Kith & Kin

The Yankee Freedom , docked at Dry Tortugas National Park. I am a planner. Back when I was a teacher, I planned out every day of the following school year before leaving for the summer. Every single day. That’s the truth. And anyone in my family will tell you that when it comes to vacations, my planning can become obsessive. I sometimes joke that if we leave for vacation five minutes late, the schedule for the entire week will be thrown off! I like to plan because I like having things organized; I like feeling secure; I like being ready for contingencies. I don’t like “winging it”; I don’t like being spontaneous; I don’t like going somewhere without knowing where we are going, how long we will stay, how much it will cost, or when we will get back. So I had done a lot of planning about a year ago when Cindy and I took a ten-day trip to Florida for our fortieth wedding anniversary. We did Florida from bottom to top, starting at the Keys, moving up to the Everglades, hitting Miami, ...

Dear friends, Every so often I am possessed—of a joke so corny, so lame, so groan-inducing, that I must turn it into a little comic. This is not because I am an amazing artist. It is not because I am an amazing humorist. It is simply because if I do not turn it into a little comic, the joke might die forever unheard, like a song unsung, a leaf un-unfurled, a cloud unmistified. So here’s the latest batch. May they lift your spirits if they need lifting at this festive time of year! I appreciate all who take the time to read my blog—thank you! Steve PS: If you enjoy these (really?), you can find more here . All material contained herein copyright 2024, Steven Nyle Skaggs