Category Archives: Family

I’m Dreaming of a Wide Christmas (in Tucson)

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Thestrugglershandbook

Christmas in Tucson is a bit different from much of the rest of the country. Sure, there’s the same toxic tendency toward materialistic frenzy; the areas around the major retail centers are a nightmare from Thanksgiving forward. Already teetering on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Children, Christianity, Diet, Family, Food, Humor, Travel, Tucson, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Trip to Arizona Whine Country

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Thestrugglershandbook

My wife and I have resolved, in response to a mass evacuation of our children from our home and the black hole of emptiness created in their wake, to take some day trips around Arizona. Recently we drove down from … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Christianity, Family, Hiking, Humor, Marriage, Parenting, Travel, Tucson, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Empty Nest…or Hunnybunny, the Chilruns Dun Got Away

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Thestrugglershandbook

My wife and I are recent empty-nesters. For the past twenty-four years, we have found collective definition in our lives through the raising of our children. I have always preferred defining my life in this way; left to the standards … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Children, Christianity, Family, Humor, Life, Living, Marriage, Parenting, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Farewell to Bob and Frank

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Thestrugglershandbook

Consider this post a brief biography of two men, whose names were Bob and Frank. I knew them both, though they didn’t know each other; sadly, they both died this past month, only three days apart.  They were unremarkable, unexceptional … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christianity, Death, Family, Friends, Health, Life, Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Wedding Bells are Clanking – Again!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Thestrugglershandbook

Well, it’s happening again. My son, who I introduced to you all a year ago (see That’s My Boy, Jan. 2012), is getting married. His relationship with a German girl, Julia, vexed by the daunting obstacles of both distance and … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Christianity, Family, Humor, Life, Living, Marriage, Uncategorized, Weddings | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

The Struggler’s Guide to Dieting

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Thestrugglershandbook

I went to the grocery store recently, as I am often wont to do; my wife buys most of the groceries for our home, but her tastes tend toward earthy and healthful. When I look into the fridge all I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diet, Family, Health, Humor, Life, Living, Uncategorized, Weddings, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Resolvable Resolutions

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Thestrugglershandbook

Galations 6:7-10. I have to admit that I’ve taken to the notion of creating resolutions for myself as a new year approaches; it’s kind of funny, and oddly pathetic, that the tossing of a simple calendar somehow signifies a chance … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christianity, Family, Humor, Life, Living, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: Who Knee’s Em? – Part II

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Thestrugglershandbook

The sudden, painful explosion of the ACL in my left knee on Thanksgiving Day, 1983 (see Part I), was a devastating occurrence for a number of reasons. First, it effectively ended, or at least drastically curtailed, a life-long predilection for … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, Christianity, Family, Health, Humor, Life, Living, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments: Who Knees ‘Em? – Part I

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Thestrugglershandbook

The thick, low clouds provided a contrasting backdrop to the football spinning end over end     as it fell toward my waiting arms. Once I caught it, I scanned the field and the approaching onslaught of opposing players. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Health, Humor, Life, Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Tucson, You’re My Town

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Thestrugglershandbook

I suppose it’s not unusual for people to be proud of where they’re from. I’m sure there’s a few people from Grand Forks, North Dakota who think they live in earth’s Eden. I lived there for a year as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Christianity, Family, Humor, Life, Living, Photography, Travel, Tucson | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments