My favorite movie is Out of Africa without a doubt.  The location, the actors, the tragic love story--all of it mesmerized me back in 1985 when I saw it for the first time.    For years afterward, I had this burning desire to visit Africa, go on safari,… Read full post »

The essay question: “Is there a single piece of technology that has recently transformed your life -- for the better?” prompted me to think about gadgets I have purchased in the recent years.   Cell phone?  Not really—I use it only about 10 minutes a month, saving up… Read full post »

    Technological innovations have impacted society, forging changes in our culture and how people view the world.  The telephone, radio, and automobile were innovations with the strongest impact in the early 20th century. 

     During the 1990s, the… Read full post »

 Grand Canyon Sunset December 26, 2005 

"You're spending Christmas at the Grand Canyon?"

 That was my friend's reaction when she asked me where I would spend the holidays in 2005.   She thought I would freeze or worse, slide down the canyon on an icy trail.  &… Read full post »

As I write on the computer, I see the Carolina Wrens flying at their usual time, right after sunset, to retire for the night in a clay birdhouse I hung right outside the window.   I am reminded of a time last year when they used that… Read full post »

Photo: Oct. 29, 2004  

This time four years ago, I carved two pumpkins that reflected my mood—depressed about the upcoming election.   Although the poll numbers were close, I did not believe Kerry could pull it off.  I sent the photo to… Read full post »

 After standing in line for two hours in the rain and going thru security, I was finally in the Roanoke Civic Center to attend the Obama rally last Friday.  As I approached the doors , a guy yelled "Hey, Virginia Tech."   Both the man in front of me… Read full post »