Over the weekend, my niece sent me some pictures of her daughters dropping off their letters to Santa at our Wise Office. They were so excited, and I have gotten many, many positive comments about this “new” family tradition at Christmas (bringing Christmas Letters to PVNB) we have started. (Thanks to Paula, Gary and the… Read more »

You are making your family lunch. Maybe you have just tended to the animals. Perhaps you have just gotten out of church. Maybe it’s time to run down to the gas station and get a bottle of pop. Then you learn of an attack on America. Pearl Harbor.  You are confused. You are frightened. Then… Read more »

To say the week before last was a stressful week would be an understatement. By the time Thursday came around, I felt as if I’d worked a month without a break! As I arose, took my morning walk, showered, and hopped in my car to drive to work, I already felt mentally drained. Then it… Read more »

Life often comes with surprises. Growing up, my mom cooked our Thanksgiving meal (and most meals), generally from scratch. Her stove and cabinets were situated so that she could reach (she is not a tall lady) her spices by stretching and standing on her tiptoes. Each year she made her famous pumpkin pies. I couldn’t… Read more »

My last share was one that most banks or businesses wouldn’t want to hear about themselves. Employees lack of attention to detail. Outdated knowledge or lack of knowledge about current products and services leading customers (me in this situation) to consider taking their business elsewhere. But not all is lost. The same week I experienced… Read more »

My lovely bride and I have a running debate regarding the “Best if Used By” date on products. I present vast research, blogs and comments about the fact that is ok to use after the Best If Used By date. She in turn tells me no. She always wins this debate. Earlier this month I… Read more »

Across the street from us lives an old dog. He has been an old dog since we first saw him 5 years ago when we moved into our home. This is the same old dog that treed a black bear in my neighbor’s yard as well. In the mornings around 6:00 AM when I walk… Read more »

One of the simple pleasures we miss is visiting the local diner or eatery. You know, the place where the waiter or waitress brings you water with lemon and a black coffee, as they know your “usual” before you even ask. Why do we miss it? Well, COVID-19 of course. But have you ever stopped… Read more »

When I worked at the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA), one of our political adversaries was Delegate Bernie Cohen (D) from Alexandria. Delegate Cohen, who was very liberal for his time, grew up and was educated in New York City with a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington. Often (well, most of the time), we… Read more »

Recently, one of my family members went shopping. Nothing strange about that, but for an 80 year old who worked so hard in a demanding job (coal mines), time has not been kind physically. On the way out with his groceries (after having to take a break in the store due to weakness in his legs),… Read more »