Opinion

Woodson News At night, I can see the stars. Well, if I go to the back side of the property and face the south, it’s completely dark and the sky reveals its beauty.

The Idle American This is a “catch all” column of items intended for publication during 2022, but somehow didn’t make the cut. They are offered now, with few breaths remaining in the old year.

During the seven days between Christmas and New Years is a time of reckoning. It is a time of cleaning out closets to make room for the new sweaters and robes we received. It’s a time of eating that pile of chocolates left at the bottom of the stockings. It’s a time for soup making. It’s a time for making lists and planning last-of-the-year spending. It’s a time for reading with a hot cup of tea and a time for putting together toys. It’s a time of organizing and getting that last deep breath before the new year begins.

Less is heard about trains these days, particularly since the homegoing of Johnny Cash. He always loved train songs. Accounts of a single railroad car are even rarer, despite the jump start provided in 1930 by “The Little Engine That Could,” a children’s book.

Well, there went Christmas! Hopefully, the Light left behind will be enough to carry us through Christmas 2023. Better start getting ready now! Brrrr… last week and enjoying these 60 degree days this week… at least in the sunshine.

I don’t often look over old columns, but the other day I came across one about the perfect Christmas. Keep in mind that column was written almost thirty years ago. Whether we like it or not, Christmas has changed, families have changed, and the media representation of a “family Christmas” is nothing like it was in 1992 or back in 1962 which was referenced in the column.

Most of the time I am so busy in the mornings that I do not take the time to watch or appreciate the sunrise. The past few mornings, although sleeping in was the plan, my mind awoke and I peeped through my eyelids to recognize that it is truly “darkest before the dawn,” but if we hold on long enough, the light appears and the colors! Wow! The colors! From bright white horizon to deep blue to the Sun’s orb beginning to peep through the red, pink, orange until it finally brings the full light of day. It is wonderful. It is glorious!

The Idle American The intent of this piece is to provide comfort to folks who are hearing more than they want to hear. There is much noise in the world, some of it pushing Christmas carolsand other worthwhile sounds--to the side of the road.

Just Passing Through I love watching reality television shows. My favorite is Project Runway where the designers whip up an evening gown from four yards of lace and a deconstructed fire hose.

Not until his later years did Rev. Jerry Neill have the time needed to hone his woodcarving skills, but when he did, he was relentless, turning out small art objects that soon cluttered his workshop.