Category: 2026

  • On a Little Story About Magnatiles

    On a Little Story About Magnatiles

    Koen, A lot of what I write I figure you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about by the time you read this. You might be at an age now where you do remember some things, but I’m hoping this is one you’ll read and say, “huh. Well that must have been a passing thing.”…

  • On Fishing

    On Fishing

    A father’s reflection on rediscovering the joy of fishing through his son’s eyes, from childhood memories at the family farm to catching largemouth bass at Kinsale.

  • On My Mount Rushmore of Books

    On My Mount Rushmore of Books

    Boys, I’ve never been much of a “reader.” I like to write, obviously, but I was never really patient enough to read. When I worked construction (before smartphones), we’d drive hours at a time to get to a job, and I had a few books I’d bring with me to read on the road. I…

  • On A trip in the Way back machine

    On A trip in the Way back machine

    Boys, Did you know that your mom used to blog? She called her blog “Corks and Kale” because she wanted to celebrate the idea of living a healthy lifestyle while also being able to let loose sometimes and have some fun. We also used to make kale chips in the oven and I don’t know…

  • On Golf Glory: The Underdog Victory

    On Golf Glory: The Underdog Victory

    Boys, I like to think I am ahead of the curve when it comes to using AI in ways that are productive and beneficial. Unfortunately, I’m also prone to type things like this into my phone at night after your mom falls asleep. This is just me kind of having fun. Hope you like it.…

  • On Dog Psychics

    On Dog Psychics

    Boys, Your mom is a very practical and get-things-done kind of girl. She’s also a sage-the-house-to-cleanse-the-energy kind of girl. Sometimes, she’s a I-need-you-to-pick-up-this-kitchen-table-from-a-dark-alley-on-campus kind of girl. Yesterday, she was a there’s-a-difference-between-leaving-the-burner-on-and-losing-track-of-time-and-nearly-burning-down-the-house-because-I-left-the-burrito-on-the-stove kind of girl. She keeps us guessing and we love her for it. Your mom isn’t afraid to go against the grain and do…

  • On Surviving Slinky Dog and the $42 bubble machine

    On Surviving Slinky Dog and the $42 bubble machine

    What causes more anxiety: a Slinky Dog roller coaster for children or overpriced bubble machines for adults?

  • On boredom and the Middle Ages

    On boredom and the Middle Ages

    Boys, Put every idea in the world into a hat and try to draw one less exciting than boredom — it’s not easy to do! But I think boredom is important in an age where attention is at an all-time low. I believe that the ability to be bored is becoming more of a skill,…

  • On We Need a Band Name

    On We Need a Band Name

    Koen, I feel like starting this post with a really long intro that doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the title of the post, but we’ll get there. Every new year, your mom and I like to do a guided goals exercise with our friends. The friends change from year to year, but…