27
05, 2026
25
05, 2026
MEMORIAL DAY and a Wedding Anniversary
Today is Memorial Day, a day established for reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
From 1868 to 1970, the official date for the holiday was May 30, whichever weekday it fell on, not the fourth Monday of the month. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which passed in 1968, created three-day holidays. In 1971, Memorial Day began being celebrated on the last Monday in May.
There’s a reason I remember those obscure facts.
Many, many years ago, my husband and I chose Memorial Day for our wedding ceremony. For years, we celebrated the holiday along with our wedding anniversary. Not anymore, because now Memorial Day changes its date. Our anniversary doesn’t.
Why did we pick that date? Back then, we were financially strapped college students. Time off from work for a honeymoon was out of the question.
That particular year, Memorial Day, aka May 30th, fell on a Thursday, which meant we only had to take one unpaid day off work to prepare for our wedding.
To save more expense, I wore my mother’s wedding dress, which she’d worn twenty-five years earlier.
My mother is in the dress in the picture on the top left.
I’m in the picture below her, wearing the dress with an altered neckline and a let-out hem.
The larger picture is our daughter in the same dress for her wedding, twenty-five years later. We added lace to the hemline and around the neck.
Otherwise, the dress, made by my grandmother from imported French Alençon lace, is exactly as it was when my mother wore it. Now safely stored in my mother’s cedar hope chest.
Memorial Day was set up to mourn and honor our nation’s fallen service members. It’s evolved into the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of travel and discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.
Today will be filled with happy thoughts of our wedding, coupled with deep sadness for friends and family we’ve lost in military service. There are so many families out there that don’t have loved ones around to celebrate their wedding anniversaries with.
Join me at 3 p.m. for the National Moment of Remembrance to give them some silence, to say a little prayer, and acknowledge their ultimate sacrifice.
11
05, 2026
Celebrating Mothers
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. The day set aside to honor mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.
For many, it was a happy day, spent surrounded by family. For others, the day was probably not so fun. Some of our mothers are no longer with us.
Where did the idea to honor motherhood come from?
Its roots lie in the British Mothering Day, which disappeared when the English settlers came to America.
Then, in 1870, Julia Ward Howe, author of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, conceptualized the idea of Mother’s Day in her Proclamation of 1870. Read the poem here.
In 1872, Ms. Howe suggested a “Mother’s Day for Peace” celebration on June 2 of every year. Only a few states bought into Howe’s idea, and eventually the movement died.
However, a West Virginia women’s group headed by Anna Reeves Jarvis adapted Howe’s holiday to be a day set aside to reunite families and neighbors divided by the Civil War.
That Jarvis’s Mother’s Friendship Day evolved into Mother’s Day. And, as they say, the rest is history.
If you forgot to acknowledge Mom yesterday, do it today. She’ll be thrilled to hear from you, no matter what day it is.
3
03, 2026
The Season of Lent
The 2026 Lenten season began on February 17th, with pancakes served on Mardi Gras (also called Fat Tuesday), signaling the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods and red meat before Lent officially began on Ash Wednesday.
Lent is a subject of confusion for some and a cherished tradition for others. Merriam-Webster tells us Lent is “40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter, observed by penitence and fasting and considered a means of preparation for Easter.”
If the season of Lent is not part of your experience, a closer look at what it is and what happens may help.
There is no biblical mandate for Lent. However, the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE formalized the period of preparation for Easter to echo the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan before beginning his public ministry, as found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Ash Wednesday was originally a time of penance for sinners who were excluded from Holy Communion and seeking restoration. They wore sackcloth and ashes as a sign of public penitence. Today, the custom is to receive ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead or sprinkled over the head.
Fasting, also practiced during Lent, is a biblical practice. Traditionally, Lent fasting involves limiting meals and abstaining from certain foods.
For most denominations that observe Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are formal fasting days, while the Fridays during Lent are meatless days. In earlier times, Lent fasting meant one main meal a day and strict observance of limited eggs or dairy.
Today, many people practice “giving up” something for Lent, like chocolate or social media, as a reminder of the season.
The last week of Lent is Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday and follows the New Testament narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday and the joyful celebration of His Resurrection three days later, Easter Sunday.
Some denominations acknowledge Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
- The Maundy Thursday services recognize The Last Supper, where Jesus ate with his disciples before his trial and crucifixion.
- On Good Friday, some celebrate by not eating all day. Others by a partial fast. Many churches hold special church services.
The season of Lent ends with Easter Vigil at sundown on Holy Saturday with prayers through the night. Other churches hold sunrise services on Easter Sunday morning, which include open-air celebrations in some places.
During Lent, crucifixes, religious statues that show the triumphant Christ, and other elaborate religious symbols are veiled. The custom of veiling is typically practiced from Passion Sunday until Good Friday.
Overall, Lent is a time for self-reflection, emphasizing the three pillars of Lent:
prayer
fasting
giving
Lent doesn’t fall on the same dates each year because, like Easter Sunday, it is tied to the calendar and the Moon rather than a fixed day. Easter itself is determined by the lunar cycle, following the Paschal Full Moon in spring.
The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning “spring season,” and the first day of Spring does fall during Lent this year. So if you don’t follow the Lent tradition, you can always celebrate the end of winter.
16
02, 2026
Presidents’ Day Love Stories
Presidents’ Day was set up in 1879 to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, moving all Federal holidays to Mondays to create more three-day weekends for workers.
Washington’s birthday was still celebrated on his birth date until 1971. While officially recognized as honoring Washington’s birthday, Presidents’ Day has evolved to recognize all presidents. The name change has never been authorized by Congress, even though it is used on calendars, in advertising, and by many government agencies. (Source: National Archives)
Today I’m looking at the love stories of three presidents – Washington, Lincoln (who both have birthdays in February), and Teddy Roosevelt.
~~George Washington, First President of the United States, was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
The romance of George and Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was hardly a wild, passionate romance by today’s standards.
By the time their engagement was decided, they liked each other a great deal, which was not the norm in 18th century marriages, which were formed for ease of living.
Eight months after their marriage, George Washington wrote, “I am now I beleive fixd at this Seat with an agreable Consort for Life and hope to find more happiness in retirement than I ever experienced amidst a wide and busthng World.”
George and Martha choose wisely, perhaps more than they realized at the time. According to historians, they shared forty years during which they grew to love each other with true devotion.
~~Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, was born in a log cabin in Kentucky on February 12, 1809. Several states officially recognize the date to honor his leadership during the American Civil War.
Mary Todd, the daughter of a successful merchant and politician, attracted the attention of the up-and-coming politician and lawyer. Her family did not approve of the match, but Mary and Abraham shared a love of politics and literature and a deep love for each other. When Lincoln won his Congressional seat in 1846, Mary joined him in Washington. Something unheard of at the time.
“My wife was as handsome as when she was a girl,” Lincoln once told a reporter. “And I, poor nobody then, fell in love with her, and what is more, have never fallen out.”
Though Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday isn’t in February, his life has ties to the month, which is why I’m sharing his love story.
~~ Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt unexpectedly became the 26th president of the United States in September 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley.
Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt was his first wife. He wrote of her: “Sweetest little wife, I think all the time of my little laughing, teazing beauty, and how pretty she is, and how she goes to sleep in my arms, and I could almost cry I love you so.”
Unfortunately, their love was short-lived. On Valentine’s Day in 1884, Roosevelt suffered a double loss. His mother died of typhus, and his beloved Alice died in childbirth. His diary entry for the day is a private tribute to his sweetest little wife.
She was beautiful in face and form, and lovelier still in spirit; As a flower she grew, and as a fair young flower she died. Her life had been always in the sunshine; there had never come to her a single sorrow; and none ever knew her who did not love and revere her for the bright, sunny temper and her saintly unselfishness. Fair, pure, and joyous as a maiden; loving, tender, and happy. As a young wife; when she had just become a mother, when her life seemed to be just begun, and when the years seemed so bright before her—then, by a strange and terrible fate, death came to her. And when my heart’s dearest died, the light went from my life forever.
Roosevelt spent the next two years grieving on his ranch in the Badlands of the Dakota Territory and working as a frontier sheriff. When he returned to New York in 1901, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edith Kermit Carow. The couple raised six children, including Roosevelt’s daughter from his first marriage.
Happy Presidents’ Day!
9
02, 2026
All About Valentine’s Day: Traditions, Symbols, and Celebration Ideas
This month has been dubbed LOVEuary by Hallmark. After all, February 14th is THE romance day of the year.
Romance book sales soar. So do restaurant reservations, flower and candy sales, and Valentine’s card sales.
Overall sales for Valentine’s Day gifts in 2025 totaled 25.7 billion dollars.
- Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
In the Roman Catholic, the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, it’s the day to honor Saint Valentine, who is the patron saint of engaged couples and happily married spouses.
Historical accounts suggest that Saint Valentine, or Saint Valentine of Rome, was a real priest in Rome during the third century AD who provided Christians with sacraments outlawed by the Roman Empire, such as marriage. He was executed on February 14, around the year 269 AD.
Besides marrying Roman soldiers, which led to his execution, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment, giving them to the soldiers and persecuted Christians to “remind them of God’s love and to encourage them to remain faithful Christians.”
However, in early Christian history, there were several martyrs named Valentine, and scholars still debate the identity of the Saint Valentine who inspired the holiday. Plus, historical details are not well-documented, and the story has been embellished and romanticized over the centuries.
With its roots in Christian tradition and the saint’s martyrdom, February 14th has become a day to express love and affection to one’s romantic partner, pets, friends, and family by exchanging cards, gifts, and gestures of kindness.
Esther A. Howland is the “Mother of the Valentine.” In the 1840s, she used “scraps” to make elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures for family and friends.
She began receiving orders for her custom-made cards and employed family and friends to help create her cards. By the end of the 19th century, most Valentines were mass-produced by machine.
To me, Valentine’s cards are the mirror of romance. Remember classroom Valentine parties? I loved decorating my shoebox to receive the special card from that special someone.
I still collect valentine cards. My ephemera postcard collection has many. While not as elaborate as Ms. Howland’s, these cards speak of romance.
The Greeting Card Association estimates one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year worldwide. Whether homemade or store bought or e-card, Valentine’s cards tell others they are special.
Will you send valentines this year?
2
02, 2026
Groundhog Day
Every February 2, the “faithful followers of Phil” gather before dawn in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, PA, to see whether Punxsutawney Phil (who has been predicting whether winter is over since 1887) will see his shadow when he climbs from his burrow.
If Phil sees his shadow: Six more weeks of winter.
If not: An early spring.
Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate is about 39% overall, and it drops to around 36% when compared to actual weather outcomes since 1969. That’s not exactly an excellent track record. It means he is less reliable than flipping a coin for predictions.
But it’s fun for the Groundhog Festival in Punxsutawney.
The history of Groundhog Day is interesting, too, with Celtic and Christian roots.
Originally, a Celtic festival called Imbolc—a term from Old Irish that is most often translated as “in the belly”—a reference to the soon-to-arrive lambs of spring. Imbolc is the year’s first cross-quarter day, or a midpoint between seasons.
The Christian festival of light, Candlemas, is also observed at this time of year. The name comes from the candles lit in churches on February 2 to celebrate the Presentation of the Christ Child in the Temple in Jerusalem.
And predicted the weather:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, Winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go Winter, and come not again.
Animals have always clued farmers in about the change of seasons. A bear brought the forecast of Spring and Winter to the people of France and England.
Germans looked to a badger for a sign. Finding no badgers in Pennsylvania for Candlemas, only woodchucks, whistle pigs, or groundhogs, the German immigrants adapted groundhogs to fit the lore. Which then evolved into the Punxsutawney Phil tradition. All eyes turn to Punxsutawney Phil on every February 2nd.
Sadly, the prediction this year is that Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, and we’ll have six more weeks of winter. The news will not be well received by most of the U.S., considering the extreme cold that has blanketed so much of the country this winter.
It’s time to remember all the good things about winter –
• snowmen
• hot cocoa
• warm blankets
• and curling up by the fire with an enjoyable book.
If you’re unsure what to read, you’ll find some great suggestions here on my Amazon author page. All my books will warm your heart and make you forget about the weather outside.
Stay Warm and Happy Reading!
19
01, 2026
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Today, we honor Martin Luther King, the pivotal figure in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. His calm civil disobedience and charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, here and around the world.
Dr. King inspired so many, so much that in 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – the youngest man to receive the prestigious honor.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation designating the third Monday of January as a federal holiday to honor the man and his accomplishments.
When we think about how much violence is prevalent today and increasingly shown in movies, television shows, and video games, I totally agree with Dr. King’s daughter, Bernice.
Through his lectures and dialogues, Dr. King stirred, and still stirs, our conscience. Consider these MLK quotes as you honor him today:
On Leadership
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
On Love
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
On Getting Along
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
On Faith
“Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”
On Service
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
And as you think about that last quote, I remind you of the legislation passed in 1994 establishing Martin Luther King Day of Service to encourage citizens to use their federal holiday as an opportunity to give back to their communities.
Even if you don’t have today off, I encourage you to find a way to serve that forwards King’s vision and participate.
Let MLK Day be the start of a year in which we make a positive and peaceful impact in our communities.
1
01, 2026
25
12, 2025
Wishing you Merry Christmas in ASL
American Sign Language (ASL) is my second language. No, I’m not deaf. Although the older I get, the more hearing I lose.
I fell in love with sign language through one of my best friends in high school, whose parents were deaf. After that, I took sign language classes and did some interpreting for church services. I always loved signing the music the most. Enjoy these ladies as they wish you a Merry Christmas in sign language.