Valentine’s Day … in grade school

Valentine’s Day – in what we called “grade school” in the 1950s – brought a mixture of emotions.  All of us looked forward to the treats brought for our classroom party. Most likely, the teacher and what we called “grade mothers” prepared them for us.

Even the medicine woman of the mountains wears a mask

The first time I met Eve Miranda, she was homeless, but homeless by choice.  After her mother died several years ago, her landlord told her the rent on her place would be doubled. No way, Miranda decided. She could just sleep in her car.

Wage laws and poverty

Over the years, Americans have heard politicians bloviate about the economic injustice that afflicts our nation.   The most common claim is that Americans should earn a “living wage.” Politicians preach raising the minimum wage because the current rate is not enough. This solution is futile.

Be light-hearted to avoid cardiological problems

Researchers have noted that the more snappy and pessimistic you are, the larger the chances are of suffering from fatal heart disease. Scientists in Finland suggested that there is a direct link between a person’s level of irritability and pessimism, and their risk of heart disease.

Alas! There is a balm in Gilead!

The prophet Jeremiah (6th Century BCE) had a difficult duty.  The nation of Judah was divided and corrupt. He was called to warn the people to change their immoral ways or face the consequences. This was an impossible task to a people who would not listen.

Finding perspective on the Trail

Sitting on a fallen log and panting about halfway up Jacob’s Ladder – on the Appalachian Trail, near Stecoah Gap – I make the decision to turn around and head back to my car.  “OK, this isn’t fun anymore,” I think to myself as I begin my descent. “Maybe next time.

Some thoughts on the U.S. Postal Service

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is not the official motto of the United States Postal Service.  If it were, the words “pandemic” and “political interference” would need to be added.

COVID hits home

I would have never suspected that my second column of this young year would be penned because of COVID-19. At this point, it seems like almost everyone has either personally experienced the virus or has a loved one who has suffered through it.

Competing schools serve families well

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our schools have gone in a variety of directions.  Some public-school districts that shut down last spring have never reopened for in-person learning to any significant degree.

The industrial family

The industrialization of our nation has come with many blessings that we cannot ignore.  We could rightly point out the increase of wages or standard of living for most families. Of this, there can be no doubt.