Of Presidents and Pines

Of Presidents and Pines

Happy Presidents Day. This is a good day to reflect on why we have presidents instead of kings, czars, or some other autocratic ruler. Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that these men, elected to the highest office in the land, with all the weight of crucial decisions on their shoulders are, first of […]

Habit or Quirk?

Habit or Quirk?

  Is it a habit or is it a quirk?  Bad habits should be broken; good habits, encouraged. A friend of mine said when she swept her sidewalk, she always counted a specific number of swipes with the broom. Habit or quirk? In Sunday School, I sit at a certain table with people I’ve known […]

Murder Under a Full Moon

Murder Under a Full Moon

  An excerpt from my current work-in-progress, the fourth Ned McNeil mystery: The next day, Pat’s and Jackie’s reactions were similar to Cade’s. “Look,” I said, as Janie set our coffee in front of us. “My curiosity was already piqued, so Tom’s request just gives me a good excuse. It’ll be kind of exciting to […]

Wildlife

Wildlife Six squirrels, some robins, a rabbit or two— My backyard resembles a varied wildlife zoo. Snowbirds, titmice, cardinals, and doves— Lots of pretty feathered friends that everybody loves. But, wait! What is the matter with this pushing, scolding pair? Those rude and raucous bluejays are not inclined to share. The jays are bright and […]

My Point of View

My Point of View

  Just between you, me, and the fence post, I am tired of intrigue and secret maneuvers and people pretending to be what they aren’t. It seems to me that all this running around in circles trying to figure out who one is and what one is, all this bending rules, and saying, “It all […]

Just a Hint of Snow

Just a Hint of Snow

Trees, yard, deck are dusted with snow this morning. Just a bit. It looked pretty as it fell last night, but it wasn’t nearly the inches of snow other places got. I remember walking home from the school bus when I was a child. The bus let my brother and me out at the start […]