News from the Urologist: Drink Even More Water
I met with my urologist today. Because he saved me from the worst pain ever in the emergency room with emergency surgery and then successfully surgically removed the enormous kidney stone later, he ranks high on my list of favorite people. He reminded me that people are chronically dehydrated. And he told me that, for […]
Immediately, Immediately, Immediately!
I decided to read the book of Mark now that I’ve finished Matthew. I wanted to spend more time with Jesus in the gospels! Mark was the traveling companion of Peter and reports on everything Peter tells him, so we get a unique point of view in this short gospel account. In the first chapter […]
Back to Snowflake Photography
Years ago, my dad gave me a great digital camera with settings for macro-photography. I loved finding the smallest things I could photograph. Ever since the camera stopped working, I wondered when I’d return to taking photos of marvelous tiny things. With my new phone, I now can. Snowflake photos are back!
I Love a Creek in Winter
A Little Turn
If you’re sagging a bit today, grab your journal and write down all the things in your life that bring you joy. If you can’t think of anything, consider what could bring you joy if you just tried it. Maybe you need a new hobby or a new routine. What about trying to grow something, […]
To Handle the Cold
We finally invested in a nice electric blanket. Last night, we turned on the blanket 15 minutes before bedtime. Heaven! Warmth! It was the coziest, most wonderful feeling to go to bed without freezing cold sheets. I think we’ll save money on our heating bill, and I also believe we’ll enjoy a better bedtime routine. […]
A Nostalgic Little Gift
Yesterday, I thought about books from my childhood. When I arrived to the English Department at Penn State today, a professor who studies folklore surprised me with a late Christmas present: I couldn’t believe it! I told her that I loved this book as a child, and she found a copy for me. What a […]
A Winter Soup I Adore–Button Soup or “Knoephla”
I recently learned about Button Soup–a traditional German soup you might find in North and South Dakota and Minnesota. It’s also called Knoephla Soup (pronounced neh-fla). It’s the perfect winter soup. My husband and I both went back for a second bowl, and I heated up the leftovers for lunch today. You will love it! […]
If You Ask
I’m noticing all the asking in the book of Matthew. It’s not the verb that stumps me, though. It’s the word “faith.” In particular, it’s this verse from Matthew 21: “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” I’ve been thinking about what it means to have this prayer-answering faith and […]
Staying In
I thought I would venture out in the beautiful snow, but it’s a mere 18 degrees. I know for some of my more northern friends, this might feel warm. But for me, at least today, I stay bundled under quilts in the warmth of my upstairs office. It’s an evening to watch the snow, not […]