Deep beneath the vast expanse of oceans, humpback whales glide through dark waters in search of food and mates. Biologists have long listened to the mysterious sounds emanating from these giant mammals. Moans and groans and cries emit otherworldly emotions. Recently scientists have discovered surprising changes in their songs. Australian scientists have recorded fewer wails, … Read moreSong of the Humpback Whale
Hope springs eternal in the hearts of gardeners. In October, we planted 200 tulip bulbs in our door yard (Maine talk for the front yard). I fell to my knees and dug deeply into the soil with my garden trowel. Visions of red and yellow tulips danced in my head. Oh, how lovely they will … Read moreCarnage in the Tulip Patch
On the Solemnity of the Annunciation My dear husband can, at times, be a puzzling gentleman. Perhaps you can relate to this statement. I present to you a case in point. On the Solemnity of the Annunciation, he wished to celebrate the feast in a unique way. He conjured up the perplexing idea of having … Read moreMystic Lake
February 20,1920 A hospital in Lisbon, Portugal Jacinta Martos was only nine years old when she lay dying in a hospital, far away from her family. Her diagnosis was purulent pleurisy. Nurses bustled around the hospital ward, comforting patients. Jacinta listened to patients groaning, but she was silent. Doctors had removed three infected ribs, using only … Read moreThe Death of Jacinta
Winter mornings in Maine are dark and bitter cold, hard as ice on the body and soul. I arise before dawn, eager for a steaming mug of hot tea. That must wait. My first task is to start the wood stove. I open the door and check for embers. On this snowy morning, all looks … Read moreThoughts by the Woodstove
