Monthly Archives: February 2026

Lenten Misery Misses the Point

It’s Lent and I’m a Catholic. So how come I’m not sitting in some dark corner, reflecting on doom, gloom, and how perfectly rotten I am? Or at least moaning and wringing my hands over the world’s dreadfully dire state: … Continue reading

Posted in Being Catholic | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Visiting a Power Plant, Learning From My Father

When my father told me he was taking me to see the power plant,1 I was very excited; and looked forward to seeing a plant that somehow produced significant amounts of electricity. As it turned out, the “power plant” was … Continue reading

Posted in Being Catholic, Family Stories, Journal, Series | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rhubarb and Clematis, or Maybe Honeysuckle

There wasn’t anything special about the back yard at 818. But 818 is the place where I spent the bulk of my childhood, so it’s a place I often go on trips down memory lane. Let’s see, where to start. … Continue reading

Posted in Family Stories, Journal, Series | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Sewer Repair, and Applying Ethical Principles

Last week I talked about incidents, politics, and the news in my home state, Minnesota. This week I’m talking about a comparatively pleasant matter: sewer repair. Before anything else, though: good news, at least for us. Our household’s sewer connection … Continue reading

Posted in Being Catholic, Discursive Detours, Family Stories, Journal, Series | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments