The Red Cross

and why I donate Alexandria, Egypt.  The fear had been building up for perhaps a month.  Suddenly we were called together and packed away into a hot empty school building.   The Egyptian police begged us not to leave the premises. They were protecting us from their own people. Those caring for us here were… Continue reading The Red Cross

Thanksgiving Week

Have you ever tried to celebrate a festival, dear to your heart, in an environment where no one else is celebrating it?  I thought I was used to it, having lived in countries that didn’t celebrate Christmas. Thanksgiving is always more difficult.  I celebrate it because North American Thanksgivings are the only national holidays I… Continue reading Thanksgiving Week

Should Grandparents be allowed to say “no”?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

The answer is probably “no”.  (This is a true story.) The telephone rings.  You know that ominous feeling? With trepidation, I (the adult education manager) answer it. “I’m sorry that I’ll have to withdraw from the embroidery class” the voice says.  The voice is attached to Mrs Smith, a retired woman who absolutely loves embroidery,… Continue reading Should Grandparents be allowed to say “no”?