Today, I headed over to our local Ben Franklin store here in Ojai to do Christmas shopping for my grandkids. Our family gives the kids a few group gifts that Auntie Rachael has already purchased for us, but I get $25 per child to add to their Christmas loot. Not that they get a lot,…
In Memory of My Friend, Deacon Walter Johnson
Today, I am reposting my friend Deacon Walter Johnson’s eulogy that I had the honor of writing and delivering at his Requiem Mass two years ago. This is in honor of his passing and also of his birthday, which was yesterday. Walter was a good friend of mine through St. Thomas the Apostle, and I…
Nico is Back!
Nico’s surgery was a total success. No scar tissue and all obstructions were clear. He now is the proud owner of two titanium hearing bones, and he is reporting he can hear the gauze moving in his ear. Wow. His surgeon says it will take a a little time for his brain to register that…
Surgery #3 for Grandson Nico Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning at 5:30 am, our darling older grandson, Nico, age 9, will have his 3rd surgery at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for an ear condition called cholesteatoma. In his 1st surgery, the surgeon removed an extensive collection of skin cells and scar tissue from Nico’s ear and also two of his small…
Christmas Lights in Oxnard Tonight
Tonight, Ray and I took Ethan to Oxnard to walk through a neighborhood that is known for excellent Christmas displays. We drove with the top down to get gas before heading down to Ventura. Ethan was wrapped in a blanket and Ray sat next to him in the back seat. I was the designated driver….
Right Now
There’s been a lot of sadness in the news over the past few days.I wrote this poem as a reminder of what feels especially important right now,given how fleeting life can be. Feel the breeze on your faceNotice sunlight filtering through the treesListen and appreciate boisterous mockingbirdslulling mourning dovesbusy scrub jayscawing crows Breathe in the…
Happy 3rd Birthday, Ethan!
Today is our youngest grandchild’s 3rd birthday. He is the son of our daughter Liz and her husband Ron. Ethan had a big birthday party at his Memaw Cindy’s house yesterday afternoon and evening. Ray and I were there along with Auntie Sarah, Uncle, Gregorio, cousins Luna, Nico, and Lyla, plus Auntie Rachael, Uncle Andrew,…
The Crossing
The weary man hears a voice. “Take a step, you can’t stay here. What comes next is on the other side.” A great horned owl appears in the dawn sky, amber eyes beckoning. A guide for his journey. Stepping onto the wooden bridge, the man sees a roaring river far below. Light and shadow dance….
Sing to Them in Heaven, Raul Malo
Raul Malo, the lead singer and songwriter of the Latin-country band, The Mavericks, died yesterday of colon cancer at the age of 60. This is very sad news for anyone who loved the fusion of country, Latin, and rock music that The Mavericks were famous for, and also for those of us who fell in…
Until Life Turns a Corner
When I was nineteen, I transferred from the University of Texas to the University of Utah. My sister was getting a divorce that summer and asked if I would come out and be there in Salt Lake City with her and her kids. I was happy to do that since I knew she needed some…
20 Minutes a Day 