As of today, we are halfway through this interminable month. Is it really true that January has only 31 days? The holidays blurred by, a fever of activity, then a kind of wintry quiet set in, chilly and dark. I confess that I’m ignoring the clutter, not wanting to put away the warmth and glow … Read more
“We hardly ever get much snow down here”, they told us. Well, look out the window! Will we be blamed for bringing it with us from New Hampshire? Because they don’t have much up there. Our Minnesota rellies don’t even have enough to cover the grass. What on earth does this mean? Declaring it to … Read more
“We hardly ever get much snow down here”, they told us. Well, look out the window! Will we be blamed for bringing it with us from New Hampshire? Because they don’t have much up there. Our Minnesota rellies don’t even have enough to cover the grass. What on earth does this mean? Declaring it to … Read more
It takes me a minute to recognize her. Every trace of her bright blonde hair has been robbed by the chemo. Still, the smile is the same smile. And those round, sky blue eyes. “Hi, I’m Diane”, she says, just in case one of us might not remember. She joins this little gaggle of old … Read more
My grandmothers wore aprons. My mother wore aprons. My mother in law considered them to be an integral part of kitchen wear. They adorned clotheslines on wash day, their ties flying flamboyantly in the breeze, proclaiming, “Here dwells a proper housewife”. They were a piece of the kitchen ritual. If the apron was ignored, if … Read more
It was Christmas Eve and I was crying. Hard. The U. S .Navy had moved us thousands of miles away from our families to the tip of south Florida. No sleighbells ringing, not even a snowflake in sight, and we were out of money till the next pay check. No gifts this year. I went … Read more
GRANDDDAUGHTER #1 You were born just as I was going back to my teaching job at the end of summer vacation. I had to sit through one of those interminable faculty meetings, knowing you were waiting at the hospital to meet us. When I finally broke free, I rushed to the hospital, so excited that … Read more
Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.He … Read more
Up north in New England, in a particularly crowded neighborhood, you will often see one of these signs. “Thickly Settled”. It translates to “Slow down. Look out for kids on bikes. Watch for a driveway around that next bend in the road.” Etc. Etc. Don’t expect to breeze through at freeway speed. There are a … Read more
It shows up at just about every funeral lunch in northern Minnesota. A big bowl of pink fluff, usually involving red Jello, Cool Whip, sour cream, and mini marshmallows. Maybe some fruit such as crushed pineapple or mandarin oranges. Purely optional. They call it salad. No veggies lurk in its cloudy interior. Could any bowl … Read more