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Looking back on the family vacation

This is the time of year when Americans traditionally embark on extended journeys with their loved ones. Some of these journeys are so long that by the time they end there’s a good deal of fantasizing about leaving said loved ones at the next roadside gas station. It’s family vacation season once again, that time-honored American custom that was originated by the Pilgrims when they left England. One of the Pilgrim dads convinced his family to go on vacation by saying, “We could use a change of scenery. I’ve got a great idea! Let’s go for a little boat ride! C’mon, it’ll ...

Celebrating a birthday during complicated times

Happy birthday to us! Next Saturday, our country will be 250 years old. I have been around for seventy of those. So, I’ve seen some things. We are just back from a trip to Europe. One of the advantages of traveling is perspective. Looking at America from across the ocean is like astronauts looking at Earth from space. It’s lovely, with a gauzy surface, and it looks a bit fragile. Ben Franklin was asked during the Constitutional Convention. “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” 250 years later, ...

Ravishing radishes

Every morning at this time of year I go outside and dig in the dirt for my breakfast. This isn’t because we’re destitute. It’s because I have this scandalous craving for radishes. As with many things, fresher is always better. And it’s impossible to be any fresher than eating food moments after it’s plucked from the earth. I wash my radishes first, of course. I’m not a total barbarian, at least not anymore. When I was a kid, a fresh radish or a green onion would find its way into my mouth after the dirt was removed with a cursory swipe on the leg of my jeans. Jeans that ...

Empowering voters: Redistricting

Candidates for the United States Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and others are elected by the voters in the entire state. In contrast, candidates for the United States House of Representatives, the state Senate and the state House of Representatives are elected by the voters in a specific district. Each district is made up of smaller geographical units which divide cities, towns and counties into manageable units for the purpose of organizing and administering elections. Generally speaking, those smaller units are called precincts, although in rural areas ...

On fatherhood

Every day, rain or shine or Shinola, I take our dog, Bella, out for a walk. It’s good for both of us, and as her doggy daddy, it’s my responsibility to ensure that she gets her minimum daily requirement of free-range fun. During our walks Bella chases rabbits that she never catches and digs for gophers she never finds. She seems to have learned that it’s not about the destination so much as it’s about the journey. As her dad, I will gladly take credit for her acquiring that nugget of wisdom. East of our farmhouse is a slough that the government and Mother Nature have ...

Empowering voters

A primary election determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election 2026 Primary dates All Minnesota voters will be able to cast votes in the statewide primary elections including for Governor and U.S. Senate. Some jurisdictions may not have other primary elections in 2026. Use the Polling Place Finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website to see what elections, if any, are coming up for an address. • Primary Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 11. Vote by mail or in person June 26 through Aug. 10. • Register in advance by July 21 to ...