From My Front Porch

S10E29: As much as I enjoy our Front Porch chats, my other life obligations have evolved to the point that it's becoming more difficult to do episodes. I've made the decision to wrap this program up at the end of the current 10th season. tinyurl.com/4yu6xe35

S10E28: I did 'a thing'. Made a change to my appearance, something fairly dramatic, and I'm still seeing if I like the change enough to keep it long term. In the meantime I have some trying to figure out who they now feel I look like. tinyurl.com/tnp4cjh5

S10E27: Each year the Iowa Irish Language & Culture organization holds a fundraiser to help cover their expenses. This year I volunteered to help them round up items for their silent auction. Take a look at these treasures and know there's much more. tinyurl.com/nhd56umx

S10E26: Travelers experience airline delays is nothing new; I've experienced it myself. But I had a very new delay experience which frustrated me at the time. But in an unexpected way it turned out to have been a good and beneficial thing. tinyurl.com/5hyxfzek

S10E25: Recently started watching the Netflix series Bridgerton. Though it's now in it's 5th season, we were novice viewers starting at the very beginning. It's been a very enjoyable experience watching a well-written show. I also spotted some parallels. tinyurl.com/nbjndumf

S10E24: Here in Midwestern America we often are so obsessed with not getting into conflicts that we are very comfortable with declaring how we feel and then adding a "but" statement. This is my encouragement for all of us to really consider how we use it. tinyurl.com/yx84can6

S10E23: The new 'image consultant' in my life has not only helped me improve my fashion sense and personality annoyances, but now we've both decided to start being healthier including regular gym time. And it's paying off already in fun ways. tinyurl.com/5ctttpw2

S10E22: Some very troubling things are in our current events and sadly there are similarities to other troubling things that have happened in our country in the past. This is my analysis of these events to compare and contrast lessons to be learned. tinyurl.com/y9k6j3aa

S10E21: Took an extended holiday trip to Kansas City. Got to add some new, wonderful people to my life. But also had a situation happen which allowed for the great Midwestern fix-all cure of holding things together with bailing wire and duct tape. tinyurl.com/4w8nmm9v

S10E20: While Paul wasn't around, the jolly old elf himself stopped by to kick up his boots and relax after a night of delivering Christmas joy all around the world. It was a very Merry Christmas for all and wonderful feeling of accomplishment for Santa. tinyurl.com/y2pc6knn

S10E19: The song "Last Christmas" was first released by the group Wham! 40 years ago. Since then, it's been covered over 500 times by others. And it is the one song played during Christmas time that I truly cannot stand nor get why people like it so much. tinyurl.com/582wh3bz

S10E18: My new 'image consultant' has helped me upgrade my appearance in terms of what shirts I wear and encouraged me to wear Irish hats. But with my upcoming rodeo Anthem singing, I've been educated on how good a black cowboy hat can look. tinyurl.com/3wy65wr6

S10E17: I had the honor of contributing in two different ways toward the success of the Filipino American Society of Iowa's 2025 Christmas Party. It was fun performing a collection of rockin' Christmas songs and helping Santa make his appearance. tinyurl.com/ysuwzrs2

S10E16: There has been a lot of discussion lately about Freedom of Speech, but much of it has been based in flawed understanding or complete ignorance of what that part of the First Amendment actually covers - and what it does not. tinyurl.com/jvafx4uy

S10E15: The Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally called Black Friday for economic reasons. But all across the Midwest this year the day is better named White Friday thanks to a winter storm 'gift' that is having broad and unpleasant impacts. tinyurl.com/yduazt38

S10E14: People tend to be very brash and proud of their 'beliefs'. However, there often is a noticeable disconnect in how they actually behave. Choose almost any context and there are ample examples of us not behaving like we really believe what we say. tinyurl.com/yc3sfbeu

S10E13: While attending a construction trade meeting recently I found myself in a discussion about how in the US we have done a major disservice to young people by causing them to think a college degree is the only path to making really good money. tinyurl.com/3dcr8aaz

S10E12: I have a new 'fashion consultant' in my life. She has given me feedback that I haven't had before and provided insights that I haven't considered before regarding my wardrobe. So now I'm making some changes, and I'm really liking these changes. tinyurl.com/27te5hrv

S10E11: Had a very interesting Uber ride with a driver who was intent on preaching his version of the Gospel message to me. While I applaud his commitment and passion, his approach was an example of how not to go about it. tinyurl.com/ya9trf79

S10E10: Had a busy couple of weekends related to Halloween festivities, which then included running around town looking for small elements to add or enhance my costume. Easier said than done, especially when everyone else is apparently doing the same. tinyurl.com/mr3subzj