Author Archives: joyocala

For my birthday a few years ago, my sister gave me the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, which was the motivation for the Broadway musical by the same name.  Although it was heavy reading (three pounds in paperback?), I enjoyed it … Continue reading →

Most times if we do something, it’s because we have a reason. Most times if we don’t do something, it’s because we don’t have a reason. Pretty simple huh? Some years ago a fellow I knew from up north sez, … Continue reading →

As I wrote this, hurricane Idalia made its way across Florida and into Georgia.  I was awakened by a phone call announcing a tornado warning.  That was enough to get me out of bed promptly.  The weather channel continued to … Continue reading →

        There are tables of data listing life expectancy of men and women.  They usually provide information for your country and or the world, your gender, your basic health etc.  All of these delineations are factors in the probability of “making it” to … Continue reading →

Many of you know our daughter from Vermont recently spent 3 weeks with us.  We certainly enjoyed having her here and we are so proud of the young person she was and the adult she has become. That being said, … Continue reading →

A Great Creature – The Sturgeon  Have you ever seen a sturgeon? They are huge! They are not particularly good to eat because of the number of bones, but great sport fish. Early one Spring, I was shocked to see … Continue reading →

Often when I write one of these devotions, I have second thoughts. Last week’s blog was about the spiritual value of work. I don’t want to take back anything I wrote, but I realize it was only half the message … Continue reading →

The waves crashed, the sailing vessel rolled; but all hands were on deck when the shout was heard, “Thar She Blows.” A whale was spotted! The crew took to their longboats, oarsmen rowed frantically in pursuit of their prey. Once … Continue reading →

Many of you have read this gem from Ben Stein. My additions are in italics. “My confession: I am a Jew, and all my ancestors as well. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest that there is a season of … Continue reading →

Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894, to celebrate the achievements of the American labor unions.  The unions had pushed for better working conditions and shorter working hours, and they had succeeded.   Their successes improved working conditions across the … Continue reading →