Miscellaneous

School’s pretty much in full swing. For lots of kids it’s an exciting time to reconnect with friends and get into a more familiar groove with in person school, even with the new routines around mandates and safety precautions.   It can also be a stressful time as well. Research highlights that some stress actually…

A few days ago, Anne and I drove up the canyon to get away from the city and enjoy some time alone, some peace in nature, and the beautiful weather.   We packed a few snacks to enjoy as we hiked along a well-worn trail. We passed through several picnic areas and chose one that…

These acorns caught my eye as I passed them on a walk with one of my daughters this weekend. We were in a nearby canyon, the trail was quiet, the nuts lovely in the glow of the afternoon sun, a welcome respite from the urgent calls from moms and dads the past few weeks, “My…

I was most grateful to discover this beauty while I was on the inside and she was on the outside of our window!   And then I was in for a ringside seat at an amazing show that rivaled the greatest acrobats or trapeze artists. How still she sat upon her web. How patiently she…

It was nearly 50 years ago when Van moved to the small town where I was living and working. His small apartment was close to my home, and he attended the same church that my family and I attended, and I developed a friendship with him. We were about the same age, so it was…

Nearly 60 years ago Alfred Hitchcock made a horror-thriller simply titled, “The Birds.” It was a frightening movie for the time, about flocks of birds (ravens, seagulls, crows, and sparrows) who attack random people in Bodega Bay, a small town in California. Minor dive bombings escalated to fierce attacks, with birds taking chunks out of…