An Alternative to Cosmopolitanism
When people use the term today in casual conversation, “cosmopolitan” generally refers to a person whose disposition is one of urbane sophistication, not blinkered...
Who Knew Independence Could Be This Easy?
Hillsdale, Michigan: While Americans are gearing up for fireworks, automobile sales, and burnt hot dogs, the Scots are debating whether to declare their independence...
Fences, Vines, Bees, and Huge Chickens
Hidden Springs Lane. We’re building fence this summer. I purchased 150 eight foot posts and we’ve been slowly planting them. We’re putting a paddock...
Roots Along the River
Historically, the locals have called Pompaples, Switzerland the “milieu du monde.” Not to be confused as a claim about its importance as a cultural...
Whisky Tales
“In a full bottle of whisky are all the aspirations of mankind, and in an empty one are all the failures of man.” Mike...
Public Schools, Local Schools, Family Schools
Yesterday was the final day of the school year at Peterson Elementary School, the public school which three of our four daughters have attended....
Death and Life in the Country
Hidden Springs Lane. There is something especially sad about opening up a hive full of dead bees. Several weeks ago I wrote about my...
Derby Time
Louisville, Kentucky. It's Derby time here. If you have business to do with someone in Louisville this week, don't expect a quick reply.
I have...
Something Better than a Giant
This Christmas my daughter bought for me a CD of Welsh hymns, folk songs, and patriotic anthems, sung by the burly baritone Bryn Terfel....