As another Christmas is here, I was trying to come up with something interesting to say about it. But I think I will just list some of the best quotes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” instead. So here goes -
• “It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.” - Charlie Brown
• “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. It just need a little love.” - Linus
“I can see why,” my Mother said.
My wife, Nichol, had recently received the recipe for a dish I grew up with as a kid, liver pudding.
It’s not really pudding, and in fact, the taste and texture seems more akin to a meaty hash brown.
Whatever the name, it was a breakfast staple when we were kids.
From what I understand of Jaternice, that seems to be from the same general idea, though my family was German rather than Czech.
I was so light headed and unstable on my feet, I had to use one of those electric carts at the supermarket. A first! Geesh. I felt like an old man. Oh, I am an old man! Shoppers scrambled to get out of my way.
On Wednesday Dec. 10, I voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual legislation sets defense policy, authorizes funding for military operations and projects, and ensures that our troops and military families have the support that they need and deserve.
Note: With basketball season upon us, I thought this story by Aimee Gauley of Ft. Madison apropos. Aimee Gauley took my Creative Writing class a few years ago and has since blossomed into a published author, screenwriter, and actress. Her book, “Hunter and Prey: When the Stalker Becomes the Stalked” (a must read) is available on Amazon. Close encounters of the Caitlin kind
by Aimee Gauley
When I’m traveling across Iowa, I’ve had important conversations with Iowans from communities large and small about how we can make life more affordable for our families, farmers, workers, seniors, and small businesses. From health insurance to housing to grocery bills, I’m working with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to lower costs and ensure that Iowans can keep more of their hard-earned money – just the way that it should be.
Last week, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were tragically shot here on duties in Washington, D.C.
They were attacked by an Afghan national brought here under the Biden administration.
Sadly, Specialist Beckstrom has passed away. Staff Sergeant Wolfe continues to fight for his life.
May God Bless both of them. [My] prayers are with them and their families.
Every year, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on God’s endless grace and blessings. I’m grateful for my loving wife of 32 years, my four wonderful kids, friends, and neighbors. I’m thankful that Iowans have placed their faith and trust in me to represent our communities in Congress with integrity, dignity, and professionalism. I’m grateful to be an Iowan and live in the greatest state and the greatest country on Earth.
Call me a softy, but with the weather now turning a bit colder, I took pity on “the Girls.”
My wife’s hens, whom she has anthropomorphized as “the Girls” have taken to their new digs outdoors and seemed to be acclimated.
And then the weather forecast started predicting plunging temperatures.
Combine that with the recent rain, and I decided to have our sixth-grader help me rustle up the birds and give them temporary accommodations in the garage.
