A Christmas toast to Joseph, foster father to us all

A Christmas toast to Joseph, foster father to us all

I can't speak for who packed up the camel, or how carefully anyone mapped the route, or who planned the road trip snacks, but I can tell you that both Mary and Joseph stepped up to the challenge during that fateful journey to Bethlehem. So, when we celebrate Christmas, I'd like to suggest a toast [...]

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how relatable are your branches!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how relatable are your branches!

My second favorite Christmas tree has hit a rough patch. A handful of messages alerted me to its struggles. “Have you seen the tree in City Park?” my friend Jeannie texted. “Looks like the wind got the better of it. We will have to go down there and string up lights.” Naturally, I popped downtown [...]

The mother of all sisters

The mother of all sisters

My daughter Katherine has been mothering people since she was old enough to sling her little toddler arm around anyone within her wingspan in need of a little pick-me-up. Strict with her brothers Charlie and Vinnie, and sweet with her baby sister Molly, Katherine has raised us all. So, I was thrilled (embarrassing so) when [...]

Busy days, elephant friends and Ian, the tree with excellent posture

Busy days, elephant friends and Ian, the tree with excellent posture

It takes me a long time to hang my Christmas ornaments because each one tells a story. There’s the garlic ornament that connects me to my dad’s hometown in Colver, Pennsylvania. My friend Nick made me that ornament and I think about him each time I hang it. Nick’s a retired coal miner who sends [...]