We had a very long spring here in Washington, DC. For those of us who garden that means a strong season for lettuce, spinach, and other plants that grow in the early spring. Above you see not just my garden, but a salad I made and ate yesterday with the greenery it provided. Today I […]
Today we in the USA express gratitude for those in military service who gave their lives for our country. “Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the
If you’re a basketball fan, you have no doubt heard of Nav Bhatia by now, pictured above. If, like me, you are marginally interested in sports, here’s a story worth hearing! In 1984 Bhatia left Delhi, India, because of the anti-Sikh riots. As a Sikh, his family’s safety was foremost on his mind. Even after
Keeping a Steady Eye on the Light Read More »
When I go into the woods on retreat, it’s not all just kicking back and relaxing. I also go in to address the toughest challenges I am facing, alone and away from all distractions. I find the woods to be a place where I can clear my head and get into the essence of the
Making the World a Better Place Read More »
Around Mile Marker 20 on Skyline Drive is this small parking lot that opens to an old road no longer in use, except by park rangers. Just a ways down that road there is a flat spot on the left, perfect for a tent. That’s where I pitched mine last Thursday night to enjoy 24
Keyser Run Trailhead Read More »
Four times in the last 2 weeks I have initiated or responded to a conversation in Hindi. Admittedly, although I understood what I said and I gleaned only a small fraction of what was said back to me. But, the thrill was there nonetheless! It was a big step for me on my journey to
In the garden, in front of my house, I grow only two plants in significant quantities: cherry tomatoes and jalapeños. I grow the cherry tomatoes so they face the street and encourage passersby to help themselves when the fruit is ready. I like to have a wall of grape-like sweet tomatoes facing out. I grow
That’s me on the right last Saturday night. I was west of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, beautiful country, with three friends. Fire circles are almost as old as humanity, the central gathering place. This is where people come to talk through the day, tell stories, and imagine what might be possible just as
None of us chooses the circumstances we are born into. War, famine, political struggle, peace, plenty, social progress. They are all determined by forces larger than ourselves, like weather and geographic events. Of course, we can choose to be active agents engaging the fronts we find imposing on our world. But, the events themselves are
The World We Share Read More »
Two nights ago was our final frost…or at least it most probably was. Everybody in my neighborhood was out working in their garden. It was a beautiful Sunday, and many people celebrated Easter – what a great day to do it here in Washington, DC. My family and I went to Shenandoah National Park. It’s
