Category Archives: Kids

A rockin’ (spring) break

Matthew Meinzer (climbing), Quinlin Riggs (on belay) and Carson Fawzie (sitting) tke advantage of spring break at Pilot Mountain State Park.

The three teenage girls sat on the stone steps at the Ledge Spring trailhead, parallel texting and oblivious. All wore sunglasses, all were elsewhere. Sensing my approach, one leaned slightly, thumbs continuing to hammer her tiny keyboard. I managed to squeeze by. At least they’re outside, I thought, trying to put some positive spin on the scene yesterday afternoon at Pilot Mountain State Park. read more

Vote (if you’re eligible) for better courts

Before ...

A dream when I was younger was to have a house with a basketball court in the basement. A full-size court, with a knee-friendly synthetic surface. With backboards that dropped to dunk-friendly heights for an Earth-bound 5’9” guard. Throw in my vintage red, white and blue ABA ball, my knee-high tube socks and my Converse All-Stars … . Heaven, I’m in heaven … read more

Look out! A busy weekend is headed your way

Hunt for eggs, learn to paddle, dodge a ball: Do it all this weekend in North Carolina.

Coast

Have the kids been pestering you to go to the beach? Have you been protesting that the water’s too cold? Compromise, fellow parents, by offering up a trip to the coast to hunt for Easter eggs. Emerald Isle kicks off the EE hunting season Sunday at high noon with an EEE (Easter Egg Extravaganza) at the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Center. Sidewalk chalking, face painting, music and more beginning at noon, the hunt at 1 p.m., with hunting in three age categories: 3 and under, 4-7 and 8-13. read more

Outrun your spring allergies

Running nose.

It’s not your stuffed-up imagination; the spring allergy season really is off to early start this year (and, thanks to climate change, may be trending in this direction). You can read all about it in today’s Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer, in a story I contributed to. read more