Author Archives: jimholleran29

  The trip to the doctor’s office resembled Groundhog Day. Two years ago, my long-term blood sugar, A1C, had climbed to a risky 9.0. After she delivered that grim number, I worked to cut out carbohydrates and sweets and reduced the number to 6.2.    My doctor was ecstatic. I joked that I should be “PatientContinue reading “From patient of the month to the A1C poster child”

  After 20 years of refereeing basketball, the job becomes easier. Fouls and violations are spotted readily. You know where to position yourself and what to look for in most situations. You develop confidence in dealing effectively with players and coaches. You’ve seen just about everything.    Still, there are evenings when I don theContinue reading “Sideline critics dub me ‘the worst referee in the world’”

   Lisbon native John Moore has reported and written thousands of stories in his career, but the retiring television newsman says one of his most memorable occurred as a radio reporter in Ogdensburg.    Moore was still a relative rookie newsreporter in the summer of 1980, long before he anchored the “FIRST at 5’’ showContinue reading “News anchorman’s career spans Lisbon, Ogdensburg, Watertown”

   We bid farewell to my aunt, Rosemary Maxwell, last Saturday with minor fanfare but heartfelt gratitude for her place in our lives and her contributions to my mother’s side of the family.    By my estimate, perhaps 50 or 60 of her Maxwell descendants showed up at the Catholic church in Newport, N.Y., thenContinue reading “With my aunt’s passing, we lose another connection to a Greater Generation”

  I once heard a saying about grandchildren: Play with them, spoil them, send them home. Add a phrase to all of that – report to the urgent care clinic.    Our glorious Christmas holiday began with such promise. Our daughter Claire and her husband Brian arrived with Wesley James, 5, and Vivian Grace, almostContinue reading “Sweet, innocent granddaughter left trail of bacteria, infections”

   Editor’s note: This column appeared Nov. 27 in the Advance-News in Ogdensburg, N.Y., but was withheld from further publication to preserve two surprise songs for John and Carol Dady’s weekend celebration.     As soon as the plane touched down from Ireland, I knew I was back in the songwriting business.   Our friend ErinContinue reading “Birthday? Anniversary? I’ll customize an Irish folk song”

   Just days before Christmas, I was trapped at a holiday party. Mary’s friend from her furniture refinishing group hosted, and I knew no one, except our hosts. At 68, I figured I was the youngest guy there.   Within a few introductions, I realized I was marooned on an island. A few classical musiciansContinue reading “Have I become a party pooper?”

   Andy Williams immortalized the lyrics in his holiday standard, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’’ There’ll be scary ghost stories And tales of the glories Of Christmases long, long ago   Those words resonate for many of us at Christmas. We remember fondly the family and friends who have passed away, theContinue reading “Xmas tales of gifts, storms and the Great Tree Caper”

   I’ve been in the Christmas mood since I drove past Seneca Falls in early November, then discovered my oldies radio station already had switched to holiday music.    Seneca Falls is no Potterville. It prides itself on hosting the annual It’s A Wonderful Life Festival and bills itself as an inspiration for the endearingContinue reading “Do you earn coal or kudos for Christmas movie test?”

    I tried not to show any desperation, but three weeks before Christmas I was cornered.    What do you buy for the spouse who seemingly has everything she needs, who doesn’t seek material things like flashy jewelry, trendy cars or designer clothes?    When my editor asked if I wanted to go shopping, IContinue reading “It’s a husband’s lament – What do I buy for Mrs. Wonderful?”