My annual Christmas cantata has ended to thunderous applause and requests for us to return in the spring. Before I, personally perform, I want to clarify some little known facts about the most wonderful instrument in the band.     Did you know? 1.  The bassoon is indeed the prototype of a bazooka. If you wet …[ read more ]

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35) …[ read more ]

Image by aronki via Flickr      Sarah and David argued. “ Lincoln invented Thanksgiving ,” my grandson said.      “No he didn’t, the Pilgrims did,” said Sarah.      They debated and my grandson ended in tears. “You don’t understand what I’m saying.”      This argument continued in the manner that only my dogged grandson could maintain, so …[ read more ]

Image by escuelahosteleriabenahavis via Flickr     I set out on my annual pilgrimage with my daughter. Over Veterans day we hunker down in Burlington, Vermont , scrapbook and eat at the Olive Garden. Ah, the Olive Garden–home of the Tour of Italy and breadsticks and Tiramisu. Except the food police hit. Now in Vermont, restaurants carry three–make that four–little …[ read more ]

     Wending my way to Ellenburg , I run into an old friend, Sgt. Martin (or whatever you call the border guys). He sports Elvis-styled sideburns and a gun. Yikes. You know I stop, not because I’m an Elvis fan. We meet on a regular basis–either on Rt. 11 of 190.    Fortunately, Sgt. Elvis isn’t interested …[ read more ]