How Much Were You Given?

I’ve been thinking, lately, about the phrase, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” This isn’t an exact quotation from the Book of Luke, but it’s the meaning. And then, I’ve been noticing people in the news who have been given much, and how they’ve used this gift. I’ve been disappointed that those […]

No Oxen; Clean Stall

No Oxen; Clean Stall

My backyard, like my grandchildren, has grown through stages. A horse tire swing once hung by a tree limb, a swimming pool sat under the maple, a playground set took up a hunk of the back yard. Then, there were muddy places, bare of grass which were obstacle courses for small cars and trucks, a […]

Beginning Again

It looked to me like there could have been a light frost last night, at least, on the neighbor’s roofs. The cold front is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I just had a sobering thought. If the temperature really hits 28 degrees, will all these lovely, green leaves be killed and will the trees have to […]

Whippoorwill Winter?

Whippoorwill Winter?

The maple leaves are as large as a rabbit’s ears; flowers are blooming, but, you know what? We have freezing temperatures, in the upper 20s and a possibility of snow on the way. In the early spring, we have periods of reverting to cold weather, called by various lovely names. Whippoorwill winter? Blackberry winter? Someone […]

A Rhyming Hope

A Rhyming Hope

It’s cold again this morning. Rain last night and clouds today, but the maple tree’s leaves are larger, the grass is greener, and the pansies have smiles on their faces. Here’s a spring poem to keep in your heart when actual spring seems far away. A Sudden Shower by Blanche Day Manos There’s a scurry […]

The Hundred Year Old Barn

The Hundred Year Old Barn

The Hundred Year Old Barn A Fable By Blanche Day Manos The hundred year-old barn was home to a cow, a rooster, some hens, and a mule who pulled a plow. The days they spent in working; each one did his best, and when the sun sank from the sky, the animals needed rest. But, […]