Stille Nacht By Robert B. Drynan In 1762 and 1763 Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia, issued manifestos inviting Europeans to immigrate and farm undeveloped Russian lands. The immigrants were promised privileges preserving their own culture, religion and language and freedom from military service. The greatest response came from Germany in the first five […]
Bridge By The Lake By Ken Masson All experienced bridge players know that an important objective in bidding is for a partnership to find an 8-card major suit fit, as that is the most likely place where games can be made. However, circumstances alter cases and one must be flexible and bold enough to change
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Vexations and Conundrums By Katina Pontikes A Plague Celebration The holidays are upon us! All my friends, both the cautious and the cavalier, have accepted that COVID-9 will be with us into the new year. We are lonelier than ever, and long for the closeness we used to take for granted. We miss hugs.
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Mirror To The Universe —Happy Birthday, Jesus! By Rob Mohr “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of
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Advice From A Friendly Bear By Dr. Lorin Swinehart “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen, though. That is the problem.” —Winnie-the-Pooh It was nearly dark the other night as I enjoyed my evening walk in the complex where our daughter lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As I approached
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Moving Forward While Staying Put By Christy Wiseman We are edging toward the first year in this pandemic and as I mark another birthday, I realize I am edging towards eternity. It doesn’t scare me, it’s simply another fact amid a myriad of facts. I’m at peace with it. What has changed is that
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Story of Chanukah By Mel Goldberg Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of freedom,” celebrated with the nightly lighting of a nine-branched menorah, special prayers, and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means dedication, and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. The Hebrew word is actually pronounced with
Mexico’s Love Affair with The Virgin By Carol L. Bowman Mexico is the land of religious celebrations. For the past 500 years, few months have passed without a festival that honors a Catholic Saint or event as loud booms of cajotes explode into the sky to announce the celebration. But this year, 2020, Mexico’s
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If Our Pets Could Talk By Jackie Kellum Before you decide to bring another pet into the family, THINK. During this decision process, you should be realistic regarding your current pet’s ability to adapt to this change. Things you need to consider is your established pet’s age, especially if he is a senior with
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That Night In Ashland By Linda L. Steele novels@att.net “When you run into your old buddies from high school, you won’t have anything in common with them. You will have changed. Don’t be surprised about that.” I heard that kind of talk all the time. Now I was back in my hometown, with my
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