Different Meets and Greets
I spent Christmas,1968, with Ed’s family in Ashland, Ohio. What a surprise I had at my first meeting with his family! First, came a customary introduction. Then these people, still strangers, came at me with open arms ready to hug and lips, puckered, ready to kiss! That was not the way my Portland family greeted […]
Read MoreThe Weird and the Wonderful
I have finished reading Genesis, the book of beginnings, the first book of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. Moses is the human author. He wrote Genesis more than four hundred years after the occurrence of its events; therefore, he was not constrained to protect anyone’s identity. He uses actual names and tells […]
Read MoreWhy and Wherefore
I enjoy reading The Narrative Bible, edited by F. LaGard Smith. It sets out a chronological plan to read through the Bible in one year. During this third week of 2025, I am newly impressed with the family dynamics of Abraham. Issac, and Jacob. These three ancients were liars and manipulators, proud and fearful, cunning […]
Read MoreMud and Manure
For more than year, I have been writing a series of devotionals for a book with the working title of Doggie Devotionals: Dog Is To Human As Human Is To God. The inspiration for this series of compositions came from the relationship I have with my long haired, copper colored dachshund, Sammy. Here is […]
Read MoreIt’s cold . . . BUT
One of the ten must-see sites in Yorkshire is the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, outside Doncaster. A wide assortment of animals from sea lions and polar bears to red pandas and big cats live in expansive enclosures behind tall fences. Katie and Ian always take their guests there, especially when there’s a 50% discount! So, we […]
Read MoreWithout Ribbons
I didn’t get what I expected: gifts wrapped in holiday motif, set off with red ribbons. Gifts of that sort amounted to hand cream and a box of mint wafers. That was all there was for me under the festive tree. Because I had no specific wishes or expectations, it’s okay—I am a big girl. […]
Read MoreI Flew Away
I flew from Portland on KLM Airlines, the oldest in the world, begun in 1919. The flight was pleasant with helpful seatmates, tasty food, and a wide variety of films. However, it departed an hour late. Katie and Ian had left their home to get me at 7 in the morning, but they had to […]
Read MoreEnding with Goodwill
After 53 years as a professional educator, I am accustomed to the yearly academic cycle, ending with graduation and commencement in May and June. However, for me, 2024 culminates with both a graduation and a commencement. I have graduated from living in houses (19 in 54 years) to a studio apartment
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