I used to be a fidgeter. I'd tap on things and bounce my leg so fast that Tom would sometimes reach over and put his hand on my knee as if to say, "Enough. That's driving me nuts." Fidgeters don't … more

This is the time of year that is the most interesting in the wine industry, the releasing of the latest vintages. With a certain rise in wine prices probable due to the impending tariff in which wine … more

“Postweaning calf performance is important to cow calf operators and future calf owners,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Optimum performance is achieved by … more

This week I’m preaching on Leviticus 10, a famous passage in the Old Testament.  Maybe I should say, “Infamous!”  Last week in Chapter 9 the first worship service in the … more

I have a long relationship with waiting rooms. I’ve attended medical appointments for three kids, two dogs, one cat, and one husband. For nearly a decade, I also waited in rooms with my dad, … more

Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father of the United States and our third president.  He was also a plantsman and a gardener.  He recorded detailed notes about what plants went into the … more

In the world of wine, the name Dr. Konstantin Frank's name must rank near the top. Frank's work with grapes proved that fine wine grapes could be grown in upstate New York and by corollary, in … more

UCM’s Earth Week is wrapping up, and CEA is honored to have participated.  We decided to take a more action-oriented approach this year and planned several interactive events for our … more

A windsock shaped like a hot air balloon with a spiral tail is suspended above our backyard deck. When the wind blows, the balloon spins, and the spiral twirls below it, catching my eye when I walk … more

Among the first signs of the approaching warm weather seasons are the appearance of the rosé wines on dealers' shelves.  Let us begin by exploring any misconceptions concerning the … more

The Western Christian church just celebrated Easter Sunday which is the highest Sunday of the year.  On that day we tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and we look forward to … more

In 1995, I got my first job after college from a "help wanted" ad posted in a newspaper's classified ads. (Remember those?) The headline on the ad said they were looking for an "aspiring journalist" … more

With the warming of the weather, there comes a desire to depart from the heavy wines of winter and look toward the fresh flavorful wines of the warmer weather. If you really think about it, … more

Have you ever experienced pitch black? Maybe you’ve witnessed a solar eclipse or blacked out the windows and shut off the lights in your room. There’s nothing as exhilarating, disorienting, and terrifying as staring into complete darkness. more

There is a national day or World Day for almost everything that one can think of and going along with that, April 17 is Malbec World Day, a day in which Americans and the world celebrate a wine variety. more

As Missouri’s Secretary of State, I have the honor of overseeing elections across our great state—but it’s the people on the ground who truly make democracy work. After yesterday’s municipal elections on April 8, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the local election authorities, boards of elections, and the many poll workers and volunteers who brought this election to life. more

Have you ever gotten good at the wrong thing? I think it might have happened to me. more

The events of Holy Week and Easter are upon us. As a pastor, this week can often feel overwhelmingly busy. So much happened in that in that one week of Jesus’ life worth celebrating. more

Pinot grigio wine is another of Italy’s gifts to the world along with music and art. more

The Rockwood family microwave, affectionately called “Mike,” died suddenly in the home on August 6, 2015 while attempting to reheat day-old pizza. It was 10 years old. more