They’re everywhere underfoot. Hundreds of them, thousands even. Found on every continent but Antarctica, the ‘flower of spring’ with its tiny happy face and sunny disposition brightens hillsides, cheers landscapes and meadows, even messages its love and innocence from the dark mouth of a cannon. “It’s difficult not to grin when you see a field […]
To Ponder
Don’t Just Sit There and Die – Fighting Cancer – Radiation Therapy
Thanks to Andrea Neill. Hardy always liked the name Hardy that his parents gave him: “robust; capable of enduring difficult conditions.” His father had been active and even played ball with Hardy when he was just five foot six. As Hardy grew up he played tennis, basketball, and football. He loved football the most . […]
Letter: My Friend
Submitted by Greg Alderete. Desert storm was looming. The tension was palpable and it was clear we were going to counter attack there seem to be a sense of purpose I had not seen in the military beforehand In the long, polished halls of Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe, power moved in quiet footsteps and hushed […]
Letter: Wetlands are Sanctuaries
Submitted by Gregory Alderete. Wetlands and marshes are among the most extraordinary and delicate ecosystems on Earth. Formed over centuries, they provide a haven for countless species of plants and animals while offering immense environmental benefits. However, these critical landscapes are disappearing at an alarming rate due to human activity. Their destruction is not only […]
Let’s Talk! – An Uncomfortable Relative
Are you ready to switch off your screens and ponder or discuss another writing/conversation prompt during dinner tonight? You want to know about my thoughts on it? Here’s my take: Don’t we all have one? An uncomfortable relative? Maybe even more than one? The one that gives you extra-trouble with extra-wishes just because they seem […]
Letter: The Acronym…..SCI, What does it really mean?
Submitted by Eric K Chandler, Retired CWO, US Army. I am a US Army retired Chief Warrant Officer, and for almost 3 years, served with the 513th Military Intelligence (MI) Group, which eventually became the 513th MI Brigade (roughly 2,000 soldiers). It is the primary, multi-disciplined intel unit for the current 3rd US Army (formerly […]
Letter: What Fond Memories We Have, Before 2020
Submitted by Erik Chandler. Prior to 2017, before Pierce College finally fixed their Sewage System, Waughop was still suffering Cyanotoxins, the really bad ones, but they tended to show up in the “warm” periods of the year and when the Lake was low on H2O. And during those times waterfowl were pretty much absent. […]
Across the Fence: Olm
Before you scream “Eww!” and scroll on, give this little critter a chance to be presented! Because you are most likely never to encounter one in your life, Germanism in the English language or not. Let me introduce you to the olm (pronounce with an “o” as in odd). Etymologically, it is totally unclear what […]
Letter: Why We Care About Spanaway Marsh
Submitted by Claudia Riiff Finseth. HAPPINESS, FOR ONE THING Last week the annual list of the happiest countries in the world came out. For the eighth time in a row that designation went to Finland. The United States of America came in way down the line. We are not, generally, a happy people. One of […]