It’s been a while since my last column and I’ve got a lot on my mind. The spring and summer months have cruised on by and with Autumn’s arrival, I’m finally starting to feel control and purpose are re-entering my life.

In the spring my wife sprung upon me a request for a divorce (I’m not appealing for pity) and just last month we sold our home we had been living in since 1995. Splitting up after nearly 30 years is not an easy thing to overcome and with it has come a lot of life lessons.

Forgive me, but this latest column will consist of fragmented downloads from my brain of lessons I’ve learned in the last half a year. You the reader, if you wish, can do your best to conjure the voice of the immortal, Andy Rooney for narrating the following excerpts:

What I’ve learned...

I’ve learned that 25+ years of hoarding stuff can come back to overwhelm you if you don’t tackle the heap every three or four years. If you’re not using it, get rid of it. Don’t wait until you have to empty your home or someone has to do it for you.

I’ve learned that pets can be more than just that, they can be your comfort, your confidant and your best friend.

I’ve learned that trusting someone with the simple task of plugging in and unplugging an electrical device can cost you a freezer full of meat and frozen yum yums. Sometimes you need to do things for yourself.

I’ve learned that taking things for granted — such as one’s marriage or life-long friendships — can lead to a more crippling defeat than a missed field goal by a Vikings kicker. Steer clear of the Blair Walshes in your life.

I’ve learned that the simpler things in life — the singing of a bird, the sunsets over a lake, a hug and even the smell of puppy’s breath —  can bring joy, peace and contentment to one’s heart. Bacon does that too...

I’ve learned lately to more fully appreciate the companionships of friends and closeness of family and the learning to forgive and forget. Life is just too short to Argue, Fuss ‘n’ Fight.

I’ve learned that there is always a rainbow at the end of a storm and to get soaked just means I have to change my shirt, pants, socks and shoes. What’s underneath stays the same.

I’ve learned that being/staying/getting healthy as one ages is one of the most critical things a person can do to fully enjoy one’s twilight years. Old age is not an ailment.

I’ve learned that there can be spells of quietness with God but that doesn’t mean he has abandoned me, but rather I may have abandoned Him. Get back in that circle of closeness.

I’ve learned that when one loses one’s parents, that once-fountain of knowledge, reception and reason has run dry like this summer’s lakes and rivers. Thirst continues.

I’ve learned that things we consider tragic or dire in our lives can sometimes pale in comparison to what others are going through. Sometimes the remedy is simply taking a chill pill.

I’ve learned that no matter what is going on in the world today whether it is a personal triumph or a private heartache — or even a worldly catastrophe or unimaginable occurrence — the earth continues to turn and the second hand on the clock keeps winding. Time does not stop. Everything just continues to roll on infinitely.

I’ve also learned it’s okay to let the good times — as well as the bad times — roll.