August 1, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Friday, August 1.

As we come to the end of the week, we come to the beginning of a new month - August. As a boy, August was a long, hot, slow, last gasp of summer. A last chance for days of freedom and play. It’s still just as hot, but with schools opening, or at least preparation for school beginning, it feels, in a way, like summer has already ended.  

July 30, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, July 30.

I hate to run. I hate running. I’ve always hated running. I just don’t see the point. And have you ever looked at the face of someone who’s running? Do they look happy? They do not. They look miserable. And you know why? Because they’re running! If you see me running down the street, you may safely assume that somebody’s chasing me - somebody big.

July 28, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, July 28.

On the morning of July 28, 1945, World War II was winding down. Germany had surrendered two months before, Japan would follow in two weeks. Soldiers were returning home. America was ready for a return to normal life. And then, an event occurred which sent shock waves through the nation. An event that would foreshadow 911. A B-25 bomber flew into the 80th floor of the Empire State Building.

July 23, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, July 23.

On this day in 1885, Ulysses S. Grant died. Like Dwight Eisenhower, he distinguished himself as a victorious wartime general, before serving two terms as President of the United States. After leaving the White House, Grant fell on hard times financially. He had hoped to become a rich man, but after putting his trust in a swindler, he ended up in bankruptcy. Two months later, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. 

July 21, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Monday, July 21.

Change. When I was a boy that meant money in my pocket. My grandfather called it “silver.” I loved to hear the jingle-jangle sound when I walked - made me feel rich! And there were lots of things that a pocketful of change could buy.

But all that has changed. I don’t carry coins around anymore. I don’t really use cash that much, so there’s not much change coming back. Today, the word has a different meaning, and unlike the definition from my childhood, it’s not something that’s always welcomed or treasured.