I loved celebrating Easter in Bolivia. For our Catholic neighbors, Good Friday was the day. The streets would be filled with pilgrims, walking and seeking blessing by visiting twelve churches and giving homage to The Virgen. Out of different cathedrals, people paraded in somber processions, carrying a life-size glass coffin with an image of a … Continue reading A Glad Day →

Yesterday I threw out a hole-y, faded old pair of jeans. Last week in Dallas I visited B., a dear friend of my mom’s, who has recently been moved into assisted-living. Years ago I watched F., my friend, suddenly lose her husband. I've been thinking about all the ways and times we have to let … Continue reading Gift and Grace →

I hate leaf-blowers: those handheld reverse vacuum cleaners that sound like jet engines. Twice last week I had to stuff in earplugs . . . inside the house! And yesterday on my morning walk a leaf-blower deadened the bird songs. It is maddening.   March was a mixed-up mad month for me. Emergency surgery, two … Continue reading Music →

Yesterday was Jake’s 70th birthday. We’ve been celebrating BIG. It was also the day of a dear friend’s funeral. That was hard. Tomorrow I will be sitting in that same chapel watching a precious young friend get married. I am thrilled. But of course, I am quite weary, on this in-between, this-is-life-on-earth day, and I … Continue reading Remembering D. →

I know, I know. I just posted a story yesterday but please bear with me, for today is a memorable day and I don’t want it to pass without notice. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Two years ago today Jake and I left Ireland, the end of our wonderful ‘visit’ of 18 months. We loved life … Continue reading Our Irish Goodbye →

“Are you with him?” the state park guy asked me, pointing to Jake, who was studying the map. “Yep,” I bragged. “Forty-five years now.” “Oh, then it’s time for a change.” Huh? “You need a new car every 20 years, you know.” I scowled. Are you trying to be funny? Then the awkward chatter ended … Continue reading March 16, 1974 →

I was thinking about giving up something for Lent. What if I gave up my right to get irritated at Jake?  Is that even possible?   Saturday was a good day, a J-and-S, we call them, a day when Jake and I do nothing but something together all day long. We drove to a new-to-us … Continue reading Lent? →