Author Archives: Wright Flyer Guy

   In a few weeks, the schools will let out for the summer.  The staggering farewells with my seniors will soon commence. Although I dearly love this time of year, it is also one of the most difficult times.  For … Continue reading →

several years ago, my friend, Pati, gave me a bunch of routes to plant.  She told me what they were at the time, but of course I am mediately forgot what flower I was planting.  Monday, they finally began blooming … Continue reading →

The Haasienda has it’s 2015 Spring-Summer Swag going on! Each Spring, I cannot wait for Fairmont Industries to hold their plant sale next door.  This event is hosted by the Special Needs Teachers & Staff, and their students.  This fund … Continue reading →

 My grandmother, Donna Clary Barmes, would’ve been 91 years old today. I am sure one of the first things she did upon reaching heaven in 1992 was to locate the nearest McDonald’s so she could continue to have her chicken … Continue reading →

Twenty-three years ago I watched Johnny Carson bid farewell to America upon his retirement. Tonight, I watch a fellow Ball State University alum, David Letterman, take his leave from the stage. This is kind of sad. For nearly 50 years, … Continue reading →

Despite lacking energy, I decided  to grab my camera and take a 3 mile hike through Dayton’s beautiful Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. It’s May 2, but there is still a good deal of spring beauty yet to appear.  What has … Continue reading →

Every day at The Haasienda is a new, fun adventure.  The early morning energy from three dogs is like trying to put a lid on an erupting volcano. The buses begin pulling into the high school parking lot, next door, … Continue reading →

April has always been one of my favorite months.  It’s filled with American history. On a personal note, April 6th is my mother’s birthday, so that leads the days of special occasions. April 02, 1865   Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate … Continue reading →

This has been a fun, fun day! I rose at 7 AM, took the furry Trio on a brisk, short walk, and returned home for breakfast. I spent the majority of my time working in my study the remainder of … Continue reading →

My entire day was consumed with spring cleaning, packing up items for Goodwill, and taking things to the county landfill. This evening, at 6 PM, I began another portion of cleaning and separating. In July 2000, I was introduced to Patricia Hill, … Continue reading →

I actually love spring cleaning. Heaven knows I do not enjoy dusting, or any other type of cleaning, but I do love clearing out items which are no longer of use in the home. The van is completely filled with … Continue reading →

I bought a new White House book today, and ran across this photograph of President Lyndon Johnson kissing his grandson, Patrick Nugent (b. 1967).    I’ve seen so many photographs of LBJ looking gruff, intimidating, and downright bullying, but this … Continue reading →

My wonderful two full days of music have come to an end. FRIDAY: Completed show choir arrangements Taught a fantastic voice/acting lesson Dinner with some former students, Henry and Matthew OMEA large ensemble/choirs adjudicated contest; chatted with colleagues and friends … Continue reading →

This morning, one of my favorite actors, John Herrera, posted a beautiful in-memoriam birthday tribute to his friend, Tom Aldredge. I was not familiar with the name, and began researching Tom Aldredge. Wow! Some of his credits include: Norman Thayer … Continue reading →

15 years ago, today (tonight, rather), I was seated at the piano in Normandy Church’s sanctuary, waiting to begin a musical production.   This little 7 year old blonde headed boy, whom I’d never seen before, came up to me, … Continue reading →

The teaching week is over (except for two lessons, tomorrow), and I am so proud of all 71 of these hard working students!  Unfortunately, five were sick with the crud, and they, too, are exceptionally hard workers! Tomorrow, after lessons, … Continue reading →

Dr. Sanjay Gupta 25 AWESOME TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL LIFE!!! 1.  Take a 10-30 minute walk every day, & while you walk, SMILE. It is the ultimate antidepressant. 2.  Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. 3.  When you … Continue reading →

Woo hoo! The home-made dog treats are a hit! Well, at least with The Girls. Chief is not so interested in them. Bailey and Harrigan love them! This is the recipe: (if I can handle this you know it is … Continue reading →

In one hour it will be 2015.  2014 was a good year. The biggest addition to this year has been bringing into our family, December 25, 2013, Bailey and Harrigan, after bidding farewell to Flyer and Navi.  The Girls have … Continue reading →

Les Taylor, the extraordinary band arranger who influenced me greatly, posted this on his Facebook page. “I do believe in magic. I was born and raised in a magic time, in a magic town, among magicians. When I was twelve, … Continue reading →

Today is National Adoption Day. I am especially proud that our country has established a day to recognize, and celebrate the world of adoption.  My world has always been surrounded by adoption. I am adopted. I am an adoptive father. … Continue reading →

I am ending my very long day watching Ken Burns America: The Congress. One of the most hilarious stories: Speaker of the House, Thomas Brackett Reed of Maine, had a tremendous wicked wit. Reed once remarked of two colleagues that … Continue reading →

All too often, young folks are overlooked when it comes to their manners and courtesies they demonstrate. This morning, as I entered the Ankeney Middle School main office, there was a good deal of congestion.  Another staff member was temporarily filling … Continue reading →