Well, the live Herndon Playlist experiment is in the books. I've listened to it again and the mistakes make me cringe. Still, I promised to post it as a podcast, so here it is: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FI3gcgjdN1w2iqQFiB1X1?si=jxchOwYFQ3GfAeMvzsoClQ And, as promised, here is some of the thinking (and overthinking) behind the songs I included in this year's playlist. … Continue reading We did it live! Now the Herndon Playlist is available as a podcast

When you love the Herndon Climb as much as I do, the calendar is relative. Yes, the actual event happens in May, but even though my son's Climb happened some six years ago, it is always toward the front of my thoughts. This year will mark the seventh time I've created a Herndon Playlist for … Continue reading This year’s Herndon Playlist? We’ll do it LIVE!

So we completed our first deployment and I say we purposefully because much like time at the Naval Academy, it is an experience for both parent and child. If it confirmed one thing, it is that I received applicable training as an Academy parent as did my son. That training makes life as a Fleet … Continue reading Quick messages, deep conversations, and long goodbyes

The December holidays present a mixed bag for military academy families. For some, it’s a social media highlight reel of smiling faces and other Kodak moments. For others, it’s relatively uneventful, with some nice moments mixed with a few speed bumps. Then there are those that see their hopes for a joyful reunion turned upside … Continue reading Christmas wishes and patently bad decisions

As I write this, Black Friday is winding down and the annual frenzy of doorbusters and discounts is fading away as our attention turns from Thanksgiving's feast to Christmas. I have my list ready, which I want to share, but I've already received an annual gift that makes November great. First, let's talk shopping, USNA … Continue reading A Christmas list and some early gifts received