Renaissance Dad: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Wi-Fi
I can face pandemics, political upheaval, seclusion, and rioting. But this morning (and I think this might really be the end) . . . I woke up with no Wi-Fi.
Renaissance Dad: Of Survival and Takeout
As I’m sliding ungracefully towards 40, my body has adopted all the fighting verve of a French commando, and I’m pretty sure that the common cold will now kill me. I’m at peace with this.
Renaissance Dad: The Family That Camps Together Cramps Together
I originally intended to title this article, “The Collected Wisdom of an Outdoorsman,” but made the mistake of mentioning that to my wife, who felt that it might sound a tad presumptuous. At least, I think that was what she was saying. She can
Renaissance Dad: Grillin’ Thanksgiving
“What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?” Erma Bombeck Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but it’s
Renaissance Dad: The Real Caesarean
My wife and I had our first (and only) daughter via "Caesarean" (from the ancient Latin words Caes meaning "be ready to sell your house" and Arean meaning "to slice open like a haggis"). Understand, we didn't plan it that way. We rushed off
Renaissance Dad: Softening the Back-to-School Blow
Let’s face it: no one enjoys coming back from vacation. It’s no different for our kids. Expecting a child to transition from the hedonistic joys of summer vacation to the regimented disciple of school is like asking a newlywed to come home
Renaissance Dad: A Boy Like Me
To those of you who may have noticed my suddenly graying hair, facial twitches, and rapid weight loss, I want to ease your minds and let you know that I am not dying of some horrible disease. It's just that my daughter is
Renaissance Dad: Miracles Happen
I know I’m the guy that’s usually good for a few laughs (I hope!), but this month’s topic is one I take very seriously, and very personally. My wife and I spent ten years trying to have our daughter. Ten
Renaissance Dad: Love Means Never having to Wear Hiking Boots
Spring sunshine creeps through the curtains, throwing lacey shadows across the thick comforter of our hotel bed. Victoria, the amazing woman who became wife on this very morning, years ago, appears with a tall, steaming carafe of coffee. Ah, my life
Renaissance Dad: Squeezy Cheese and the Louisiana Purchase
Introducing our newest monthly column, “Renaissance Dad,” written by Southwest Washington husband, father, chef, nonprofit founder, published author, and all-around entertainer, Perry P. Perkins. When my wife and I first discussed the option of home-schooling our daughter (AKA the Pickle), I