Everywhere I go I see signs for the flu vaccine—at grocery stores, drugstores and in advertisements. Many hospitals are making it mandatory for their staff to get an annual flu shot. When that occurred at my hospital, I applied for a religious exemption. I had received vaccines…
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Country Road with Unknown Destination
When I visit my sister in Michigan, we frequently have an adventure. Last weekend we had both driven to a community college event. When we left the event her car wouldn’t start. So we hooked up jumper cables from my car to her car, and after a half hour her car…
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Hope in Chicago and at Home
For Chicago baseball fans, the Cubs are symbolic of hope. The excitement over the National league playoffs was vibrant this fall. Then four straight losses to the Mets. Once again the refrain is wait till next year. In my garden I have many opportunities for hope. I have been …
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Preserving Herbs: Thyme Vinegar
The mild fall weather is so welcome! Yard work is pleasant and I have found some fall raspberries to savor while I work. Wilting vines And a layer of leaves Yard clean-up Sweetened by fall raspberries My calendula is still blooming and my rosemary and thyme are still growing. I…
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Lovely Aroma in a World of Conflict
Are you discouraged by the conflicts and moray decay all around us? I am. The study of the book of Acts is giving me hope. I am glad that this book was chosen for the fall Precept Bible study. Sometimes political issues stir my emotions. Can political action groups solve…
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Birthdays!
Autumn is a season of birthdays. My granddaughters, plus one daughter and one daughter-in-love all have a birthday in September, October or November. I was blessed in being able to attend the birth of each granddaughter—one at home and the rest in the hospital. To watch each…
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Autumn Praise
My husband and I spent a few days in Upper Michigan. We were working on projects at an old farmhouse—a place I have visited almost every year, as far back as I can remember. We also enjoyed the peak fall color while driving and hiking. The trees in Upper Michigan…
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Apple-Sage-Cheddar Muffins
The sage in my garden is thriving. This summer it flowered. The beautiful weather this fall has extended our growing season. I have plenty of sage. The texture of the leaves has an artistic appearance, lovely to the touch. I am going to use it in some in apple-sage-cheddar muffins.…
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Steadfast in Prayer
Every year as I begin a new Bible study, the book chosen speaks to me in my circumstances. The book of Acts begins with the disciples and a group of believers facing many challenges. Prayer is mentioned frequently. All these [disciples] with one accord were devoting themselves…
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Pasties with Kale: A Meal
The pasty came to the Keweenaw Peninsula of northern Michigan with Cornish miners. The Finns caught on to the hearty meal that was portable. Meat and vegetables wrapped in pastry made a filling lunch during the long hours in the mine. My grandfathers were miners, and pasties were served for…