To the ancient Romans, the Ides of March was a time for settling debts. For Julius Caesar, it was a time of betrayal and death; but, for us, it simply marks the middle of March and a week before the official start of spring. This ides dawns with gloomy skies and damp ground. So far, […]
Mar 9, 2022
Coffee and Chilblains
By · Leave a Comment
The morning sun gently warms a pale blue sky; all is still, even the wind. March smiles serenely this morning, but, beware! March is untrustworthy. Today and tomorrow will lull us into thinking spring has come, but, Friday! Surprise! Winter comes roaring back. (At least, that’s what our meteorologist says. I haven’t consulted the Almanac […]
Mar 5, 2022
Changing Times
By · Leave a Comment
Sometimes change happens suddenly. Sometimes, it’s gradual, but whichever it is, it is a mystery. For the Ukrainian people, change came swiftly, a change that affects the rest of the world. Looking back at history, we can see how huge events–wars, famines, droughts, new inventions, have changed life for many. Within our families, life is […]
Feb 19, 2022
What a Character!
By · Leave a Comment
Hey! You aren’t supposed to say that! I looked at the paragraph I’d written. This character was speaking and acting…well, out of character. I had her personality planned and knew how she fit into the story I was writing, but, here she was, taking the bit in her mouth, the bull by the horns, and […]
Feb 1, 2022
Frigid February?
By · Leave a Comment
Is your birthday this month? A happy February birthday to you! Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan also had birthdays this month, so you’re in good company. Your birthstone is the lovely Amethyst and your flowers are the violet and primrose. If you had lived during the Victorian era, a gift of violets […]
