One of my favorite watch-over-and-over-again movies is Mr. Holland’s Opus. If you are not familiar with the story, Richard Dreyfuss plays a frustrated young musician whose dream is to become a rich and famous composer. In 1965, he takes a short-term gig as a high school music teacher, planning to use his free time to…… Continue reading Brother Bath’s Opus
Category: GRANDPA INSPIRES
How Are You Dealing With the Monster Under Your Bed?
It was embarrassing, but there I was, a 13-year-old standing in his parent’s bedroom crying about the monster under my bed. I’d gone to bed as usual, but soon after heard groanings from beneath my mattress. I lay quietly listening, trying to catch a hint as to what it was, but when it suddenly let…… Continue reading How Are You Dealing With the Monster Under Your Bed?
Confessions of a Utah Mormon Hater
I have a confession to make. Yes, another one! I have been a closet Utah Mormon Hater. This will require some explanation. I was born and raised in Utah and have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) my whole life. I guess, technically, that made me a…… Continue reading Confessions of a Utah Mormon Hater
What to Do About Your Piggy Attitude
Profanity Progress Report For those you new to American Grandpa, I am on a campaign to quit using profanity and I have asked my readers to keep me accountable. This is my most recent report. # of Consecutive Days Without Swearing$ Paid Out for Getting Caught Swearing7$4 It was the spring of 1990 and we were living…… Continue reading What to Do About Your Piggy Attitude
Could You Use a Slap to the Back of the Head?
Grandpa talks about the times he got slaps in the back of the head, similar to those Gibbs gives out in NCIS
Can Anything Good Come Out of Vernal?
The American Grandpa tells a lot of personal stories. Most of the time I share because I’ve learned from the experience and want to pass on the lesson. Other times, I just wax nostalgic. I reserve that right. I am an old guy and dog gone it I’ve earned it. Today I will tell you…… Continue reading Can Anything Good Come Out of Vernal?
Things I Learned Today Sitting on the Edge of Heaven
I sat on the edge of heaven today. A former student, Michelle (Clawson) Uhi, invited me to attend church in her LDS ward (congregation) today, during which her recently returned missionary son reported on his mission. I accepted gladly because I have fond memories of Michelle and wanted to share this proud moment with her.…… Continue reading Things I Learned Today Sitting on the Edge of Heaven
My 1/100th Acre Farm
Spring is coming and that means I, again, have the agricultural urge. It’s in my blood you know. Both of my grandfathers were farmers. Grandpa Bath in Ohio My paternal grandfather, Jesse Racolon Bath, started farming his place in 1872 when he was just 18. He rented at first but later saved up enough to…… Continue reading My 1/100th Acre Farm
All Fun and Games Until the Marine Walks In
REPOST FROM JULY 2013 Tonight, Debra took me to her favorite restaurant – La Puente, in South Salt Lake. She does that when she doesn’t want to cook and lures me there with the promise that she will pay, which she seldom does. I don’t mind, because it is good, affordable food; the people are…… Continue reading All Fun and Games Until the Marine Walks In
I Got a Black Belt for My Birthday
REPOST FROM DECEMBER 7, 2014 Yesterday was my 59th birthday. And since I am blessed with all of my needs and most of my wants met and am surrounded by a family that loves me, there was little for me to wish for. But I did want one thing for my birthday – a black…… Continue reading I Got a Black Belt for My Birthday