Maybe it’s because the weather is getting summery in our part of the country, and we’re able to sit outside on sunny days, waving to neighbors who are also out in their yards. Maybe it’s because we just had out-of-town company, and we’re now enjoying leftover snacks, meals, and memories from when they were here, and the clean house that’s also left over from their visit. Maybe it’s because a few of the clubs and organizations I belong to are starting, cautiously, to meet again [...]

Every so often, I come across a “prayer” that makes me chuckle. Like one that says, “Dear God, please grant me patience. And I need it now!” Then there’s one that goes, “Heavenly Father, thank you that my day’s going pretty well so far. I haven’t experienced any major conflicts or catastrophes, and  I haven’t lost my temper or made any stupid mistakes. But very soon, I’m going to have to get out of bed, and then I’m really going to need your help.” I [...]

I got my second COVID vaccine shot yesterday, and I came home with a mixed bag of feelings – some that I expected, and a few I didn’t. One feeling I anticipated – and experienced – was a sense of both relief and protection. Not entirely, since I know there’s a span of a few weeks before immunity is at full strength. Also, there are still a lot of unknowns with regard to how long it lasts, how effective it is against newly emerging variants, [...]