In the past, our family would gather at my sister Elizabeth's house in Chicagoland to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together. They would cook a turkey with stuffing and other invited guests would bring a side dish, dessert or appetizer. It was always a great feast and very enjoyable to gather together and catch up on each … Continue reading Spending Thanksgiving apart, but still thankful
Covid cases stress US healthcare system
At the rate the Covid-19 cases are going up in the US, it's possible that pretty soon people who are sick will not be able to get medical care in any hospital or healthcare facility. Currently, more than 11 million cases have been identified there, with one-quarter million deaths. As of today, 251,268 people have … Continue reading Covid cases stress US healthcare system
The Importance of Truth
Since graduating from college with a degree in philosophy, I have considered myself to be a Unitarian-Universalist. This is a faith bound by seven principles, not by religious beliefs. The first principle is that every person has worth and dignity. Imagine if all people held this view. That certainly could reduce the amount of conflict … Continue reading The Importance of Truth
Learning English Expressions
"England and America are two countries separated by a common language." ---George Bernard Shaw Growing up in Chicagoland, I am a native English speaker. However, now that I live in Spain, I have learned lots of expressions used by British people. The part of Alicante Province where we have retired is filled with retired Brits … Continue reading Learning English Expressions
Riding Out the Storm
Crouching down with hands over head Trying to ride out the pandemic storm Is God punishing us? Is the earth fed up with humans? I hear wailing in the distance Is someone crying? Or is it the sound of sirens? Wondering when it will be safe again Safe to travel, to hug and kiss loved … Continue reading Riding Out the Storm
Exploring Toledo, Spain
Photo of Toledo with Cathedral in background Toledo is a Spanish city with a rich history that blends Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultural influences through the centuries. Located in central Spain next to the Tagus river, the city was capital of the Visigoth-Catholic kingdom from 542 to 725 AD. This kingdom came into being after … Continue reading Exploring Toledo, Spain
What Are You Focusing On?
During this difficult time of pandemic, it can sometimes be hard to feel much joy. We focus on how we can't see our children, parents, grandchildren, siblings or other relatives or friends and feel so sad. Because we need each other, this is especially hard for all of us. But as long as Covid-19 is … Continue reading What Are You Focusing On?
The End of America’s Democracy?
Here is a quote from Michael Cohen's new book, Disloyal, that really concerns me. Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney wrote: "There is a serious danger that Donald Trump will not leave office easily, and there is a real chance of not having a peaceful transition. When he jokes about running again in 2024 and gets … Continue reading The End of America’s Democracy?
Is my cousin a sucker and a loser?
My cousin, Donald Edward Van der Schans, enlisted in the Navy as a medic during the Vietnam War. He could have remained stateside as a medic (corpsman in Navy terminology) but he chose to go to Vietnam, to serve his country. He was shipped over there in 1968, where the war was in full swing … Continue reading Is my cousin a sucker and a loser?
Pandemic Blues
Raise your hand if you are sick and tired of this pandemic. I know I am. Can't travel anywhere. Can't visit family and friends in the United States. Can't sing in a choir to chase away the blues. Can't go to memorial services for choir members or their spouses who have died nor can you … Continue reading Pandemic Blues
US Author Nancy Klein in Spain 