Tomorrow, not Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July and certainly not Easter, is now the second most popular holiday in America, second only to Christmas. Halloween brings mixed feelings to many of us. I have fond memories of Halloween as a child, often winning the Creative Costume category, thanks to my mother’s active imagination. […]

  For me, the Fourth of July has always conjured up memories of cook-outs, fireworks, and parades – endured in sweltering heat and dripping humidity. Although the celebration was more subdued, the meaning grew in significance when I spent a decade as an expatriate – commemorating America’s independence in nations taking their first shaky steps […]

Our shortest month has more than its share of activity. We’ve already celebrated Groundhog Day, although I didn’t feel much like celebrating when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted more of this freezing winter weather. The Super Bowl was last Sunday and Valentine’s Day is next Sunday. Presidents’ Day follows on its heels, making a […]

We are well on our way across the country for our farewell tour. We’ve visited friends in Santa Barbara, Steve’s son in Los Angeles, and my nephews in Phoenix. Already we’ve delighted in seeing the gorgeous azure coastline, dramatic mountains and canyons, and a vivid desert sunset. God could have made the world flat, black and […]

  As Steve and I spend the next few months with one foot in California and the other stepping into our new life in North Carolina, I’m already beginning to miss the quirkiness of the Bay Area. This past Fourth of July weekend showcased some of the more unique aspects of life here. We started the celebration early […]