Life in the Slow Lane

Contemplating life, faith, words, and memories

Before … and After — August 23, 2023

Before … and After

Pictured above is a beautiful island. The photographer took this image before a wildfire destroyed much of Maui and all of Lahaina. For days now, I have thought of the people struggling to rebuild their lives. For many, everything before is gone. Everything after needs construction from the ground up.

During the summer of 2020, wildfires did similar damage to an area in Oregon. Many residents lost everything, and those people are still living in motels and apartments while attempting to re-establish their homes. Their before and after seem so similar to our neighbors in the Pacific. Continue reading

On Kindness — June 1, 2022

On Kindness

So many divisive incidents constantly bombard our lives and hearts these days. I won’t write out the long list I’m thinking of as I don’t want to bombard you with them. In thinking about a post this week, I wanted to address the kindness we should offer each other and strangers. If I had written that post, it would have been so long no one would read it. Continue reading

Hope Is Alive! — May 19, 2022

Hope Is Alive!

In March, we began year three of the pandemic and hoped for a return to normal. From afar, we watched the destruction of Ukraine and its people by Russia. In Portland, many people struggled with the continuing crisis of homelessness. Crime is on the increase with shootings almost every night of the week. And in Oregon, we are experiencing another surge of new Covid cases. It seems one thing begins to improve and another pops up somewhere nearby, in the country, or in the world.

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The Elusive Maggie — May 9, 2022

The Elusive Maggie

Last Friday we had scheduled a vet appointment for our cat, Maggie. As usual, Maggie took up her place on the end of the sofa in our family room. We sat down to breakfast and our morning devotional and prayers. When I got up from the table, I took note that Maggie was still napping on the sofa.
 
Some 25 minutes before we had to leave, I didn’t realize Bob had brought in the pet carrier from the garage. Nor did I notice that Maggie was gone from her post on the sofa. Suddenly I heard Bob ask where Maggie had gone. Who knew?
 
Getting Maggie into the carrier hasn’t been a problem before. This time it wasn’t going to hold true.

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Day Brightener — May 6, 2022

Day Brightener

Yesterday we awoke to the sound of rain. After two sunny days, it was a disappointment. We’d like summer to last a little longer than two days. Not much opportunity to get out and work in the yard or do other outdoor activities.
 
But there was something new on our calendar. Well, not exactly new. Only half new.
 
Our financial advisor for the last 15-plus years is a kind and gentle man. He is someone we trust and appreciate for many reasons. One of those reasons is how and where we meet when we need to sign documents or discuss our financial situation.

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