In This Together – Page 40

Nephew in Hospital

Checked in on my youngest nephew, recovering nicely at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital.

Sometimes you just have to break the rules. I ignored a warning sign, climbed over a barrier, then walked down a rickety staircase, avoiding gaps where boards had once been. At the bottom, I found myself in a derelict place beneath the Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge. I looked up at the beautiful lines of the…… Continue reading Underneath the Arches

Consequences Of Nationalism

Explored the consequences of nationalism in pre-World War I Europe with an ESL student. Restrained myself from drawing parallels with today’s world.

Christmas Crackers

First Christmas gathering of the season at our nephews’ and their parents’ home. Our nephews had insisted on Christmas crackers (a British tradition). We’ve brought them up well.

Banned Books

Walked around the University of Minnesota with a friend, barging into buildings. We found a display of books that have been banned in some United States correctional facilities. Apparently Annie Proulx is dangerous. Maybe the Physicians’ Desk Reference could be used as a weapon.

Cranberries in the Stuffing

Thanksgiving Day 2018, a good day to celebrate friends and family, and to be grateful. We put fresh cranberries in the stuffing.

Wartime Presidents

Listened to Michael Beschloss, presidential historian, talking to a packed lunchtime Westminster Town Hall Forum about wartime presidents. He reminded us how presidents have started wars on a false pretext, and without the congressional approval required

Insistence on Truth

March 2018. I was on an inter-city train racing through the countryside of southern Spain. Across the aisle was a mother and her teenage son: she was engrossed in an e-book while he was engrossed in study exercises. I needed to be engrossed in something. I wanted to close my eyes and listen to music.…… Continue reading Insistence on Truth