Many readers are familiar with Antony and Cleopatra. Shakespeare immortalized this ancient couple in one of his most memorable plays. Although he took some poetic license, the real life interaction between these two was characterized by passion and power involving Roman and Egyptian kingdoms and every realm in between. What…
Summer is the time for vacations and camping trips. Many families enjoy traveling to see relatives, splash in the ocean, or see new sights. Thankfully we are freer to do that this year due to vaccinations and the retreat of coronavirus. A few weeks ago, Nancy and I traveled to…
A good friend of mine recently returned from a mission trip to a third world country in Africa. Thankfully, he was able to offer hope, help, and encouragement and some real solutions to improve their quality of life, their health, and their economic situation. Because the work is ongoing, the…
I guess I’m one of those crazy people who actually likes snakes. To my wife’s great consternation, I had three as pets (all in aquariums) until divesting them a few years ago. Snakes are truly unique creatures and capable of some incredible feats impossible for other members of the animal…
A few years back, I had the privilege touching a nearly 600 year old scroll consisting of five books of the Bible. It was made from calf skins sewn together to form a 72-foot-long manuscript and was the spiritual centerpiece of a Jewish community in Poland for many years. The…
June is the month for brides, fathers, and sunburns. Sensitive winter skin is finally revealed to bright summer sunlight and is often overexposed in the process. Of course many weddings are also planned for this month and Father’s Day is always observed on the third Sunday. Being a father is…
Before going almost entirely online, Seventeen used to be one of the most popular magazines for young ladies. It had all the latest fashions as well as plenty of relationship advice. I doubt, though, that the title came from our friendly visitors that show up every seventeen years, even though…
Our nation is in turmoil as we hear daily about racial unrest, riots, anti-Semitism, gender issues, and more. Of course COVID has disrupted all of our national life and presented new dilemmas we’ve never faced. After two very unusual school years, stay at home orders, and online learning, many of…
Last week, one of our granddaughters turned four. Nancy and I were privileged to share a party with her on Sunday as she excitedly ripped into her many gifts. Clothes, books and toys were all celebrated along with a new bike complete with training wheels. While we enjoyed visiting with…
This Saturday marks the end of another Spring Turkey season and as of this writing, I’m still hunting for bird #1. I’ve squandered some opportunities, enjoyed many sunrises and birdsongs, and even written some poems, but I have yet to connect with old Tom. As I sat at my tree…