I was scheduled for an online chat tonight on RPGLife.com, but I’m going to have to reschedule that so I can attend my local congressional debate between Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and challenger Peter Theron. It’s being held at the Beloit College campus at 8 PM tonight, right when I would be signing on for the chat. My mother runs Tammy’s …

That’s our kids on the first day of school, just a couple weeks back. The one on the right is in fourth grade, while the four on the left just entered first. When we first found out Ann was pregnant with quadruplets, we took the news about as well as you could expect. In other words, we were terrified. Soon …

My pal James Wallis is growing a mustache to raise money to combat testicular and prostate cancer. This is a good cause, and James is a good guy, so I chipped in already. If you are so inclined as to encourage a stalwart Englishman to sprout facial hair for a good cause, I suggest you do so too.

The Madison ABC affiliate came down to Janesville this morning to interview my wife and her fellow school social worker Mandy Harvey about their work with homeless students in the Janesville School District. (In case you don’t know Ann, she’s the second woman to appear during the segment.) Ann’s only been back at work after the summer break for three …

I turned 40 earlier this month, and over my enfeebled objections, my lovely wife has decided to throw a 40th birthday party for me this Saturday. If you’re a local friend and haven’t yet gotten an invitation, it means my impending senility has robbed me of access to your contact details. Pop me one of those newfangled e-mails the kids …

Here’s to my wife, Ann, who has given me 16 years of wedded bliss (plus five wonderful kids!) and still puts up with me as well as ever. Plus, she’s taking me to see The Dark Knight tonight instead of Mamma Mia! I’m a lucky man.

My family’s been in the newspapers around here a number of times lately, for various reasons. My sister Kim–who lives with her family in Shorewood, just north of Milwaukee–is heading up an effort to give every house in the village a reusable shopping bag. Meanwhile, my son Ken’s photo was in the Janesville Messenger. We were at a Cinco de …

Happy birthday, America! Number 232 and counting. The high temperature today in Beloit is predicted to be a stunningly appropriate 76° F. The flood waters have receded, and there are picnics and fireworks on the schedule for tonight. I hope everyone out there has a wonderful day/weekend no matter where you might be.

Now for some good news. I just found out that my father is coming back home today after nearly five weeks in the hospital. He’s doing much better, although he still has a good stretch of recovery ahead of him. I’m just glad to have him home again. Thanks to all of you who offered your support!