My grandmother Molly could be a rather stern old lady. She was born when Queen Victoria was still on the throne, on April 16, 1898. She died in 1988, long-lived, like many in my family. If I were to tell you just one thing about Granny, it would be this: She. Never. Gave. In. Every morning… Continue reading On Granny. Oh, and On Chocolate, Too. And a Few Other Things As Well
I’m So Excited–My New Roses Will Be Delivered Tomorrow!
https://youtu.be/8iwBM_YB1sE David Austin, PBUH (this is the US link; it's originally a UK firm) says that they've been shipped at exactly the right time for planting in my plant hardiness "zone." (My zone number is somewhere between 6A and 6B--worst case indicating that the temperatures in the winter might go down to about -25F, or… Continue reading I’m So Excited–My New Roses Will Be Delivered Tomorrow!
Thoughts of Abroad, From Home
Oh, to be in England, Now that April’s there, And whoever wakes in England Sees, some morning, unaware, That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf, While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough In England – now!! Perhaps it’s the fact that I can’t go to… Continue reading Thoughts of Abroad, From Home
On Household Relations and the Natural Order of Things
There have been so many posts on the Internet lately, and many more over time, about relations and dynamics between the sexes, the state of Western Civilization, the role of men and women in it, and how soon the handcart we’re all bouncing around in will reach the gates of Hell (not long, FYI), that… Continue reading On Household Relations and the Natural Order of Things
Want To Cool Down? Have a Nice Hot Cuppa Cha!
Hey, guess what? My Granny knew what she was talking about! About lots of things actually, but in relation to this post, about only one. She was a great believer, on a stinking hot day (remember, we’re taking about England, so any day on which the temperature goes above 60 degrees Fahrenheit qualifies as scorchio), in… Continue reading Want To Cool Down? Have a Nice Hot Cuppa Cha!
Lilibet and Me
Almost two decades ago now, my stepdaughter and I spend a delightful ten days in Venice, on a trip organized by my sister on behalf of her "beading guild" (my sister is a world-class beader) in the UK. My sister, for those of you who don't know us, is marvelously organized, and an exceptionally good… Continue reading Lilibet and Me
QOTD: Richard Feynman on the Unknown
You see, one thing is, I can live with doubt, and uncertainty, and not knowing. I think it’s much more interesting to live, not knowing, than to have answers which might be wrong. It comes at about the middle of this interview excerpt: https://youtu.be/cRmbwczTC6E A man of science. Not a religious man, but one who… Continue reading QOTD: Richard Feynman on the Unknown
“We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is our song!”
It’s true that I haven’t been able to find a single source pointing me to the place where the putative author of today’s quote said exactly these words, even in translation (perhaps someone could help me out). But they are widely attributed to St. Augustine, and certainly embody the spirit of his Easter Reflections, an… Continue reading “We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is our song!”
Love Song: Thee and Me
I learned, many years ago, that when a loved one dies, the twelve months following is a year of "firsts." My first birthday without at least a phone call from Dad. The first Christmas without one of Michael's slightly off-color cards (which he loved so much). The first Mother's day without lunch or dinner at… Continue reading Love Song: Thee and Me
Food And Drink Post: “One a penny, two a penny…”
Hot Cross Buns! A Good Friday tradition I don’t always adhere to but which, for many reasons, this year I thought I should. Blessings and a joyous Easter season to all Christians, a Happy Passover holiday to all of the Jewish faith, and best wishes for the happiness, safety, and health of absolutely everyone. Legend… Continue reading Food And Drink Post: “One a penny, two a penny…”