The Explorer - Pinto Creek, Arizona
what i'm up to
Last Updated: Mar. 17, 2026
my digital "porch"
I’ve traded the noise of a career in education for the quiet of the garage, the garden, and the trail. This space is my digital porch—a place to sit with a cup of coffee and process the "Rule of Life" I’m building in retirement. From the sawdust of a new woodworking project and the recruitment trail with my nephew to the slow, steady work with Live Love, I’m just documenting the treasure hunt. No stats, no algorithms—just writing with an open heart and a curious mind.
day to day
- The Workshop: Graduated from "planning" to "doing." I built a workbench in the garage and have been restoring cheap wood frames purchased at Goodwill. I'm going to create a "gallery space" in my garage to hang some of my photos in "new" frames.
- I've been spending time helping my nephew, Emmett, navigate the college basketball recruiting process -- working on highlight reels, emails to coaches, and scouting mid-major programs. He is only a sophomore, but has a lot of potential.
- Continuing my board and volunteer work with Live Love, focused on community development and property maintenance here in Arizona.
- Intentionally developing a personal "Rule of Life" to add structure to retirement, centered on family, service, and spiritual growth.
- Daily rituals: coffee, Bible reading, and walks with Cubby.
currently reading
- The Crossing - Cormac McCarthy
- Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone - James Martin
recently read
- The Sisters Brothers - Patrick deWitt (a surprisingly gripping, dark and humorous western)
- Cabin - Patrick Hutchison
- All the Glimmering Stars - Mark Sullivan
recent adventures
- Two night camping trip at Pinto Creek, Arizona. It was beautiful and quiet. No other campers, only saw two people (in passing) for the entire stay. Cubby loved it -- one of the few times I have actually seen him worn out.