We turn the pages on chapters in several family histories today. My wife's childhood home, loving named Hickory Top, goes on open house this afternoon after 38 years, and it's in top "buy me" form.

At the same time today, a big group of family will convene for Grandpa McCartney's funeral service. He leaves us in his 88th year after an early retirement from IBM, which enabled him to travel the country for 30+years to visit far flung family members. His presence brought the kind of gentle authority that binds families together.

And it's my birthday today! My treat today was brunch at Buffalo Jack's. I had the Mountain Man breakfast, and made a mental note to sample the elk venison or wild boar next time.

- mike lee - covington, ohio