“Awww, look. The lake’s full of water again.”

As I write this in mid-June…

At age four, I was a serious Cubs fan.

Born in 1952, I am the only…

I was three in 1938 and sleeping in a crib…

My sister, Nanette, told me…

Growing up in the ‘50s, my favorite gifts were Paint by Number sets.

My father's hands…

Omaha Beach…

Although I grew up in Chicago…

Some people don’t believe in good luck.

My middle son, Ian

“Your momma wears combat boots!”

My only Christmas wish…

My mom was a character…

My mother ruled over our home…

She pulled out a telegram…

Illini Chubby and I…

There was a carved feather in the knight’s helm, once…

The New York Times 2023 Holiday gift guide…