The Lakewood Playhouse is performing “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”, these days. It’s the portrait of Scrooge’s partner after his death. I haven’t watched this one yet. But I have watched various performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” countless times, from a one-man-theater on stage to various movie versions, including a beautiful cartoon one. No […]
Across the Fence
Across the Fence: Winding Down
Submitted by Susanne Bacon. Somehow, this year it has been harder for me to get into a holiday mood. I’m still working on it. Maybe, after yesterday, I’m achieving it better. Thanksgiving is usually the time of year when I’m pretty much on schedule with preparations for all of December. This year, not so much. […]
Across the Fence: A Process of Purpose
Do you have a tattoo? Thinking back on when you got it, what were the reasons? Has it stayed the only one? Or is it hard to find a blank place on your skin to feature the latest artwork you want it to carry? And have you ever pondered when tattoos started? And that they […]
Across the Fence: The Meaning of 11/11
I know I have written about Veterans Day a few years ago, already. November 11, each and every year, centers on a commemorative two minutes of silence at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time – which turns it into 11:11 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. And both times and dates have entirely different meanings for a German-American […]
Book Signing with Susanne Bacon at SHMA Holiday Store
Perhaps you are a reader of my Friday column “Across the Fence” in the Suburban Times. But have you also ever read one of my Wycliff novel series? Here is another opportunity for you to meet me, have a chat, and get yourself a signed copy of my very latest book, “Major Musings”. As all […]
Across the Fence: An Easy Holiday Dinner
Halloween is over, and the holiday season is near: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s. Add maybe a birthday, an anniversary, a retirement, and you might feel compelled to change things up a bit, foodwise. Especially since most Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations include ham or turkey, or both. After three or four socials of this kind you […]
Across the Fence: Why Marry At All?!
This weekend sees my husband and me at a big family wedding. We won’t be beholden to deliver speeches. But if I had the honor to speak at any young people’s wedding, this would be it: “Today is your big day. One that hopefully stays a single one in your lifetime. Certainly, one that will […]
Across the Fence: A Short Dictionary of German Eateries
Sometimes it’s the tiniest thing that inspires an entire article. In this case the term “Ratskeller” in a friend’s historical novel. It triggered dozens of wonderful memories. And no, it’s not a cellar filled with rats. But you got the word cellar or basement right. A Ratskeller (pronounce ‘ruh-ts-kellar, literally council cellar) is the restaurant […]
Across the Fence: So Close to Heaven
Submitted by Susanne Bacon. September and October are the best months to go hiking in the mountains, I think. The weather gets milder, the colors in Nature change from greens to flaming shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s a feast for the eyes. And Western Washington’s Cascades are no different. Only recently, my husband […]