RichC | November 24, 2016
Because my kids are out of town and Brenda is working today, I didn’t intend to post anything for Thanksgiving this year; I just figure I would just let an uneventful day pass. BUT, after mentally reflecting on this past year, I realized just how much I have to be thankful for … considering what […]
RichC | October 31, 2016
Just capturing a beautiful autumn sky as the Trick or Treat gang gets ready to make their rounds in the neighborhood this quiet Halloween night. Let’s hope I have enough candy as I’m giving out 5-bar packs tonight! (the last photo below I saw on Twitter … Brenda said I couldn’t share it when "Baby […]
RichC | September 4, 2016
Bears aren’t the only ones interested in the pricey Yeti coolers … so think twice before buying one and a third time before leaving it unattended while boating this Labor Day weekend … or on your camping outing, picninc or trip to the beach. Yeti Coolers Are Hot! No Really, People Are Stealing Them … […]
RichC | July 4, 2016
Most people know that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner, which would become our National Anthem, as he watched the shelling of Fort McHenry. Few people know that his poem had additional verses (link – verses below)… or that the music it was eventually set to is from a 1771 English drinking song […]
RichC | May 30, 2016
Memorial Day traditionally marks the beginning of warm weather, longer days and for some, in this sluggish Obama economy, maybe even a summer vacation? “Enjoying summer” is privilege we Americans have because so many before us gave their lives for the protection, prosperity and freedom we all enjoy. Looking at our short history, we’ve fought way too many wars and lost far too […]
RichC | May 8, 2016
Unfortunately I’m not able to be with my mother-in-law or my wife today, but here’s wishing her a wonderful Mother’s Day (Happy Mother’s Day to Brenda too!)
RichC | March 27, 2016
Happy Easter to all believers and those yet to acknowledge God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Today is the day we recognize the fulfillment of the earthly life of Jesus. Without the risen Lord and Savior … we sinners are not capable of existing side by side with God. I am so thankful […]
RichC | January 1, 2016
Out with the old and in with the new. Happy New Year 2016! Edit: Posting this as a Raspberry Pi home image server test from the iPad. Impressive little box!
RichC | December 27, 2015
Katelyn and Drew headed back home to Wayzata, MN this Sunday morning after monitoring the wave of nasty weather pushing north later today. It looks as if they will be in the clear by the time they get to Chicago; the ice, snow and rain should be south of Wisconsin and Minnesota … at least […]
RichC | December 26, 2015
We had a wonderful family time on Christmas day. Taylor came after work on Christmas Eve day and Katelyn and Drew drove from Minneapolis after a half day of work (long day for them), so we were all home for Christmas morning. After our morning gift exchange, which was wonderful, although too much … we went outside and enjoyed […]
RichC | December 24, 2015
Nearly 200 years ago, Clement Clarke Moore “wrote” (still debated) a Christmas poem for his children, not realizing it would later be published and become the classic we all know and love — “Twas the Night Before Christmas” (A Visit from St. Nicholas). Many still do not realize that today’s image of Santa Claus […]
RichC | December 23, 2015
It is time to post the annual Christmas tree photo on the blog. I’m trying an evening pic with the iPhone … as steady as I can? The tree is full, but not quite as tall as our usual trees. I’m sure the kids will be disappointed that it isn’t bigger, but then Taylor always […]
RichC | December 20, 2015
RichC | December 16, 2015
When you begin to depend on prompt order fulfillment and reasonable delivery times from online retail stores, it feels like we’ve gone back a decade or two? On Cyber Monday, November 30th, I placed an order with Target thinking there was plenty of time before last minute Christmas ordering. I entered both my email address […]
RichC | December 14, 2015
“Tis the season” that many of us are franticly shopping, decorating, cooking and finalizing all the trimmings associated with December and weeks leading up to Christmas. Perhaps we should be a little be more focused on the reason we celebrate rather than all the trimmings — Christ’s birth! It is easy to get lost in all the preparations than […]
RichC | December 6, 2015
Actually needed a photo to test the new server running WordPress.
RichC | December 3, 2015
I’m not going to repost the lost message from Thanksgiving in Wayzata, MN this year, but some of the personal photos are on Facebook (I don’t post there too often, but in case you want to connect click here).
RichC | November 11, 2015
At exactly 11:11 a.m. every Veterans Day (Nov. 11), the sun aligns perfectly with the Anthem Veterans Memorial north of Phoenix, Arizona to shine through the ellipses of five marble pillars representing each branch of the Armed Forces. The desert sun illuminates The Great Seal of the United States in the shadow of the memorial. […]
RichC | September 11, 2015
Fourteen years after Islamic extremists affiliated with Osama bin Laden and the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization attacked the United States with commercial airliners on 9/11/2001, we solemnly remember the 2977 who were killed with a national day of prayer and remembrance. A bill to make September 11th a national day of mourning was passed into law […]
RichC | July 4, 2015
RichC | June 21, 2015
I’m looking forward to visiting with my dad today and am thankful to still be able to visit with him for another Father’s Day. It’s been a busy year for my brother and me between the concern over him living alone last year, to the hospital stay, rehab and month or so in the nursing […]
RichC | May 25, 2015
It’s not Veterans Day. It’s not military appreciation day. Don’t thank me for my service. Please don’t thank me for my service. Here’s how it was outlined in General Orders No. 11, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868: The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating […]
RichC | May 10, 2015
A great weekend after traveling this week. We enjoyed the first “ribs” of the season and celebrated Mother’s Day with Brenda and her mom by working in the yard. Spring clean-up and “finally” opening the pool — the latest we have ever opened her in Cincinnati (might have been later in Hudson, OH 20 years […]
RichC | April 5, 2015
Jesus Has Risen 1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering […]
RichC | January 1, 2015
The year 2014 ended on a rather positive note thanks to lower oil prices, low inflation and higher stock prices. Considering the economic malaise most Americans have endured most of the past 7 years, a little optimism feels good. Consumer confidence climbed to 92.6 in December as measured by The Conference Board’s private survey and […]
RichC | December 24, 2014
It is shameful that Brenda and I have been too busy with “who knows what” to decorate or even put up a Christmas tree this year – the first time in our married life. We have used the excuses that our kids are not coming home, that we are not entertaining, that we have been […]
RichC | December 20, 2014
Merry Christmas to those who continue to check the blog for whatever desultory thoughts I try to type daily in my computer, iPad … or occasionally my smartphone each day. It has been an enjoyable year online for me and my addiction. Although social networks have made posting text, photos, audio and video easier, I’m […]
RichC | November 27, 2014
I couldn’t believe it, but Katelyn and Drew have picked out and set up a real Christmas tree already. I know she is probably anxious for Christmas, but before a tree before Thanksgiving seems a little crazy … but then it is Minnesota? Christmas aside, it is time to celebrate Thanksgiving … like they did […]
RichC | November 11, 2014
RichC | June 15, 2014
This first year and a half after my mom’s death has been a new chapter for my father and our family, but thankfully dad has been quick to adapt and has adjusted to living alone. Just saying “alone” is depressing, but his positive attitude makes it just a little bit easy on his kids (note […]
RichC | May 26, 2014
A few years ago I was a volunteer taking a group of “surviving” veterans on an Honor trip to Washington DC. It was indeed a privilege to be in their company. One thing that was noticed by those of us who were there to serve as volunteers for these WWII and Korean War veterans was […]
RichC | May 23, 2014
I’m probably not the only one noticing the annual Memorial Day jump in retail gasoline prices kicking off the summer driving season. Yesterday most of the stations locally (north of Cincinnati) bumped prices up to $3.85–plus per gallon for regular grade fuel. Thankfully on the drive home, I fueled up the old Mercedes 300D for […]
RichC | April 20, 2014
It is Easter and no matter what else is happening in the world, it is a “Happy” Easter knowing He Lives. I was reminded the other day just how casual those of us living in a democracy take our freedom to worship … or at least some of need a reminder. My reminder came when […]
RichC | February 15, 2014
OK … enough already! Winter continues to blast most of us in the east and has been particularly brutal for those in the SE generally immune to heavyt ice and snow. Here in Cincinnati we’ve had our share of cold weather and a lot more snow than usual … and it has even been […]
RichC | January 1, 2014
Happy New Year 2014! The end of the year is a time many of us make a New Year’s Resolution, often about how we can improve in the coming year. As I started this post, I thought my resolution was to be more tolerant of others and of their views. Over the years, and as […]
RichC | December 29, 2013
My cousin Diane and I exchanged Christmas greetings and updated each other with the goings-on of our families on Friday night. While talking about gifts, I realized that I didn’t have a photo of the “Tool Stools” that I made for Taylor and Drew. Since one of them was still at home, I took a […]
RichC | December 25, 2013
What a wonderful time we had over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. We were happy to have Taylor, Katelyn and Drew home together with us for a couple days holidays (photo above) … and thankful some in the Corbett side of our family with us for dinner. It was a great to be […]
RichC | December 21, 2013
RichC | December 16, 2013
Merry Christmas to those who regularly read my “desultory” daily posts or may have just stumbled onto my blog. It has been a busy year and although my Google Analytics stats are no longer growing (they are actually down), the AdSense revenue is up? That aside, I am including more archival information “for me” than […]
RichC | December 15, 2013
We’re closing in on Christmas and it is beginning to look a little more festive around our house. I still have a few things to do, but at least the tree is up and decorated. It is a bit smaller this year but I didn’t have someone twisting my arm! This is the first year […]
RichC | November 28, 2013
As with many of our holidays, one wonders how much of our tradition is accurate? Very little is known about the first Thanksgiving in 1621 Plymouth, as the references are few. Hopefully all who live in this country can still come together in thanksgiving for our abundance and that “as a nation” give thanks to […]
RichC | October 30, 2013
So much for my air travel shopping tips as the holiday airfares have already risen. I’m seeing $700 to $900 for the flights I’ve been pricing and the ones leaving mid-day are gone. I think I’ve waited too long to confirm my son’s trip home because at one point a few weeks ago I had […]
RichC | September 3, 2013
Labor Day was great! I was home alone and able to work around the house, although accomplished very little. Most of my time was spent in the garage sanding and adding body filter to the Mercedes Benz 300D. Since the temps were warm, I regularly cooled off in the pool and pretended to be cleaning […]
RichC | July 5, 2013
What a great time with my neighbors for the 4th of July. Thank you Rich and Dawn Newsted for the great celebration and terrific fireworks!
RichC | May 28, 2013
I still don’t have my Postie WordPress plug-in working from my iPhone, hmm? So I’ll re-post the photo of the delicious Memorial Day pie that my wife made, since we still have one pie left for tonight. Mmm, it is THAT good … and a long with the corn on the cob signifies that summer […]
RichC | May 27, 2013
Although Memorial Day is one where we remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom, this year I’m remembering my mom who died 5 months ago since her grave marker was set in time for Memorial Day. I think spending a little time there with my dad helped […]
RichC | January 21, 2013
Our nation has come a long way in race relations in my lifetime in large part due to Martin Luther King Jr., a 1960’s era civil rights leader that we remember and celebrate with a national holiday today. Considering the United States has come “a long way” since slavery and segregation, we … and the […]
RichC | January 1, 2013
I’ve never been much for resolution making and am a bit lax in goal setting overall … or at least I’ve never made it a focus to accomplish projects in timely fashion (Sonex, MGB, sailing) … but after talking with my son and CinciTDI friend about New Year’s resolutions, I’ve decided 2013 would be the […]
RichC | December 26, 2012
We drove up to Columbus and enjoyed “catering” a Christmas dinner at Katelyn’s fiancé Drew’s house. The two of them (both in their residency) were working the night rotations … Katelyn just off a 24 hour stint at Nationwide and Drew his week of 13 hour nights at OSU. We have postponed our family gift […]
RichC | December 25, 2012
Our rapidly desquamating Christmas tree (photo) is barely holding on to its needles in hope of “A visit from St. Nicholas” on Christmas eve –although even bringing up the poem now known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” is an invitation of literary debate. No thanks, I’m tired of debates after 2012! The well known […]
RichC | December 13, 2012
Ah … we’re finished with this year’s Corbett Christmas Letter … they are in the mail! (click for a PDF copy) One of my favorite things about celebrating Christmas is the reminiscing — especially when putting up, or just looking at, the decorated tree in our house. We have a mish-mash Christmas tree with decorations […]
RichC | November 22, 2012
We’ve survived another bitter election and our country remains strong. Americans, and those who reside within our borders, are fortunate to live in the freest and most prosperous nation in the world. There isn’t another country which attracts immigrates the way the United States of America does (and will continue to do) and many of […]
RichC | November 12, 2012
It would be nice to be off today, but I will be spending most of the day driving in the rain. Minus that, I should be enjoying dinner tonight with a WWII vet (my father-in-law) so that will be respecting at least the Federal holiday, Monday following Veterans Day. "To us in America, the reflections […]
RichC | September 11, 2012
Today is Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance; it is a day to remember the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. After congress unanimously passed Joint Resolution 71 on October 25, 2001 and President George W. Bush signed it into law on December 18, 2001, we now remember and […]
RichC | July 4, 2012
I heard a short bit on Tuesday from CNBC’s Rick Santelli, the fellow that may have triggered the political movement known as the Tea Party. I wanted to post the video or audio this morning as a way to think about the Fourth of July but ended up side-tracked with powerwashing the front porch, garage […]
RichC | June 14, 2012
As a casual flag flier, I often wonder if I’m respectful enough of our stars and stripes? Disclosure: I’ve always had a flag, portable staff or flag pole and initially decided to raise our flag and illuminated it 24/7 after 9/11 out of respect for those serving our country. I committed to keep it flying until […]
RichC | May 29, 2012
I didn’t want to let this story get away from me so I will post it after Memorial Day. Taylor had a few friends over this weekend and they enjoyed the sunshine, played football in the rain, cooled off in the pool and watched a couple movies. Brenda and I are thankful our kids […]
RichC | May 28, 2012
I would be remise not to mention Memorial Day and our nation’s honoring and remembering those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is a day that many of our citizens tend to blend with honoring all veterans … not a bad thing … but in some respect causes confusion over the purpose […]
RichC | May 13, 2012
Mom, from the time I was really young, I realized I had someone…you, who always cared, who always protected me, who was always there for me no matter what. You taught me right from wrong, and pushed me to do the right thing, even when it was hard to do. You took care of me […]
RichC | April 9, 2012
We spent Easter Sunday with Mom and Dad this year. Brenda packed up a nice and simple dinner along with a table cloth and candles (a nice touch) to lighten the chores for dad. We still unfortunately spent too much time discussing health issues, but it is what it is this year. Mom’s week was […]