The weather is spring-like. Not long ago, I wore layers of sweaters; now a light jacket is too much. Here we are in March, and soon the first third of 2026 will be over. I still want to say Happy New Year, but it is a bit late for the greeting. Our iconic New Orleans Journey is now in our rear window as we plan for a return engagement. Time is a mystery. We grow older and hopefully wiser. We have money for bombs and nothing for bread. A settled mind and spirit are good medicine. A divided mind leads to chaos and destruction. Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis at the Plaza Frontenac is closing in May. A favorite store to find higher-end clothes, fine cologne, and perfume. A fun store at Christmas with Santa sitting in his massive chair and his elves assisting him as he held an audience with the kids of St. Louis. I remember when FAO Schwarz took over the basement for Saks Fifth Avenue during the Christmas Season. I bought a wonderful cashmere sweater at Saks in 2013. The staff was dressed in business clothing. They were happy and knew their retail establishment inside and out. I assume they planned on retiring from Saks Fifth Avenue. Sixty-five staff will be laid off.

When we drove to the East Coast in the 90s, I found that the multiple lanes coming into New York City tapered into just four lanes as they entered the City. So it goes with life at the moment. We have so many things going on that it is challenging to determine which one has priority. We glorify death and destruction once we decide that the people doing the suffering are the Others. A coarseness has permeated our public life. Some military leaders admonish their troops that they are preparing for Armageddon.

So the people look for meaning in the minds of barbarians. There is neither a plan nor a program for tomorrow. The quick thrill of victory leaves no room for the agony of defeat.

The Old Man walked in the rainy spring woods. The deer walked alongside with smiles on their faces. All was well in the woods. The pattern and purpose of nature were on display. Yellow flowers stuck their head above the soil. Then the Woods Family asked the Old Man why there was more war. ‘Political Leaders have a strange way of demonstrating to their family in foreign lands when they explain that they love them and that is why they are bombing them,’ Delbert Deer said. ‘How can we do evil that good may come,’ Delbert D. asked.

It was a spring day full of promise and light. Easter would soon be here. Pastel colors and a deep breath of fresh air were enjoyable. The Teacher was profound and simple. He loved all he met. His words were easily understood. His actions matched his thoughts and speech. The forgotten and shunned felt comfortable with the Teacher. There was no anxiety in him. When political leaders spoke, the Teacher listened quietly. The politicians’ unrest was palpable. Then the Teacher said peace to the President. The President became quiet and subdued.