Three-year-old Ade wanted pickles with her lunch. I found a new jar in the pantry and tried to open it, without success. I whacked the lid several times. No success. I gave it a few more good smacks with the handle of the knife. Still no …( read more )

One day when Mother and I were walking the fields on the farm, we came upon one section of the rail fence that was down. We knew that the cattle would get out, so it needed to be fixed. I said to Mother, "I can't fix the fence; I hear the …( read more )

My barely school-aged children decided to become independent in a big city when we had to ride a streetcar home. Instead of standing beside me, they spread out, taking whatever seats were available. So, they weren't paying attention at …( read more )

I remember my first job interview for a post in the bank. The interviewer looked at me and asked, "Are you honest?" This was a question that got me smiling for a moment before I answered, "Yes, I am honest." The thought that ran through …( read more )

Today, I'd like you to meet Chippy and Red, our regular dinner guests this summer. Chippy is a chipmunk; Red is a red squirrel. They live in our backyard and join our evening meals on the deck. It didn't start smoothly, however. Red kept …( read more )

Historic Molly Butler Lodge and Restaurant is in Greer, Arizona, USA. At 8,356 feet in elevation, it's a refreshing retreat from the ferocious Arizona heat. Established in 1910 by pioneer Molly Butler in the wilds of the White Mountains, …( read more )

The evidence was overwhelming. We followed something that we feared. Panthertown Valley is just outside Cashiers, North Carolina, USA. Those who are looking for a directional sign will be disappointed. But my brother and I had …( read more )

I believe that I was eight years old and that it was 1956 when a severe storm came upon our small town of Fenwick, Ontario, Canada. Just past our house, we had a greenhouse, then a workshop, and then another greenhouse. My dad was in the …( read more )

I am a busy piano instructor, who had to adapt fast to online lessons in late March. I wrote in my journal on my smartphone, "I hate this! Let me back into my piano studios." By May, I started to adjust and began to think, *Remember when I …( read more )

Her smile seemed to envelop her from head to toe. Whenever I saw Abby, she seemed to radiate a smile that showed in her face, her eyes, and her body language. When she stood on the church platform to give announcements, read Scripture, or …( read more )