This would be the last day of February were it not for leap year. I read a couple of posts on Facebook speaking of tomorrow being March. After all, it only comes every 4 years. We govern our lives according to the calendar. 2024 marches on.

The Bible tells us, ‘ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life.’ We are seeking the Tree.

Times change and people change. Some come into our lives for a season or a chapter and then they are gone. Peace comes from a sense of place. We know who we are until others perceive us differently and then we reassess our foundations. The foundation is vital. We take our grounding with us everywhere we go. In stormy seasons it gives us peace.

I recall being in uncertain circumstances and having some advisors who counseled me to ‘do the smart thing…look out for myself…be politically correct.’ Easy advice is not always the best.

‘I think that we must back him… after all, he seems to know that we exist,’ He said. ‘I like his smile and the way that he does not tolerate fools gladly, He continued.

‘He said that he will take vengeance on those who oppose him,’
She said. ‘What if he decides we are some of those to persecute, She asked?

‘All of my golfing buddies are for him…I would feel like the Lone Ranger if I disagreed with them,’ He said. ‘He promises a chicken in every pot and a new car in every garage,’ He continued.

‘Who gets the chicken…and besides that, you do not like chicken,’ She said. ‘Do you think that the homeless want a new car for their garage…they do not have a garage…or a place to lay their head at night,’ She asked?

‘He said that he would be Dictator for a day…but how long is his measurement of a day,’ Chet asked? ‘Mom taught me not to lie…lying is wrong…there are no facts and then alternate facts unless there are alternate universes,’ Chet continued.

‘How is everything that goes wrong for Him someone else’s fault…He says that he is being persecuted for me…but I do not feel persecuted,’ Neva J said with a serious look.

‘Could there be a bit of a Messiah Complex going on…,’ Chet asked? I had a supervisor once who took everything personally and thus decided that he would take the entire department down with him due to his hurt feelings, Chet continued. ‘With his directives to stop doing the work that was our shop’s duty to do…we were soon reviled as his narcissistic ego could not be assuaged, he said.

‘Freedom is not missed until it is gone…while we watch other groups of people marginalized and demonized we feel comfort that we are not members of the hated groups…until the Dictator comes for us…’ She said…

It is 76 degrees in our neck of the Woods or 25 degrees above normal. Stormy weather is in our forecast. When the weather becomes so extreme storms are a common occurrence in our region of the midwest. As has been sometimes said…you can feel it in the air.

I wonder if the same could not be said for our political climate. What was at one time a gentleman and lady’s sport can now be labeled a bloodsport? The old adage that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me…is obviously wrong. A few words from a political leader can put those who he speaks about at risk of losing their life.

Many reputations have been ruined by gossip. False accusations are remembered while the truth is placed on the back page of the newspaper. Speaking in general regarding what people are saying is no evidence of veracity.

Of late I have noticed that images of actors and actresses appear on Facebook and if you take more than a cursory glance at the purported likeness it is just that…it is not the person that the caption says it is.

Could it be that we are being manipulated by our betters or at least those who think that we are simple and thus not able to distinguish the difference between the facsimile and the genuine article?

‘During the 1890s Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov was looking at salivation in dogs in response to being fed when he noticed that his dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell if that sound was repeatedly presented at the same time that they were given food.’ So it is with us when the words or people that our tribe follows call upon us we obey without thought.

Conditioning is key…

How did our enemies become our friends? How did we decide that sexual harassment and abuse become OK for certain leaders? Why do we embrace division and segmentation of entire groups of people who do not agree with us…

‘And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail King of the Jews!’ Then they spat on him…’

There is a storm coming…

‘Invariably, George the Fox tells Willoughby that the fox is on the other side of a rail fence, which is actually at the edge of a steep cliff. Willoughby’s line, ‘Which way did he go,’ long ago became a catchphrase…’ Wikipedia

How often have we wondered,’ Which way did he go,’ when opportunity seemed to slip through our fingers or the pursuit of money led to a dead end?

Mr. Fox is cunning and canny. He tells us to align ourselves with those who promise easy success. The Christian Nationalist preacher tells us we will be rich if we do what he prescribes for our lives. Our colleagues and friends admonish that an embryo is a person and in the next breath say that there is no money for the homeless of which many are children…

Comparisons do not produce truth. As a young man, I often wondered why many my age seemed rich and needed nothing while I had enough but certainly was not affluent. If I would just be quiet regarding my Chancellor friend who had been fired…it was strongly suggested that a promotion was in store for me. I chose to not forsake my friend…

Decisions…decisions…decisions…mark our days. I watch the fabulous world of Finance and wonder at the lack of ethical clarity that is its foundational support. Often financial instruments are lauded and subsequently sold to buyers who trust that their brokers are working in their best interest. They are working feverishly in someone’s best interest…their own.

‘So you want to be king I hear,’ L said. ‘I have noticed that you have a large following of fishermen and the common folk…you know…the poor,’ L continued.

‘Well, people seemed to love me and hang on to my every word…but I feel terribly alone now,’ J said. ‘It is funny how when the excitement surrounds you and hope abounds…you have so many friends…but when the going gets tough the tough get going,’ J continued.

‘You look a bit wan and disheveled…I bet you are hungry…I have a basket of food and some lovely wine…let us sit for a moment and contemplate the beauty of the city,’ L said with a sweet tone and a loving smile. ‘I know your feet hurt in those cheap sandals…I have a new pair of Birkenstocks for you…also, I have a memory foam pillow for your head so that you may sleep for a little while and then all of these matters will be clearer.’ L continued.

‘I am so tired and yet my job is not done,’ J said. ‘I called my Dad…but he did not answer…I got the answering machine…his message is one of those irritating messages where it sounds like he has picked up and then when you begin talking expecting a conversation…it is one way because he is not there,’ J said with a frown.

‘Have you tried these iPhones…they are like a computer in your pocket and you can text Dad,’ L said with a laugh. ‘While you are resting and after your dinner and wine…I will prepare your entrance as the King of Kings…and I will be your consigliere,’ L said as he danced a little dance.

I could not find Mom or Mary M before I walked into the Garden…they always have the best advice…but I must say…not my will but Dad’s be done…

Another Friday is here. MJ’s Birthday is tomorrow and today is the pre-Birthday celebration. Giant City Lodge for lunch today. They have a great Old Fashioned.

We look for grandeur and exquisite delight outside our normal walk while…it surrounds us daily. We all woke up this morning and the world began once again. Whatever problems we are facing seem a bit brighter today in the sunlight of nearly spring.

Little Lives are what we live. Not little in importance but little in the microcosm of our daily ‘new life’ that we face each morning. We tend to think of our life from a thirty-thousand-foot view when it is in reality a

bunch of 24-hour snapshots.

Each day is new. Each is unique. Each day we step onto the stage of life to play our role. A colleague asked me how I was able to work a career at Southern Illinois University and I responded that I did it one day at a time.

Focusing on each day removes the regrets of the past and the uncertainty of the future. We are living inside the gift while the mysteries of the universe swirl about us.

It is a bit like seeing a wonderful large brightly wrapped Christmas gift sitting next to the Christmas tree and being so excited that you can not sleep Christmas Eve. Early Christmas morning you race to the tree and begin tearing the paper off with abandon. There before you is a lovely full-length mirror with a note attached…’You are loved…Use your gift wisely…’

Well, I saw my first little yellow flowers this morning in the Woods. They made me smile and put a spring in my step. Happy thoughts are all around us if we just look.

‘Spring is in the air, ‘Billy B said with a lilt in his step.’ ‘It won’t be long until Pounds Hollow is open and we can go swimming,’ he added.

‘Memorial Day on my calendar,’ Chet responded with a wink. ‘Unless you have designs on an early visit,’ he added.

‘I will pack a picnic lunch with Oscar Mayer Weiners for Chet and hamburgers from Moo And Cackle that we will pick up on our way to the Hollow,’ she added. ‘I have a fresh batch of homemade Balloon Wine that I will bring along to make our spirits sore,’ she laughed.

‘I hope that the winter caretaker does not run us out…he reminds me of Frankenstein,’ Jane commented with a slight smile. ‘I swear he must wear a size 16 shoe,’ she said.

‘Look…there he is…Old Mephistopheles and he is wearing the clothes of a Monk from the Middle Ages, ‘Chet noted. ‘My mom says that he was the Caretaker at Pounds Hollow when she was a wee girl and that he has not changed,’ he continued.

‘We are closed until Memorial Day,’ M said as he glowered at the group. ‘Leave before I turn the dogs on you and you will no longer be able to leave,’ M said through clenched teeth.

‘Oh look at the yellow flowers,’ Jane said as she picked one and gave it to M. ‘Please allow me to place it on your lapel, she said.

‘Join us for a flagon of Balloon Wine and some Oscar Mayer Weiners,’ said Chet as he poured him a glass and retrieved a Weiner from the package.

‘I have been the caretaker here for many years and no one has ever offered me a flagon of wine or an Oscar Mayer Weiner,’ said M. ‘Usually people go the other way when they see me and many of the kids make fun of me and my unusual clothing and manner, M continued.

‘You reminded me of my brother Gene…he is a solitary sort but has a heart of gold,’ Neva J said as she refilled his glass. ‘Do you live near the creek,’ she asked?

‘Ever since my MaMa died I have lived in the woods…MaMa made me biscuits every morning when she lived and we laughed often and we were happy,’ M said with a tear in his eye. ‘She made the best biscuits that I have ever eaten…she used a little honey in the batter,’ M said with a sigh as he reached for another Weiner.

‘Have you always been the Caretaker at Pounds Hollow,’ Chet asked?

‘I was a Monk in Germany during World War II…but MaMa and I fled when Hitler began rounding up all who did not fit his physical ideal,’ M said.

‘The yellow flower brings out the marvelous color of your eyes,’ Jane told M. ‘Did you visit Wittenberg while you lived in Germany,’ she asked?

‘Martin Luther was my friend…I helped him nail his 95 thesis to the Church Door…

I saw the above statement on Facebook today. I like it. We oldsters often bemoan our aging infirmities until we realize that our slowing down and squinting at the fine print is better than the alternative.

Now aging seems to come all at once when in reality it is a second-by-second process. Have you ever commented regarding an acquaintance that they certainly were looking old? What must they be saying about you?

I heard it said the 60 is the new 40. So does that mean that 80 is the new 60? Acceptance of the inevitable does not signify defeat. I think that we are as old as feel and not what society tells us. In my church, there are vibrant 90-year-olds who are inspiring.

The United States is an aging nation. Many of the tasks that customarily were done by young people now have positions that are difficult to fill. It has been said that with age comes wisdom…but not in all cases. It is possible to be an old curmudgeon.

Speculation abounds that both Presidential candidates…especially President Biden are too old to run for another term. Never mind that former President Trump is just 3 years younger than Biden.

Methesulah lived to 969 according to the Old Testament. Good vitamins I suppose. For those inclined to take their cues for living from the Bible…age does not seem to be a factor for leadership.

Life is full of adventure and Joie de vivre. It is enjoyed by the senior citizen with a gusto and depth that many times is not afforded to the younger due to their inherent belief in their own mortality.

Laugh heartily…laugh long…

Dance on your grave…

Winter may be over? But I have asked this question in years gone by and been fooled. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant land in Little Egypt today.

Zone Of Interest is an intriguing movie. MJ and I saw it last Tuesday. Although it seemed to have little dialogue its images spoke volumes. A look at Rudolf Hoss and his wife Hedwig in their new home that is next to the German Auschwitz concentration camp. The photogenic family with Hoss takes his children out to swim and fish until human remains float by him in the water. The screams of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust can be heard just over the wall that encircles the Hoss home. The smoke of the gas chambers is easily seen. Hedwig’s mother comes to stay and is at first overwhelmed with the seeming prosperity of her daughter and family…until she sees the flames of the crematorium at night.

Hoss is recognized for creating a new crematorium and is seen toward the movie’s conclusion… wrenching…where the camera then cuts to modern-day and a group of janitors cleaning the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

The mendacity of many of our political leaders is droning on…we fish and swim…while the remnants of our friends and neighbors…float by…

‘The phrase ‘Come and see’ appears four times in the Gospel of John, and the pattern that appears is this: when we see Christ and what he has to offer, we see life, but when we see what man has to offer, we see death.’

So that is our family…the human family…we like to see what is happening if it is alleviating suffering and bringing hope. Jesus PR department was word of mouth. As time went by there were an increasing number of mouths.

I have good friends who have been adherents to Alcoholics Anonymous. They believe in their organization and its efficacy in enabling them to not drink. They talk about it. They each have a mentor who stays close to them and affords someone to talk to when the temptation gets tough.

Do not believe that we have become such a secular society that people are not looking for an answer that is beyond themselves. There are more hurting people than ever. Addictions to substances both legal and illegal are rampant…because lonely and troubled folks want someone to proclaim to them, Come And See!’

The answer to this riddle is simple…the rich and the poor must agree together that the goal is to help lonely humanity. The Bible tells us that ‘faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.’

Amazing Grace is my favorite hymn. It illustrates God’s love for all of us irrespective of our station or financial means.

It has been said that music soothes the savage beast. Music speaks to our broken spirit. We are all seeking a song to sing with people who love and care about us and will hold us up when we stumble and fall.

This has been a cold Saturday. After having unseasonably warm weather now a dose of unseasonably cold weather. How quickly things change.

So it is the time of Carnival in Venice and Fat Tuesday in the United States…and now Lent. We as our earth are in transition. We seek to be better than we are. We hope for the forgiveness of our shortcomings. For those of us in churches that are diminishing, we say come to the Holy Spirit and revisit us…you are welcome here. We all have our masks firmly affixed…we love our masks…we are safe behind them.

We ponder our visage as we gaze into the Winter Water. We know things need repair but can not see them clearly as our Masks have become our countenance. We pause to ponder what manner of man and woman that we are…

Winter Water is cold and exhilarating. It jars us a bit and wakes us up from our pleasant slumber. We look so different without our Masks…

‘What fun we had at the V Ball the other night,’ said Jane. The decision to make it a masked Ball in the spirit of Venice’s Masked Ball, she continued.

‘I had a lady speak to me at some length regarding my deceased father…she seemed to know him well and when I asked her how she knew him she said that they had come to the V Ball together,’ Chet remarked. My father died several years ago…,’ Chet noted with some incredulity.

‘I had some lovely Punch with a Masked Gentelman who enquired as to the health of Neva J…and noted that he had known her in Mt. Vernon and Chicago and when they both lived in Eldorado,’ Billy B said.

‘The V Ball was so full of Masked participants that I felt the need to go outside for a little air,’ Jane said. ‘I suddenly was in front of the Orpheum Theatre and we were all kids…Chet Billy B and me,’ Jane said with wonder and a sense of the mysterious. ‘I saw a familiar gentleman standing outside the Theatre and I asked him if he knew the way back to the V Ball…he replied that there was a Valentine’s Day Movie being screened in the Orpheum and after the movie was over there would be Valentin’s Candy for all members of the audience,’Jane noted.

‘It is great to see you, Chet,’ the Masked man said. ‘I have missed you…how is Mom,’ he continued?

‘Who are you and how do you know my mom, Chet asked. ‘She and I have lived together for some time until she died…she was a widow…, Chet said sadly.

‘Hello, my dear…what a lovely Ball,’ the Masked woman said as she offered him an Oscar Mayer Weiner fresh out of the package on white bread…just like his mom always gave him at lunch.