Musings

January 1, 2021

Freezing rain falls from the dark dreary sky Coating everything in a layer of ice Is this an omen of the year ahead? Or a thorough cleansing to wash away the last miserable remnants of 2020? Humans...

Christmas Eve

The tree is decorated – colorful balls peeking out between strands of silvery tinsel The miniature train tracks run in circles around the trunk of the tree Gaily wrapped presents in all sizes and...

Dad’s Trains

An old wooden crate whose paint had long faded Sat in the musty crowded basement Filled with miniature trains collected over a lifetime Long untouched and neglected But it wasn’t always so Some of my...

There is Beauty in the World

There is beauty in the world I see beauty in the first glimpse of green in the Springtime A promise of things to come A rebirth of nature The first blooming purple crocus that pushes up through the...

Morning Walk

Dawn is breaking as I quietly dress and lace up my walking shoes The birds are trilling their early morning greetings to the day I pull the door open and step outside And breathe in deeply the fresh...

The Mr. Rogers Approach to Life

I’m seeing more and more articles about mandatory courses that are going to be required in K-12 schools as well as universities. Courses on diversity, racism, etc. I don’t like the...

On the Brink of The Eve of Destruction

They are tearing us apart Pulling our strings and we respond like puppets Emotions flaring with every new report Dividing us by race, religion and political beliefs Driving stakes deeper between us...

The Ballfield

I grew up in the small village of Grapeville A little place in Southwestern Pennsylvania nestled between Jeannette and Greensburg Grapeville, the village where my Great Grandfather built his house...

Silent Thoughts on a Snowy Night

I walk though the quiet woods, the pristine white snow lit only by moon light. I make no noise as I walk, the sound deadened by the fresh snowfall.  It seems everything is asleep in this secret spot...

Meet Me Behind the Calliope

It is January 16th, 2016 and I’ve organized another MeetUp activity This time at the Bayernhof Museum A museum full of wonderful musical devices many of which still work after so many years Our group...

2019 – A Year in Review

2019 has come and gone – the end of a decade. Like every other year, some good and some bad. Things that will be remembered forever. And things that have already been forgotten. I remember a...

Christmas Past

What does Christmas mean to me? The sights and smells are distinct. Different from the rest of the year.   Buying a tree from a local vendor, so many to choose from, and the joy of finding just...