Category Archives: Uncategorized

10/27/24: Around the Neighborhood

It’s a bright sunny afternoon. High school is letting out, and teenagers are everywhere. Outside our building the local bus stops to swap some students off and on. Then in a flash, something goes haywire — and not with the … Continue reading

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10/27/2024: Apple Chutney

Chop up this stuff and drop it in the Cuisinart, in proportions to taste. Apples Fennel bulb & fronds Lime juice Dates Ginger powder Mustard powder It’s one option if you’re cooking for folks who want to cut out oil … Continue reading

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10/8/24: A Taste of Home

   “Why would you say a crazy thing like that to me?” My host flashed his lovely sweet smile.    “I’m sorry!” I apologized. “Nat King Cole –“    “I have no idea who that is.”    “Oh. Right.” My … Continue reading

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8/6/24: Crashing the Party

It’s National Night Out! On the first Tuesday in August, Americans have permission to turn off the telly and go step outside and see who lives on their street and wave at them. It’s a chance too, to stop and … Continue reading

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8/4/24: Sweets in Sharp Spaces

This beautifully tended local flower strip is nothing like the bushwhacking terrain described below. No berries are pictured in this story, lest some reader feel encouraged to go nibble on unfamiliar flora. After early Mass today I took the long … Continue reading

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7/71/24: Foraging Surprises

There’s an apple tree by the interstate highway near several small parks and bridges and abandoned houses where people are trying to eke out shelter and rest. On one side is a community urban garden, not one of the lush … Continue reading

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7/10/24: Roses of Reconciliation

Father Jerome’s roses are all in bloom right now. They’re a lovely memorial to Father’s many years of toil and care for his garden in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Even more important, to me they’re an annual reminder of … Continue reading

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6/28/24: Bean Dip

The neighbors just sent a group text that we’re meeting outside in the garden this evening. Nice! But what to bring? Well, there was a double-size pot of pinto beans hot on the stove, just cooked. Hm… So while they … Continue reading

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Missed Signals

(Jerusalem Sage. Not a missed signal; just something nice to look at.) Here from the past week are examples of small near-misses in messaging. If only our human communications were a little more fine-tuned, it would be a safer and … Continue reading

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Plants: who is welcome, who belongs

Every day, walking down the street or waiting at the bus stop or passing a weedy lot that at first glance seems unattractive and dull, I feel so fortunate that they all feature some kind of plant right nearby. Whenever … Continue reading

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