I am John Colquitt Harper, born the day before April Fool's Day in the year they made steel pennies. That is about all I know and it is second hand information. I was very young when I was born and do not remember it clearly. Conception, gestation and parturition were important elements of my early development.

I grew up on a ranch near Van Horn, Texas, and earned BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University. Charlotte and I had been married for 53 years when death did us part in December 2018. We have two children and four grandchildren. Life has been an interesting adventure so far.

I enjoy good conversation when it is the free and easy exchange of experiences and ideas. I avoid it when it degenerates into verbal conflict. The world is big enough for many ideas; there are many correct ways of doing most things.

Wisdom is being able to separate the important from the unimportant - to distinguish between sense and nonsense. That makes wisdom a moving target since things change with time, experience and understanding. That is why I try to keep moving and seeking.

Since I am educated beyond my intelligence, performing above my competence and blessed in excess of my capacity for gratitude, I spend my life in sheer wonder at my good fortune. I thank my God, my Family and my Country for a wonderful life. May those who follow find more and better.

I am not a leader - I don't want anyone dogging my tracks. I am not a follower - I haven't met the person I trust to do what is best for me.

I try to find my own stick and kill my own snakes; I expect others to do the same.