Year: 2004

"Buy something for yourself!" "Depressed? Treat yourself!" "For every 2-3 presents I buy for others, I buy one for myself." "Get a makeover!" "Get what you want this year. Mail your size and colour to us and we will notify … Read more

Words adequate to give expression to the overwhelming sadness, numbing shock, and gnawing grief that grip so many in the face of the tsunami which hit south-eastern Asia on December 26th are impossible to find. We are called, however, to … Read more

We have had a few cold snaps lately, in the lee of the Cotswold Hills. We had a heavy frost, which fell thickly onto the roofs and windows of the cars in our street. I was later than I needed … Read more

In our women's group, we drew names for secret pals at the beginning of the year. Throughout the year, we would do thoughtful things for our pal, and at the last meeting of the year, we would reveal who our … Read more

It wasn't even a holiday, but we were having a party. The doctor's office had just called to say that I was now considered to be cancer-free! My mom and dad were so happy and excited that they brought down … Read more

My six-year-old started skating lessons last fall. Before the lessons, he was really excited, wanting to learn how to skate so that he could play hockey like his older brother. Never having been on skates before, he had trouble moving … Read more

For months, my dad had spent every free moment in the basement, building kitchen cupboards as a Christmas present for my mom. At least that's what we children thought. We weren't permitted to go down and see for ourselves. We … Read more

On Christmas Eve after supper, we like to attend the Christmas Eve worship service at our church. It is usually a wonderful service, full of candlelight, music, and readings. Sometimes we participate as lay readers. When we return home after … Read more

"But, dad, we ginned cotton straight through the Thanksgiving holidays," I moaned. "Can't we at least get off a few days for Christmas?" "Son, we finished early last year, and you hunted all winter," he answered. "Be thankful for that. … Read more

I don't know why I am so attracted to them. Perhaps the bright colours remind me of a happy time in my childhood when all seemed right with the world. In any case, every year, even though I have plenty, … Read more