One by one, we abandon traditions, leaving the past behind. It’s sad, because, although we shouldn’t live in the past, we need a sense of continuity. There is something comforting about following patterns, about observing practices that have been carried down through generations. It gives me a connection to my ancestors. Decoration Day, always the […]
Feb 2, 2020
Groundhogs and Weather
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It’s Groundhog Day. Punxatawney Phil didn’t see his shadow. So, according to tradition, this means an early spring. Is that an accurate prediction? The answer remains a mystery. It’s fun to see what the folk in Punxatawney make of waking up Phil. It was snowing as a large group, known as the Inner Circle, in top […]
Dec 26, 2018
Happy Boxing Day
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In many countries, this is Boxing Day, and I don’t mean it’s a time when we put on gloves and solve all our differences with combat. The day after Christmas is a day when some people give gifts to those who serve them on Christmas Day and throughout the year. The gifts are boxed and, […]
Dec 26, 2016
Onward to Next Christmas!
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As my publisher often says, encouragingly, “Onward.” So, I’ll just do this little bit of looking back at yesterday and then move on, ever nearer a new year. It was such a blessing to worship with my family yesterday. The day started with brunch at their church then we sang good, old-fashioned carols and heard […]
Jul 1, 2016
The Month of Mighty Caesar
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Happy July 1 everyone! Summer is in full swing; the birth month of the Roman emperor Julius Caesar is here. July also contains the birthday of our country, birthdays of two of my brothers and two nephews and a beloved horse, Chappo. July abounds with customs and old sayings. Here’s one: If the first of […]
May 16, 2016
With One Foot in the Past
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Decoration Day dawned as lovely and serene as only a May day in Oklahoma can. Goshen Cemetery basked beneath an early morning sun. Droplets of dew sparkled like emeralds and rubies on freshly cut grass. Birds sang in ancient cedars, undisturbed by groups of people moving quietly over the cemetery with their bouquets of flowers. […]
