is no different.

...Read More

Mon, April 30, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Quite a week to say the least. Let's start with the ugly and work our way...somewhere. Our friends in the Illinois legislature were duped. Totally caught off guard trying to do the right things vis a vis this Ameren garbage. The rate freeze, which most of the legislators think is a grand idea ...Read More

Mon, April 23, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I would like to share a few things about last week's activities. It is not meant to be political,because such simply cannot function. It is the story about innocence, victims and perceptions. That's it.

Our world gets rocked from time to time. However, the 3rd week in April seems to be cu...Read More

Mon, April 16, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We thought it would be spring by now. At least it was in March, but the first two weeks of April have resembled more like late February than an early spring. Chances are that things will warm again, but significant damage was done by the sustained cold weather. Lots of plants won't see June and e...Read More

Mon, April 9, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Easter weekend. Usually a nice springtime celebration of the best of Christianity and that was certainly in full flavor all through our Fair City. But, the overwhelming thoughts were of the weather. Bone-chilling cold, after three weeks of an early spring, really caught everyone by chance and rem...Read More

Mon, April 2, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Easter week. Holy Week. It takes on a different meaning at times. Not with the solemn ways that a generation ago thought of the week, but as a part of the spring celebration that tells a story of redemption, second chances and faith. Timeless. Participate if you are so inclined; for that matter...Read More

Mon, March 26, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The first week of spring brings lots of good things, most notably a few good spring rains and the fact that the temperatures keep rising. Delightful is the best part and getting to open the windows at night is one of those special things that we all take for granted. But, not after this winter. Read More

Mon, March 19, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The first week with a couple of 70 degree days certainly brought out the best of folks. Even with the early Daylight Savings Time. There is a degree of adjustment with the earlier date, but no doubt the after-dinner hours have been put to good use. Outdoor activities returned, even if the weathe...Read More

Mon, March 12, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

At least it couldn't be considered as boring. The week prior, I might add. It involved lots of things, challenging travel and all sorts of other hidden finds. Some of them appropriate - others questionable. But, then again, it's supposed to be this way, I guess.

First the travel. A tri...Read More

Mon, March 5, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

March certainly let us know that she was in charge this year. After enjoying much milder winters, this one has hung on with great power. Major winds, snow, ice and the like still has us locked in its winter claw with the hope that the corner that we have wanted to turn is truly up around the prove...Read More

Mon, February 26, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Rain, snow, sleet, wind and lots of melting. That is the world in which we have lived the last week and give that January ice credit - it just won't give up the ghost, although the rain certainly helped. But, there was no doubt about the fact that warmer days, brilliant sunshine and southerly bree...Read More

Mon, February 19, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

OK, I guess we'll just have to agree that winter really came and stayed this year. All of those El Nino warnings, Al Gore documentaries and scientific findings just didn't make it here. Ice, cold, snow, wind and the like made for winter like we haven't seen in a long time. And, just for good me...Read More

Mon, February 12, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It all comes down to the fact that real winter has arrived. And hung around. I can't remember when we have had 30 days like the previous. Ice that fell in January still calls my driveway home and it doesn't look like there is a heck of a lot of change in the next week. For those that like this k...Read More

Mon, February 5, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This has been quite a week. But, then again, most of the time we can say that every week. What has punctuated the week was the variety of things that flowed through our lives and having a chance to spend a minute or two with each is sometimes therapeutic and rewarding. Or, at least it is in my wo...Read More

Mon, January 29, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This past week, particularly the weekend, solidifies the fact that winter is here and our routine has been altered. For the first time since September, no NFL football and while that isn't a criminal act, it does alter what we usually tend to do on Sunday afternoons. Of course, it is the big buil...Read More

Mon, January 22, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

My, oh my. What a week. Who knew the extent of what would and wouldn't be completed. Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the water, the sharks, shall we say arrived. More on that later.

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with the delightful company of fellow board me...Read More

Mon, January 15, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As the old adage goes, nothing is more fluid than change. Plus, changes come in different packages and perhaps in the large picture, it is all for the good. But, as it occurs, there is certainly a large amount of doubt that always accompanies the transition. This week is a great example.

...Read More

Mon, January 8, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The old adage of the only constant in today's world is change couldn't be more apt. The whirlwind Christmas season, which was just tremendous, has come and gone and 2007 is now in our headlights. Add to the fact that winter appears to be a late arrival, it culminates with lots of things that make ...Read More

Mon, January 1, 2007 Up, Down and Around Our Town

After a nice week off to truly celebrate the Christmas holiday with family near and far, it is only proper to take a look, like so many, at where we are. Perhaps where we've been is good and even a stab at what might yet occur. It is an interesting time - a challenging time in many ways as we adju...Read More

Mon, December 18, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The late Erma Bombeck used to say that, during the Christmas season, that the smell of the goodies of the day would put a solid five pounds on her butt. Ah, the joy of missing her and that wit that provided a chance to laugh at what we all do. Or don't do. Such is the case as we head towards Chri...Read More

Mon, December 11, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Two weeks to go. Till the big day, if you get the drift. The constant analysis of the local and national economy is getting downright silly. Up one day? Down the next? Fat Christmas - Slim Christmas? Go figure. And, as always, most of the criticism is headed towards Wal-Mart. I find some of ...Read More

Mon, December 4, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I was playing golf last Monday. A delightful day, with temperatures in the 60's, a late autumn sunny sky and the joy of watching the errant tee shot head where it shouldn't be going. Part of my game. Per se. I finished the round, was kibitzing with a few of the other liars who were finishing u...Read More

Mon, November 27, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ah, the joys of Thanksgiving. Not just the day, but the holiday traditions that seemingly are everywhere. I find myself in somewhat of a time capsule now and then, but there always is familiarity when it comes to Thankgiving. It may be one of the reasons why the American holiday is just that.

...Read More

Mon, November 20, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I never met Frank Capra. In fact, we probably wouldn't have run in the same circles. But, that being said, there is something unique about his most famous gift. Weeks like I just experienced sort of put a new spin on that, even in this world of split loyalties and confusion. It all started with ...Read More

Mon, November 13, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is something about a car crash. Not being in one, but being a witness. We've all been there. On the interstate, watching brake lights come on at a record pace and not knowing what the slowdown really is. Once you get to the scene of the blockage, and if that blockage is a car crash, one ju...Read More

Mon, November 6, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The fifth season is almost over and will be history by the end of this week. Although, the end result will probably not be felt for some time to come. With all of the criticism of our Democratic form of government, there still is no doubt, that despite its warts, this is positively the best way t...Read More

Mon, October 30, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Of triumph, tragedy, regret, time and the American way. Tis the recipe for this week's look at where we live and why we live the way we do. There have been so many things that have lit up our world and this week has been no different. Let's take a look.

I had the joy of traveling to the Wi...Read More

Mon, October 23, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We have waxed often in this column about the joy of October weather. Perhaps it is still coming; all I know is that other than the first weekend, we have been plagued with gray, cold and wet. The El Nino predictions for this coming winter may allay some of those fears, but there is no doubt that ...Read More

Mon, October 16, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With Mid October upon us, the daylight fading fast and the World Series right around the corner, this may be the week to simply reflect a little. Needless to say, it has been a most interesting and thoughtful week. In many ways. Let's consider the obvious and we'll go from there.

We'll st...Read More

Mon, October 9, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

You would think that at this time of the year, with the delicious weather that we have had, it would be a mostly upbeat time. But, there is a cloud that just won't go away. I'm sure I am not the only one to see it, either.

I speak of the repeating of part of our own domestic terrorism that ...Read More

Mon, October 2, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In the midst of what possibly is the best weather of the entire year, the week past was one of those where everyone's patience was tested and I mean tested hard. It was like there was a drive to stuff just as much stupidity into one week as possible and then stuff just a little more for good measu...Read More

Mon, September 25, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Perhaps it is just the change of season. Perhaps it isn't. All I know is that there are lots of people that I wish would just disappear. And, in no particular order, Terrell Owens, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise and most of all, Lindsay Lohan. All these folks do is tak...Read More

Mon, September 18, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Twas the last week of the summer of 2006. Little did I know that this summer ranked right up there with those hot summers of the mid 30's, but after considering the long and hot days from the 4th of July till the start of school, I guess they were right. Regardless, it has been a most significant ...Read More

Mon, September 11, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like most people this time of year, the memory of September 11, 2001 rings true. There have been many tributes to the attacks, which are apt, and many questions remain. I don't hope to make any long-lasting thoughts, but perspective remains the goal. Or, so it seems. It appears that our world ha...Read More

Mon, September 4, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Several regular readers (and you know you who are) have requested that we perhaps simply clear the decks with this week's entry. Since I really don't qualify this thing for a blog (that's for the really angry folks who just like to see the pot boil), such reference is fine with me. Not that isn't...Read More

Mon, August 28, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I want to take this week to tell you a story. A true story. The best kind. As the facts of the story unfolded, I found myself feeling somewhat wont as to what I should do. So, in the best journalistic way, I decided to use these facts as a theme for this week. That's what I do anyway, so this w...Read More

Mon, August 21, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It is amazing how quickly the summer has gone. Even with the blow-torch heat behind us, it has been a very quick summer and with our local Knights of Columbus Barbecue now behind us, the summer is about gone. Schools start this week and the agenda for seemingly everyone will now change until next ...Read More

Mon, August 14, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Before we get to this week's saga, let me thank those many who replied after last week's column. The common theme was how quickly 35 years went by for a lot of folks. Count me in as one of the believers. It was heartwarming and I am most appreciative of the kind words. So is my wife.

This...Read More

Mon, August 7, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It sneaks up on you. Quiet and relentless in its pursuit. Plus, you don't have to look behind your to make sure that it is still there. Simply put, the hands of time know no limit, no compression and certainly no signs of slowing down. Yet, it is the simplicity and reliability of that fact that ...Read More

Mon, July 31, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The dog days of summer to say the least. Lots of heat for the Adams County Fair. Triple digit heat. Humidity that you can cut with a knife. The best part is that it ain't January. Deal with it.

While there were many things going on, the week was highlighted by a very nice golf outing in...Read More

Mon, July 24, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It is amazing how predictable the weather has become. While not obsessed with it, I am amazed how others can get that way. For example, the last week has been hot. Very hot. Summertime hot. Humid. Hot at night. Oh, by the way, it's summertime. It is supposed to be this hot. I always know t...Read More

Mon, July 17, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Ahh. Vacation week. A time honored tradition that is steeped in the American way. From the many years ago of the true "busman's holiday" type of trip to a chance to commune, canoe, skydive or just relax somewhere other than in your own backyard. Regardless, it had been planned and lessons were ...Read More

Mon, July 3, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Just like the calendar, the heat and humidity arrived. With a vengeance. As it should. The Independence Day celebration always seems to make sure that the temperature and the humidity were about the same. Great way to sweat your way to the fireworks display. But, this weekend belonged to famil...Read More

Mon, June 26, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The summer is flying by and for all of the right reasons. Weather pretty good, no scorching heat yet and we keep dodging all of the rain that seems to land on the East Coast. But, all in all, a nice start. We'll complete National Dairy Month in style and then head into the Independence Day activi...Read More

Mon, June 19, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Just for this week, a little bit of respite. For all of the right reasons.

the reasons are simple. Perhaps it was the combination of the warm days and the somewhat delightful nights. After all, sleeping with the windows open is one of life's great luxuries and while I enjoy the air-condit...Read More

Mon, June 12, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the time to clean off the desk and get a sense of the world around us. And, boy, is it changing. We'll start with the cynical and end up with the inspirational. Or at least that's the plan to start with today. Still working on sleep deprivation, but we'll make it.

The latest shooting...Read More

Mon, June 5, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

School's out, the weather has already given us a sense of summertime and the transition to the warm weather is finally here. A very hot Memorial Day weekend caught many by surprise; evidence can be seen with many sunburned folks who got enthusiastic about the pool, the golf course or just working i...Read More

Mon, May 29, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Memorial Day. Now a 3 day holiday. Remember when it was May 30th? Perhaps it dates us, perhaps it makes us remember a little more. In Schoharie, New York, the SCS Marching Band used Memorial Day as a showcase. First to the cemetery in Central Bridge where we heard stories about those brave me...Read More

Mon, May 22, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's one of those weeks. Truly a Clint Eastwood clone. It's a Good, Bad and Ugly week. Where one starts is immaterial; it's all there, so let's see what we uncover. Who knows? May hit a nerve or two in your world.

The movement started with such grace and with such promise. Even though...Read More

Mon, May 15, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We may look back on the past week with a great deal of interest. Perhaps not. However, the first part of the week pointed out lots about what we do and how we do it. The weather responded by going damp, cold and windy. To that end, it has remained generally crappy. Both the political and Moth...Read More

Mon, May 8, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This certainly is a week of extremes and variables. In other words, just like any other week. However, there are some special opportunities that always leave their mark. This week, in our town, is unlike many others.

The Dogwood Festival, a staple since the days of the late Mary Lou Kent,...Read More

Mon, May 1, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The last week in April brought us something that we haven't had a lot of. Rain. Nice rain, as well. Not a bunch of duck-chasers, but just a nice gentle rain that approached 2" in some cases. The cheering from the porches is from the mushroom hunters, who are anxiously awaiting a day or two of su...Read More

Mon, April 24, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

After a week of truly gorgeous weather that mirrored June rather than April, the spring continues. It may be global warming, but it is nice right now. I don't know about melting glaciers, but I have enjoyed the warmer springs, lack of winter and longer summers. My grandchildren may not, but I do...Read More

Mon, April 17, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

A most lovely Easter weekend and the corresponding activities that keep a set of grandparents busy. This one was no exception and the company kept over the past week was tremendous. Added to the fact was the early arrival of what can only be called June weather. Temps near the 90 range and humid...Read More

Mon, April 10, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the first full week of DST and everyone is enjoying the later time of the day to do other things. What has been lost is the fact that most everyone ran around this week like zombies due to the change not only in time, but in sleep lost. Waitresses, co-workers and most others were part of a gen...Read More

Mon, April 10, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the first full week of DST and everyone is enjoying the later time of the day to do other things. What has been lost is the fact that most everyone ran around this week like zombies due to the change not only in time, but in sleep lost. Waitresses, co-workers and most others were part of a gen...Read More

Mon, April 3, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The winds of April have blown in with a vengeance, but the temps are warmer and spring is right around the corner. Already the greening effect is very noticable and the spring recreation is well underway. In fact, it is always fun to watch a HS baseball game in a gale wind and still no real joy in...Read More

Mon, March 27, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

A typical March week to say the least. Our long lost snowstorm finally arrived and dropped five or so on the greater Quincy area. But, it was March snow. Wet and heavy and mostly gone by the end of the week. That's the secret to March - enjoying it as it comes and realizing that most of it will ...Read More

Mon, March 20, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the first day of spring and we may be in the mood for the first real snow of the winter. Check that. No snow during the traditional December to March dates, but perhaps a good one in early spring. Very typical. It will probably give the weather gods on our local television a chance to totall...Read More

Mon, March 13, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

That old saying about weather in the Midwest was never more apt than this weekend. Don't like the weather? Just wait five minutes as it will change. From 75 and beautiful on Saturday to a torrential downpour and lightning on Saturday. Cooler on Sunday morning, windy and then it all hit again on...Read More

Mon, March 6, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With the official first day of spring within reach, it is great looking at my lonely snowblower in the garage. Didn't fire the damn thing up once. A new record. Will look forward to the annual ritual of letting it run dry as we transfer into the lawn mower season. That's a winter I can love; no...Read More

Mon, February 27, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

My official first day spring is March 1. For two reasons. First of all, we have had no winter and there is no snow. Plus, it's my grandson's 4th birthday. So, armed with great intentions and a 15" two-wheeled, yellow and black (complete with a water bottle), we'll move into March with great exp...Read More

Mon, February 20, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Happy Presidents Day. Note the lack of other punctuation. Wish the boys doing the ads would remember when the possessive starts and the plural ends. But, then again. Remember when we used to observe Lincoln's Birthday on the 12th and George's on the 22nd. We actually celebrated the fact that ...Read More

Mon, February 13, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Of thoughts, ideas and enjoyment here in the week where St. Valentine rules. One of the great sights of the season is watching my fellow men sniff around the local Victoria's Secret. This rite of winter is almost as good as the Cardinal Caravan. Mostly it is the younger set who does the best wo...Read More

Mon, February 6, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Of listening in, Alito, Jerome Bettis and other thoughts that may you go "wow" from time to time. It is the essence of our life in February. A month where some winter weather actually invaded our back yards. We had been spoiled with the 50's of January (sorry for those who went west or south) but...Read More

Mon, January 30, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I cannot remember a January without snow, but 2006 seems to fit the bill. Not that I am missing the white stuff, because I am not. Perhaps all of those global warming theories are true. If so, keep it up. But, as my clan reminds me, we had lots of real winter in December; perhaps there was a sal...Read More

Mon, January 23, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our own

I remember fondly the message that was given at my high school graduation festivities. Probably most people don't, but that talk has resonated in my head for many years. Reverend Bob Jackson, the pastor at the Dutch Reformed Church, spoke about the fact that "all of you will someday meet people,...Read More

Mon, January 16, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The biggest story in our town is the late March, early April weather that we have enjoyed for the first half of the new year. While it remains dry, the warm breezes from the south have made this January look like the one we had in 2002, while December's chill is still being felt in our pocketbooks...Read More

Mon, January 9, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Somewhere the forecast got changed. From a wretched December in which we had snows and a couple of rounds of zero temperatures came the respite. When you have temperatures in the 60's in January, it usually bodes not too well for the coming months, but we'll take it anyway. A chance to get outsi...Read More

Mon, January 2, 2006 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like most (and my daughter now tells me that I'm a blogger), we kick off 2006 with best wishes to all who find the time to read this rag. It did hit me as I was putting it together that this issue marks the 14th anniversary of this column. For the locals, I first filled in for the late Tom Awerkam...Read More

Mon, December 26, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is truly something magical about the Christmas season. Perhaps it is the crass commercialism that permeates the world from seemingly Labor Day till today - I really don't know. All I do know is that we have a way of doing Christmas that is pretty special. And, Christmas 2005 was no differe...Read More

Mon, December 19, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is always the time of the year when you think of things you should do. The Christmas Season has a way of doing that. Perhaps it's the weather, the crass commercialism or a combination of too much sugar, not enough sleep or mall overload. Whatever. We'll do that kind of stuff next week after...Read More

Mon, December 12, 2005 Up, Down and Around our Town

As the song goes, "its the most wonderful time of the year" and we're not here to dispute that simple fact. Perhaps it was the blast of winter weather that engulfed the region recently. I don't think that all were ready for 4-5 inches of snow followed by below zero weather, but that's the rule in ...Read More

Mon, December 5, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Okay, I admit it. I wasn't ready for the coming of winter all in one fell swoop. It was just a week ago that I was consistently hitting golf balls out of bounds (nothing new there) and looking forward to the first round of December. Silly me! Like a thief in the night, the crappy weather arriv...Read More

Mon, November 28, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Post Thanksgiving greetings to all of the regulars. Special tip of the cap to the Lunch Bunch, whom I assume continued the wonderful tradition of both each other's company and making sure that a certainly refrigerator was packed. Not that other iceboxes (just a nice term) aren't still in the thro...Read More

Mon, November 21, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Perhaps it's just me. Wouldn't be the first time. But, for my money, I believe that Thanksgiving is the neatest holiday of the year. Yes, the big one (supposedly) is coming up in a month or so, but that is another animal of its own. We'll probably revisit that one in a few weeks, so bear with m...Read More

Mon, November 14, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With the mid November winds bringing us a thought of things to come, it is high time to do a little catching up as to the world in which we live. Some is inspirational, some is mundane, but nevertheless, the overall activities are worthy. Plus, we lived it and loved it.

A nice shout-out to...Read More

Mon, November 7, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is a story about small towns. The really neat part of small towns. The part of living in a town that really cares. Sometmes it goes overboard; usually it doesn't.

For the record, Quincy, Illinois is a small town. Even though the population hovers around 40,000, the community has a...Read More

Mon, November 7, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is a story about small towns. The really neat part of small towns. The part of living in a town that really cares. Sometmes it goes overboard; usually it doesn't.

For the record, Quincy, Illinois is a small town. Even though the population hovers around 40,000, the community has a...Read More

Mon, October 31, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As we come to the end of October, it is amazing how fast time flies and what a wonderful fall it has been. Those of us whose addiction to chasing golf balls continue to get our fix and our future for the short-term appears to be equally as strong. It is with this background that the joy that is f...Read More

Mon, October 24, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

THERE's lots of stuff on our plates, so why wait. The weather is turning cool and wet and the calendar says that its okay. It better not get too cold. Read on.

THE SADNESS: Cardinal fans will say goodbye to Busch Stadium earlier than hoped, due to their woeful performance against those wo...Read More

Mon, October 17, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Of Tin Dusters, old friends and the possibilities of things yet to come. It was that kind of week and needs to be documented. While this contri really doesn't constitute anything close to those bloggers that clog up the internet, it will serve as testimony of the fact that being connected to tho...Read More

Mon, October 10, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Of hot and cold. Golfballs and baseballs. Birds and bats. New sights and old friends. October in general and all the other things that go bump in your life. In Quincy, Illinois, this is the sign of the times.

As so many have pointed out, it was both hot and cold. Hot enough to continue...Read More

Mon, October 3, 2005 Up, Down and Around our Town

There is always so much to single out as we start into the best month of the year. While April has its advantages and May is usually delightful, there is something about October that just can't be topped. Perhaps it is the relief from the long, hot summer. Maybe the fact that all through our part ...Read More

Mon, September 26, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

To quote one of the finest, it was the best and worst of times. Amazing week in many ways. We'll be talking about September of 2005 for many years to come.

Let's start with the weather. In the south. On the heels of Katrina, three weeks later Rita rolls in. The evacuation of the Gulf Coa...Read More

Mon, September 19, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis one of those weeks that gets people thinking about a lot of things. For my family, our eldest daughter Sara celebrates her 30th birthday. Just getting her to that level means a couple of things for her parents, mostly on the moldy side, but that's part of the circle. But, it is thoughts of ...Read More

Mon, September 12, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was one of those really amazing weeks in so many ways. On one hand, the cool breezes that promise that autumn is on its way have, for some reason, stayed out of the forecast and we are still enjoying mid-summer weather in mid-September. While we know that the cool air will soon arrive, this ha...Read More

Mon, September 5, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is a week of irony, success, reflection and possibilities. It has all the makings of one of those weeks that we will look back upon for all of the same reasons. Or, perhaps not. Regardless, it was a watershed of activities, opportunities and tragedy. It was, as many authors have written, "...Read More

Mon, August 29, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our 90 days of summer are about to come to an end. The heat and humidity have left their mark and it is amazing to see how quickly things greened up with just a little rain. But, alas, Labor Day is just around the corner and usually the temps and the weather will change. Morph into autumn. It do...Read More

Mon, August 22, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

After weeks of no rain, the weekend brought us teeming rain on two different occasions. Just enough on Friday night to knock some of the luster from the annual Knights of Columbus Barbecue. In fact, I cannot think of one other event throughout the year that attracts more folks. Lots of food, bee...Read More

Mon, August 15, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I guess it was only a matter of time. That is, when the whackjobs in the petro business have inflicted enough pain that people will notice. As of this writing, a gallon of petrol is a cool $2.65 in Quincy, Illinois. Needless to say, an alltime record. This idiocy continues with an increase of o...Read More

Mon, August 8, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The summer of 2005 will be remembered for a couple of things. First of all, the return of one of the hottest and driest summers in our recent history and the spiking of our gas prices to record levels. The former we take in stride, the latter.....well, we just take it. I was chatting with a few...Read More

Mon, August 1, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We got a little bit of rain this week, about an inch or so. It cooled things off, gave the crops and the grass a little drink, but is far from what this drought-starved part of the country really needs. What a contrast from just a year ago when our summer was punctuated with cool temps, adequate r...Read More

Mon, July 25, 2005 Up, Down and Around our Town

There are lots of things going on in our world, but regardless, the only thing folks want to chat about is the heat. The oppressive, non-stop heat that has invaded our part of the country for the first time since about 1988. Day after day of above 90 and recently, a couple of days of three-digit t...Read More

Mon, July 18, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In the midst of what is proving to be one of the hottest and driest summers we have had in a few years, there are thoughts that permeate almost everything we do. Let's take a look this week at the situations that are giving us thought, giving us cheer and most of all, giving us pride. On a side n...Read More

Mon, July 11, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the middle of a hot summer. Just the way it is supposed to be. Lots of folks don't like the hot weather and the irony of that is their trekking to the likes of Florida and Arizona in the winter. For my money, a midwest summer is one to be savored. Yes, the humidity will choke a small mule. ...Read More

Tue, July 5, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Three day weekends are nice. They really are. But, the downside is that your entire week is then compressed into the rest of the week and sometimes that's a little hairy. But, we'll take it in stride and move forward with great abandon. Needless to say, as we celebrated our 229th birthday as a ...Read More

Mon, June 27, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The calendar says summer and summer it is. Having avoided the heat and humidity all through the lovely summer of 2004, the payback came early. Mind you, summer is a wonderful time and if you live in the midwest, one should be prepared for some incessant heat and high humidity. Around our town, w...Read More

Mon, June 20, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Father's Day weekend. A nice time of the year, to say the least and with the humidity on hiatus, the San Diego type weather has made for some wonderful outdoor activities. The river is full of boats, fishermen and water sports; the golf courses are lush and beautiful. Softball and baseball field...Read More

Mon, June 13, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Weather wise, everyone seems to be asking the question of what happened to spring. We have jumped right into summer with passion. Lots of heat and humidity, coupled with the almost daily thunderstorm has kick-started the summer with great joy. The local pools are loving it, the golf courses and...Read More

Mon, June 6, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The calendar turns to the month of June and all sorts of things happen to bring us back for more. But, alas, it is first and foremost National Dairy Month, so indulge yourself. Perhaps something from Ben and Jerry's or if in St. Louis, a trip to Ted Drews. It's all good. But, stay away from the ...Read More

Mon, May 30, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Memorial Day. It means a lot of things to a lot of people. But, perhaps this year, it means just a little more. It is different from Veterans Day, in that we take the time to thank, mostly in death, those who have given their lives in the service of my country. I cannot think what a debt that is...Read More

Mon, May 23, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Every once in a while, there comes a time in one's life that is meaningful. Meaningful in ways that perhaps we don't often approach, but nevertheless very special. Such was a week for this author. And, while there is a multitude of topics that I would really like to comment upon, I think, at leas...Read More

Sun, May 15, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With the season of graduation upon us, it is always an interesting twist. Most graduation speakers are boring, horrible or simply self-serving. But, there is a trend that confirms much of what is going on around us. Most of the high school and college graduates get their news not from radio, TV o...Read More

Sun, May 8, 2005 Up, Down and Around our Town

After a week of questionable weather, particularly in the temperature range, it finally rolled in. Mother's Day weekend, with the exception of a couple of passing showers, ended up just delightful and Saturday couldn't have been nicer. Summerlike if you will. It is certainly that time of the yea...Read More

Mon, May 2, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is always something special about the month of May. Weather-wise, it is usually one of the finest and with all of the other things going on in most lives, sometimes the busiest. With our tremendous first half of April, followed by more seasonal temps, we look forward to May with its color, i...Read More

Mon, April 25, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As usual, Mother Nature always wins. After being not only teased, but downright fulfilled with early spring and even a little early summer weather, the north winds blew. And blew. And dropped the temps down to early March-like venues. Just goes to show you that when the good stuff hits, we bette...Read More

Mon, April 18, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Sometimes we just live right. Regardless of $2.20 gasoline (how we're getting hosed), the springtime weather is just delightful. An early return to the 70's, complete with nice rains and a good dose of sunshine has everyone in a good mood. Plus, the mushroom hunters are happy and all of the liars...Read More

Mon, April 11, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Just like always. Lots of stuff that has happened in the past week. Let's take a look and see where you and I may fit in all of this. The springtime weather has continued, although the good old boys tell us that we actually need a little rain. Here's hoping that it doesn't all come at once.

...Read More

Mon, April 4, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

A more delightful first weekend in April no one could ask for. Warming temperatures, southerly breezes and the change to Daylight Savings Time. Time to do lots of things, mostly outside. And, in our town, we are an outdoors town. In fact, just riding around the beautiful streets of Quincy, Illin...Read More

Mon, March 28, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Needless to say, it has been quite a week. A week, unfortunately, that was punctuated with the darkest, grayest, dampest and downright yucky weather one could ask. But - it looks like it is about to change. A cloudy Easter morning gave way to a gorgeous Easter afternoon and the prospects are good...Read More

Mon, March 21, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the first week of spring and we made it. I know, not a hard winter, but a typical long, gray and just cold and damp enough to have in our rearview mirror. This is the nicest 90 days of the year and it always is a treat watching folks roll out of their cold houses and embrace the first few warm...Read More

Mon, March 14, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As we head to the second half of March, there is a nice hope of spring just around the corner and that is the best part of this month. Not that the Final Four won't be fun, but getting outside on a regular basis, looking forward to the clocks moving forward and being able to open the windows is the...Read More

Mon, March 7, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

What a sweet gift the last weekend was. Nice to know that the weather boys and girls underestimated what turned out to be just a delightful preview of spring. Winter is a funny thing around these here parts. One does not technically enjoy winter here; we just endure it and count down till the wea...Read More

Mon, February 28, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Every once in awhile, a respite comes your way and just rewards you in so many different avenues. Such was the case for yours truly as I had a chance to get out of the gray and cold for a brief trip to the lovley desert of Arizona. While we were fearing that the almost ten inches of rain was going...Read More

Mon, February 21, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Whether you are a believer or not in the Old Farmer's Almanac, they have had a pretty good track history regarding the weather around here and there. With Valentine's Day behind us, we can pretty much look for another typical late February and March and so far, so good. Not beach weather to say t...Read More

Mon, February 14, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis Valentine's Day. A wonderful day. One of those days when people you don't really like give you a little card saying just the opposite. It is tremendous. Brings back those wonderful elementary school days in the 50's when the big job was securing the refrigerator box, painting it to look like...Read More

Mon, February 7, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

What a wonderful February this has turned into. From 5 inches of snow last weekend to temperatures that were close to 60 over our last weekend. The nice thing about a weekend like the last one is that, like prisoners of war, it is nice to see people peak their feet and eyes out of their homes an...Read More

Mon, January 31, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Twas the last day of January; a month just as well behind us instead of before us. Nice to know that the forecast 1" of snow turned out to be about 4. Great job, boys. But, nevertheless, it is a big week, so let's get busy.

Just for the record, who cares if Terrell Owens plays in the Super...Read More

Mon, January 24, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's been quite a week to say the least. Locally, regionally and nationally. We'll try to make sense of it all and see if it weaves itself into a weekly tale that is worth telling.

On the local side, my adopted hometown of Canton suffered yet another telling blow. It seems that the Gods ma...Read More

Mon, January 17, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

These are the types of weeks that inspire lots of winter writings. The bleak mid-winter, if you will. A week of driving rain, scattered snow, needless ice and frigid temperatures leaves no doubt as to what the date is. But, then again, it is mid-January and we are right on schedule. The frozen ...Read More

Mon, January 10, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The first good week of the new year was not without all of the trauma and joy that we have come to expect in almost any good week. However, all seemed to pick up steam by the time our week was done. Consider the following:

We got to witness the classless Randy Moss of the Minnesota Vikings ...Read More

Mon, January 3, 2005 Up, Down and Around Our Town

With all due appreciation to our guest columnist last week, I now can officially welcome all to the new year of 2005. Perhaps this will be a year to savor and remember.

In all of my 55 years, I still cannot put into context the results of Mother Nature at her worst with the outcome of the ts...Read More

Mon, December 27, 2004 Up, Down and Around My Town

That other guy is taking a few days off and I was asked to consider whether or not I might like to pen this week's entry. I'm pretty young, but for all that I have seen in the past week, I have lots to report. So, we'll do this this way, because that is the way my parents requested.

Dear Sa...Read More

Mon, December 20, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There are always times in the year when you need to put some of the tools aside and take a look at the view that surrounds us all. This being Christmas Week - hey, why not. So, here goes.

I fondly remember as a child in the frozen Northeast getting excited about something that probably seem...Read More

Mon, December 13, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

This is usually the time of the year when we sort of clean out our inbox and make a few randoms thoughts from each section. The only problem with that thought is by the time we get to the bottom of that ficticious box that there are eight or nine layers of new stuff to go over.

Consider Scot...Read More

Mon, December 6, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Travel with me this week as Our Town moves about 1200 miles to the east. To the gorgeous little town of my upbringing in the northern Berkshire mountains called Schoharie, New York. This pretty little village is in the valley that bears its name and has been around since the late 1700's. Just a w...Read More

Mon, November 29, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Twas the week after Thanksgiving and what a week it has been. We'll get to the specifics in a minute, but I hope that all were graced with a wonderful turkey dinner somewhere. From our own house, the bird gave it up early and all of the trimmings made for a super day with three generations present...Read More

Mon, November 22, 2004 Up,Down and Around Our Town

Here's to all who will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week. Truly an American holiday, so share it with others and make sure that you and your family enjoy each other's company. Great time for the turkey business and our clan will partake of a 20 pound bird. Invite someone who may be alone for ...Read More

Mon, November 15, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Twas the week before Thanksgiving. That one holiday of the year when you get to eat real good and don't have to bring presents. All of the good things about life are on Thanksgiving - food, football and family. Throw in a couple of relatives that always show up and it truly becomes a party. Plus...Read More

Mon, November 8, 2004 Up, Down, and Around Our Town

Tis the week after and the sun (finally) came both up and out. We survived the election season and came out of it with just a few scars. It was the talk of the town and it should have been as this year a heck of a lot of folks did go vote. That's the essence; one has to go vote and as I said las...Read More

Mon, November 1, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Thanksgiving month. Daylight savings time now a blip on the history screen. The Boston Red Sox are the world champions, having run roughshod over a stunned Cardinal bunch. At least they were kind enough to inflict their damage in four games instead of seven. Still, not many would have picked the...Read More

Mon, October 25, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There is something special about October. This year is no different, with the colors just being tremendous and the weekends, thankfully, have been dry. After a week of gray and mist, a gorgeous fall weekend was our reward for making through the week. A wonderful reward, I might add.

Of cour...Read More

Mon, October 18, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The winds of change are in the air. There is excitement that only comes in those special days of October. The political campaigns are heating up and the spin doctors are working overtime. On the Presidential level, the debates are over and it is a common thought that neither candidate swept the ...Read More

Mon, October 11, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Here's a chance to say thanks for all of the nice comments from last week. The combination of just delightful weather, coupled with a lot of great old friends, made the Culver experience one to remember. And, that is just what we will do. Plus, hearing from friends local and distant made it even ...Read More

Mon, October 4, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Every once in awhile, things come together. And, because there is always the temptation to think that you can control all of the variables, the reality is that such control is a pipe dream. However, what transpired around our town last week is profoundly personal and reinforces my belief that we a...Read More

Mon, September 27, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Perhaps the easiest way to describe the climate around here is just gorgeous. Our sympathies go to the folks in the South, particularly Florida, as they get slammed for the fourth time by yet another hurricane. It is hard to imagine the devastation that has ensued from these storms when we sit day...Read More

Mon, September 20, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It will be a long time before we get to experience a better summer than has just concluded. Mind you, my sympathies go out to those in the swimming pool business, but for all of the rest, the Summer of 04 was not only a delight, but a spoiler. We anticipate that usual long hot, humid spell and for...Read More

Mon, September 13, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As our San Diego weather continues, we can only sympathize with the folks in Florida and on the Gulf Coast. Between Charlie, Frances and now Ivan, the hurricane season has been something to behold. Meanwhile, after our 9 inches of rain a while back, the faucet has been turned off, leaving us with ...Read More

Mon, September 6, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Labor Day weekend is always somewhat of a mixed bag. On one hand, it is the last holiday of the summer and just that example is significant. It means that schools are back in session, the weather will change and that the leaves will start to fall. It also reflects the changing of a season - one t...Read More

Mon, August 30, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Okay, we haven't had the usual heat and humidity of the summer. But - 6 inches of rain in one week. Come on, give us a break. Small streams turned into torrents and there isn't a basement, sump pump or gutter that didn't get a workout. Some of the hardest rain I have seen in years. Plus, I got ...Read More

Mon, August 23, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

My thanks to the many who chose to make comments on last week's column. There was some good insight into all of our topics, particularly the ones about my friend and the PC world in which we live. It is good to now that there are some rational folks out there.

Is there anything more worthle...Read More

Mon, August 16, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We just won't keep talking about the San Diego type weather for fear of putting a hex on the outcome. Suffice it is to say that this type of climate, in this month and in this part of the country is not only off the charts, but it sure is enjoyable. Not hearing the air conditioners grind is music ...Read More

Mon, August 9, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We keep waiting for the dog days of summer. In fact, I am enjoying the wait. The plethora of fall-like weather has almost been too good to be true. No extended sweat producing days; just day after day of low to mid 80's and cooler evenings. Who deserves is more?

My lovely bride and I decid...Read More

Mon, August 2, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I have spent the past couple of weeks talking with lots of our locals. The only question was if they could remember a month of July that was more delightful than the one we just completed. To each one who was questioned, the answer was no. Sort of with a little trepidation of "we're gonna pay for...Read More

Mon, July 26, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

In our town, you would never know it is July. Usually at this time of the year, the drone of the air conditioners is so loud it drowns out the insects. But, not this year. El Nino? Don't know, but after a couple of sweltering days, the Good Lord decided that we needed a nice Canadian High to coo...Read More

Mon, July 19, 2004 Up, Down and Around our Town

There is something refreshing about a vacation. And, this one was no different. Over the years, vacations have taken on a lot of different styles and colors. For many years, it revolved around the needs of the offspring - zoos, baseball games, trips to Washington, DC., roadtrips to various nice p...Read More

Mon, July 12, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our annual midsummer night's fantasy of both cleaning out the inbox and making some observations about our world as we live in it. The heat and humidity, both of which had been either absent or in small form, have now returned and the steamy baking of the midwest is now underway. It is one of the...Read More

Mon, July 5, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like many communities, both large and small, the celebration of the 4th of July is pretty predictable. And, for good reason. The sights and sounds of the Red, White and Blue are seemingly everywhere and no one ever gets tired of that. Plus, even with the rain and thunderstorms that seem to be al...Read More

Mon, June 28, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was certainly a week of extremes and just doesn't seem to get much different. And, who says that there is nothing to do or respond to in our neck of the woods. From the locals to the international, there were landmarks this week that just made you step back and wonder what will come next. Loy...Read More

Mon, June 21, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tis the lst day of summer, and although it doesn't feel like it in the greater Quincy area, it, nevertheless, represents the apex of our sunshine. The pessimists in the world will now tout that all of the world will get less sun and the days will get shorter and the winter winds will soon blow. H...Read More

Mon, June 14, 2004 Up,Down and Around Our Town

All weeks are notable; this past one was significant. Not in a unique way, but just in that one and only avenue of progression that assures us that we are not alone, nor are we forgotten. I guess sometimes it is always just pretty good being noticed; being honored is something altogether differen...Read More

Mon, June 7, 2004 Up, Down and Around our Town

The first week of our usual gorgeous summertime is well upon us and there is just a multitude of things going on. The high winds of last week, coupled with the tremendous rain that was received pushed the rivers to their banks and brought back some memories of l993. Luckily, there was little damag...Read More

Mon, May 31, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It's Memorial Day weekend. A great time to remember the past and embrace the future. Paying a visit to the area cemeteries to honor those who have passed before us is the right thing to do. Wandering to the Illinois Veterans Home really brings this home in many ways. I think that Memorial Day wa...Read More

Mon, May 24, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our gorgeous month of May continues with nice weather, higher temps and higher humidity. Sort of like a preview of June and July. Recent rains have made the lawns lush, the bugs thick and the air conditioners running at a quicker clip. It has been quite a week.

History made here in our Fa...Read More

Mon, May 17, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

To say the least, it has been a memorable last seven days. On the plus side, the lovely Mother's Day weather just made for a tremendous celebrations for mothers all over our part of the world. We didn't realize it at the time, but Sunday was going to be the only decent day of the week. Enjoying s...Read More

Mon, May 10, 2004 Up, Down and Around our Town

Here's hoping that your Mother's Day celebrations were significant and meaningful. Ours certainly was, with the mother of my own two children having the day of her life. Got to play in her garden, had the chance to get inspired with a wonderful church service and the company of her grandson at the...Read More

Mon, May 3, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

There simply is not a better month of the year than May. Warm days, wet days and generally cool nights just make leaving the windows open the thing to do. Plus, you can hear the grass grow through the screens. There is not a more intense shade of green than the lovely grass gives us at this time ...Read More

Mon, April 26, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our windy and warm April continues and the need for some of those spring showers has never been more necessary. A couple of showers here and there, but the planting season, while fine in the dry weather, is in need of some good soaking rain. Perhaps this is a harbinger of things to come and we may...Read More

Mon, April 19, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The calendar may say April, but the past week has seemed like West Texas in July. Almost 90 degrees and the winds that just will not let up. The end result is a dry time of the year, but there is a good sense that we need some rain pretty quickly. But, the spring flowers are in full bloom, the d...Read More

Mon, April 19, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The calendar may say April, but the past week has seemed like West Texas in July. Almost 90 degrees and the winds that just will not let up. The end result is a dry time of the year, but there is a good sense that we need some rain pretty quickly. But, the spring flowers are in full bloom, the d...Read More

Mon, April 12, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our town looks tremendous. The budding trees and the growing grass has a lucious look of spring and the long winter is now behind us. Even our dogwoods are starting to poke through and by the time we get to the Dogwood Festival in a couple of weeks, it should be wonderful. Plus, the warm temperat...Read More

Mon, April 5, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The first week of April is always a delight and with the Easter season upon us, it is just nice to be a part of the world where the flowers are blooming and the sunshine finally has a little heat in it. I never tire of this time of year; minus humidity and with the added bonus of the reinstatement ...Read More

Mon, March 29, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The weekend rains signal that winter is behind us and the greening of the midwest is right on schedule. These spring rains, while significant at times, nevertheless will make the golf courses and the lawns look tremendous. That is, until the heat of the summer burns it all off. That's why this 90...Read More

Mon, March 22, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Looking back, it seems like a long winter. We're now into spring and with the exception of about two weeks in February, the winter was bearable. But, alas, the days are longer, the sun has a little heat in it, the March winds are blowing and the daffodils are pushing their way to the surface. It ...Read More

Mon, March 15, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Color me a somewhat happy guy. Why? Pretty simple, in fact. On the heels of last week's article outlining the difficulties in our local Quincy School System, my inbox filled up in a hurry and the surprise was that most were supportive and positive. This long-time whipping child of the local taxp...Read More

Mon, March 8, 2004 Up, Down and Around our Town

The spring calendar is upon us, meaning that grass will grow, tulips will peek through the ground and in QUincy, Illinois, we'll do our annual beating up of the school system. For the past 20 years or so, the calendar has always meant that there was some kind of crisis and it was time to put the fa...Read More

Mon, March 1, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We'll take just a little time off the beaten path to share a little abou the alpha and omega that yours truly experienced this past week. Even with all of the hoopla going on throughout the world, there is still time to see how Around Our Town can and does affect other people in lots of ways. And,...Read More

Mon, February 23, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The weather Gods are playing nice with us this week. After lots of needlessly cold, windy and damp weather that was punctuated by needless snow and ice, the thaw came. And not a moment too soon. After a couple of very nice days, the snows receded, the winds turned to the south and the birds came ...Read More

Mon, February 16, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Post Valentine's Day greetings and we all hope that the loves of your life were treated to the best that you and Hallmark have to offer. Nice to see the chocolate lovers get their due; such is always appreciated and the kids always have a treat or two to share. I still get a kick out of watching t...Read More

Mon, February 9, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Valentine's Day is lurking towards the end of the week and I join others in hoping that you will take the time to not only pick out a nice card, but do something special with and for it. There is no doubt that this holiday is nothing more than a greeting card bonanza, but what else are you going to...Read More

Mon, February 2, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was truly a trip down memory lane; the only problem was that the memories weren't very rewarding. Good intentions? Certainly, they were there. After all, it was just a simple dinner at a local restaurant that we hadn't frequented in many years. The request was a simple one - to sample a dish ...Read More

Mon, January 26, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Tales of the Atkins diet, the Golden Globes, the weather and various other things that go bump in the nights of our life. Oh, and the Super Bowl just happen to be in our radar. Plus, the politics of elections and those strange things that happen along the way.

Let's start with the elections...Read More

Mon, January 19, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Maybe it was inevitable. Perhaps it is just karma gone bad. More than likely, it is just the normal passage of time. And, for the record, this is something that my generation never thought would happen; or at least, happen to us. Yet, the signs are everywhere and a couple came home to roost last...Read More

Mon, January 12, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It was certainly a week to remember, yet for some of the strange reasons, perhaps one that we won't recall for awhile. Plus, with all of the sports news coming across our desks, it would be impossible not to comment on some of it. Not to mention the continuing aspect of my ability to correct an a...Read More

Mon, January 5, 2004 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like many, let me take this opportunity to usher in the New Year in style. The springlike weather of New Year's Eve and a few days post gave way to much more normal weather. Waking up to a sheet of ice and biting cold temperatures reminds us all of that great old adage of weather in the midwest -...Read More

Mon, December 29, 2003 Up Down and Around Our Town

The calendar tells us that this is the last week of the year. The weather vane tells us just the opposite. A beautful late December weekend was highlighted with some lovely outdoor weather and the chance to launch a few golf balls into the woods. Nice to know that the game is still poor, but sim...Read More

Mon, December 15, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Perhaps it was the first glass of egg nog, or the first snow, or even the reality that Christmas was less than two weeks away. Maybe it was the fact that my grandson will be front and center this year at Christmas and will be a participant rather than just a spectator. Maybe, hearing Grandma Got R...Read More

Mon, December 8, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Mark Twain used to speak about the differential between inspiration and perspiration relative to his ability to put pen to paper. Not that anyone will every confuse me with Sam Clemens, but the inspiration thing is something to behold. And, such is the essence of our world this week. It is amazin...Read More

Mon, November 24, 2003 Up, Down and Around our Town

Thanksgiving week. Always a great time of preparation. And stress. And travel. And,and, and even more. The holiday season is upon us, so let the Silly Season begin.

Always make this plea and even a couple of my steady readers have set me up for this and many more for this week's entry. ...Read More

Mon, November 17, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

As the calendar just continues to move at breakneck pace, it just gets closer and closer to the annual Holiday Season. In fact, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, you can get a good sense of all of the excitement that has been building. For the first time in many years, there appears to be...Read More

Mon, November 10, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

It doesn't seem possible, but the holiday season is right at our front door. There are many signs to confirm this, not to mention the thought of x-amount of "shopping days" till Christmas. Most people figure that any day that has sunlight is a "shopping day" till Christmas. But, this year there s...Read More

Mon, November 3, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

November greetings to all who have now adjusted to the return to Standard Time. Just hate the fact that we now are going home in the dark. It is downright depressing to those who savor the long days of the summer, but they will return in a few months. Or, at least they always have in the past. <...Read More

Mon, October 27, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We venture just a little way around our town this week for a couple of reasons. First of all, the topic is a good one and perhaps some of our regular readers will reflect a little on similar circumstances. And, second, as Daddy used to say, "it is never too late to do the right thing. " So, with ...Read More

Mon, October 20, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our own

There is so much to enjoy about October. The weather, the apples, football, and when it is particularly enjoyable, the baseball playoffs. Now, mind you, I forever remain a traditionalist and still strongly fel that baseball games of this magnitude should be played in the sunshine. Afternoon games...Read More

Mon, October 13, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Here in the greater Quincy area, we are enjoying our annual gift from the Gods. Weather simply to savor and the colors of the season are starting to make their presence known. From the subtle shades of red to the spectacular yellows and oranges of the landscape, this time of the year greets each o...Read More

Mon, October 6, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our town, of course, being Quincy, Illinois. I was thinking about a few words that my late father shared with me years ago. Being a farmer's son, he learned to enjoy the joy of sunrises. Used to say that the sky changes at least five times in fifteen minutes and since I have come to use the same...Read More

Mon, September 29, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Our first full week of fall brings us some true fall weather. Cool, crisp and for the most part, delightful. It makes you feel good about just being alive enjoying this kind of weather. Plus, since it is early fall, we know that the coming of even more great temperatures is just around the corner...Read More

Mon, September 22, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Kudos to the Class of l968 for paying particular attention to our last entry and having the time to make lots of comments. Nice to know that all are well and hearty in the Northeast and from the sounds of things, those folks have prospered nicely. Having this venue certainly helps greatly. So, th...Read More

Mon, September 15, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We'll deviate just a little from our usual format this week for a great reason. We all have encounters that make our lives enjoyable and one of the trends of this column is to illuminate some of those situations. I had made mention in a previous column that I would be making the trek to my beautif...Read More

Mon, September 8, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The folks in the greater Quincy area continue to feed my ego with a few comments and they are most appreciated. The calendar reads early September, but after our Labor Day washout, the weather has simply turned to gorgeous and there are no other words to properly describe. Folks in San Diego may g...Read More

Mon, September 1, 2003 Up, Down Around Our Town

The calendar says Labor Day and that is what we are doing - minimally, but nevertheless taking the opportunity to catch up with the readers in a couple of ways. Many who have written enjoy the various references to our midwest weather, so here goes. We had a week of what can only be called tropic...Read More

Mon, August 25, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

I was going to spend this week reflecting on some of the fine midwest traditions, particularly those that are local to this beautiful Western Illinois town that I call home. Will probably take a stab at a couple of those with this week's writings, but when you are moved to another venue, it usuall...Read More

Mon, August 18, 2003 Up,Down and Around Our Town

While the calendar may not indicate such, the summer of our lives is officially over. We know this becasue of two things - the opening of schools and the introduction (luckily for the first time) of the 100 degree weather. The very dangerous heat is just counterproductive to any degree of learning...Read More

Mon, August 11, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

Like most, the greater Quincy community is looking around going, "where did our summer go?" And, for good reason. The pace of the summer has been frenetic and school will (hopefully)start right around the corner. I share the modifier only because every school system is financially in the tank and...Read More

Mon, August 4, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The question that keeps being asked around Quincy, Illinois is "where did the summer go?" Perhaps it is the reality that there is still a lot of summer left, but not a lot of disposable time. Schools are in the process of getting ready for football and soccer, not to mention the college students h...Read More

Mon, July 28, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

While the rest of the country has been in an up and down mode relative to its climate, the midwest, particularly around our part of the world in Quincy, Illinois, has enjoyed a tremendous summer. From a cool and wet spring that was delightful to a summer that has been mostly delightful, we greeted ...Read More

Mon, July 21, 2003 Up, Down and Around The Town

Vacations are a wonderful thing. We should do even more of that kind of stuff, but for some reason, like most of us, it is just tough to go somewhere with the sole agenda item being to relax. Type A with all of the symptoms. However, our recent trip to beautiful Door County in Northeast Wisconsin...Read More

Mon, July 14, 2003 Up, Down and Around our Town

Summers in the midwest are always unpredictable. Several nights of massive thunderstorms that always seem to follow the near triple digit temperatures have come just as the fireworks from the 4th. The bad thing is that trees came down and there was some damage, but the good thing is that the earth...Read More

Mon, July 7, 2003 Up, Down Around Our Town

Funny thing about weather. We seem to have a tremendous short-term memory problem when it comes to the various difficulties with our climate. Over the 4th of July weekend, the temperatures, as usual, hit borderline records and brought the humidity with it. But, then again, it is the 4th of July ...Read More

Mon, June 30, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We always seem to talk about the weather - Mark Twain would be most proud - but for this year, I am thankful that my New York roots are behind me. I joked with my mother earlier this year that most of the Schoharie Valley was probably on suicide watch. They endured over 190 inches of snow during t...Read More

Mon, June 23, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We always seem to discuss the weather situation around our Fair City and for Quincy, Illinois, the weather has been simply delightful. More warm days and relatively cool nights which are great for sleeping, but not the greatest if you are planning to use your outdoor pool. We remember longingly t...Read More

Mon, June 23, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

We always seem to discuss the weather situation around our Fair City and for Quincy, Illinois, the weather has been simply delightful. More warm days and relatively cool nights which are great for sleeping, but not the greatest if you are planning to use your outdoor pool. We remember longingly t...Read More

Mon, June 16, 2003 Up, Down and Around the Town

Lots to talk about this week that makes life in the greater Quincy area worth living. Most of all, is the continuation of the wonderful springlike weather. While we know that the heat and humidity will soon be with us, it has been delightful enjoying the cool mornings and evenings and warm, but n...Read More

Mon, June 9, 2003 Up, Down and Around the Town

The Quincy area has enjoyed, like many in the midwest, a delightfully cool spring to this point. Not that some typical heat and humidity won't be right around the corner, but these past five weeks have been highlighted with days in the 70's and nights in the 50's. The best part is that the groan ...Read More

Tue, June 3, 2003 Up, Down Around the Town

June is always one of my favorite months of the year for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, the weather is usually where was have always wanted it to be since the winter whining starts. Second, the schools are out for the summer - good news for some and not so good news for others - but, nevert...Read More

Mon, May 26, 2003 Up, Down and Around the Town

The Memorial Day weekend always signifies a lot of different events. Picnics, family reunions and the like fill lots of schedules. In Quincy, the Gus Macker basketball tournament, sponsored by the Exchange Club since l991, always means that thousands of people will descend on our beautiful Washin...Read More

Mon, May 19, 2003 Up, Down Around Town

It is amazing how things can change and change quickly. We here in the Midwest are usually quite comfortable dealing with the changes in the weather. After all, the old saying is that if you do not like the weather, just wait about fifteen minutes and it will change for you. The old wive...Read More

Mon, May 12, 2003

It is a wonderful thing, this cyber animal. Seeing the finished product up and running was something to behold. And I’m old enough to remember when the IBM Selectric was the end-all for anyone doing much word processing. I just dated myself.

Being more than local, although our thoughts an...Read More

Mon, May 5, 2003 Up, Down and Around Our Town

The Governor called. So to speak. For the uninformed or first-time readers, this column is now a continuation of an effort that lasted over 10 years. FROM the days at the Quincy, Illinois Merchant Ad-Visor to the Quincy Herald-Whig TV Guide, it spanned the days when local writing meant something. Wh...Read More

Fri, January 3, 2003 Up, Down and Around our Town

News from and for the truly mundane. Mostly, it revolves around items and places, but this one was a hoot. I closed last week's column by stating that "I'll see you at the food court." Little did I know that I would be one of many (mostly men) who found themselves wandering around the food court ...Read More

Up, Down and Around our Town

Remember the tremendous anticipation of this week? School is out (unless you teach in certain parts of New York State), the stores are starting to put the discounts front and center and the days have reached single digits. Perhaps it is both the perspective of an almost 2 year old grandson, who ...Read More