Wednesday, July 18, 2012


I answered our phone a while back, and a woman's voice said, "I just had to call, Melanie. Aren't you so glad they won?"
I had to break it to her that I wasn't Melanie, but I asked her if it was the Phillies she was talking about.
She happily explained that yes, the Phillies had just won, 9-2. I thought of my mom, whom I had visited earlier in the day, just as the game was starting. She was so hoping for a win.
Thanks to a wrong number, I learned those Phillies must have made Melanie's day. My mom's, too.
It was nice to share happiness with a stranger.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012


Monday, just after high noon.
So as not to go blind, I did not look through the viewfinder.
Lucky shot. 
They say March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.
I'll say July has come in like a truck full of habanero peppers. Make that a truck engulfed in flames -- and full of habanero peppers.
OK. It's been hot.
My family and I missed summer's fiery entrance here. We were visiting relatives in Minnesota, Washington state and northern Idaho (all a more than momentary joy). In those  northern climes, summer hadn't quite got up to speed. In Idaho, we even broke out jackets.
Ah, memories.
At church on Sunday, before the sun served up 96 degrees, a friend asked me his version of, "Hot enough for you?"
In a slightly wilted tone, I replied that yes, it was more than hot enough.
His response rejuvenated me.
The smile on his face widened as he explained how much enjoys this weather. It feels, he said, like home. 
I should mention that he comes from Nigeria.
Arms gesturing, and in his beautifully lilting accent, he said he just loves the heat, loves being able to do things outside (not like during our bitter winters). Mostly, it seemed, he loves this warm memory of his home country.
What a refreshing attitude.
I will try to remember his smiling face next time the 90s, and even the 100s, pay us an extended visit. 
There's no place like home.