One Monday afternoon in April 2016 I got to see something which, once seen, has been impossible to un-see. I’m standing at a crosswalk in Nagano, Japan, reading a ditty on the back of a man’s shirt: Indian Boys,Indian Boys,Oh how I love those Indian Boys The image of an American Indian dreamcatcher tells me…… Continue reading A Crosswalk in Nagano
Category: In This Together
A Treasured Possession
Unpacked our last boxes. Reunited with my favorite radio, ever. It originally belonged to my paternal grandmother. When she died in 1959, it became my bedside radio. I would lie in the dark listening to comedies and dramas from the BBC Home Service.
Nephew in Hospital
Checked in on my youngest nephew, recovering nicely at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital.
Underneath the Arches
Posted Underneath the Arches.
Underneath the Arches
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