From the age of 12, I collected baseball cards because I was a baseball fan. I did not collect and trade cards for any other reason. At age 80, my reason remains the same. My most poignant memory at that age involved a quick stop at Floyd Nielsen’s local drug store on Main Street on … Continue reading “How much $$$ do you want for your baseball cards?”
Author: braidwoodguy
Born and raised in Braidwood, Illinois. Worked in secondary and higher education since 1962. Have 5 kids and 14 grandkids. Avocation is writing and genealogy.
A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
“An Oak tree is a daily reminder that great things often have small beginnings.” Matshona Dhliwayo When the parents were away. the kids were angels. We wouldn’t go very far. We knew from experience that travelling with the kids would inevitably be interrupted by disputes and urgent toilet issues. At the minimum, four of the kids … Continue reading A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
The Golden Age of Lewis Intramural Games
Reflections on a Time Past: 1967-1972 Over the course of five years as Intramural Co-director at Lewis, I can truthfully reflect on that time as the absolute highlight of my 50 years of higher education experience. For all of the stressful, problem-laden times that we endured – and we had those societal problems – there are … Continue reading The Golden Age of Lewis Intramural Games
Teammates for Life: Tony Delgado
"A teammate is someone with whom you strive for a common goal. In sports, it is a collection of humans that work together to score more points than their common opponent, an opponent that has the motivation to do the same against your group. On an individual basis, my teammates help make me a better … Continue reading Teammates for Life: Tony Delgado
Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths
"What we have learned from our teachers is far more important than their physical presence. Our teachers have transmitted to us the fruit of all their wisdom and experience." Thich Nhat Hanh Thousands of athletes have had the opportunity to be coached by Gordon Gillespie. Arguably the most outstanding coach that the country has ever seen, … Continue reading Coaching with Gordie: A Path to All Paths
The Poet Remembers
O, I am the gray, purple poet, My opinions are etched for all time; If you hear me on campus you’ll know it, By my talk – in verses and rhyme. I. I speak of a time When intramurals were prime, When guys went to school for the play; For their house or their frat, … Continue reading The Poet Remembers
Coaching at Lewis: “Paving People Paths” via Intramurals
“Paving People Paths” is a term that can be interpreted both literally and figuratively. It represents my early truck driving days hauling materials for paving roads and highways. Providing transportation pathways in our country. “Paving paths” can also mean to assist and guide people to successfully determine their own best roads to the future through … Continue reading Coaching at Lewis: “Paving People Paths” via Intramurals
“Grounded in the Grit and Guts of Life”
Trucking to Teaching “Paving People Paths” is a term that can be interpreted both literally and figuratively. It represents my early truck driving days hauling materials for paving roads and highways. Providing transportation pathways in our country. “Paving paths” can also mean to assist and guide people to successfully determine their own best roads to … Continue reading “Grounded in the Grit and Guts of Life”
“She sees the world through a feminist lens.”
The quote came from a comment about someone who viewed problems at work through her feminist perspective. Whatever that might mean depending on your own viewpoint. The more that I thought about it, shouldn’t we accept the fact that our own perspectives or lenses are cluttered, cloudy, and cataracted with our own lifelong experience, prejudices, … Continue reading “She sees the world through a feminist lens.”
Letter to Unknown Great Grandkids
This letter might seem a bit strange at first but please bear with me. Yes, I am writing to great grandkids who have not yet been born. I have previously written letters to our 14 grandkids in response to their questions... with more letters are yet to come. But the following letter might be reading material … Continue reading Letter to Unknown Great Grandkids
Braidwood Beginnings 