Columnists

The junk drawer

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I have three chickens in my backyard. One hen lays brown eggs. That’s not unusual. Oh, no? Could you do it? DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. Another...

Old age is a thing

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING The traffic was terrible this morning. It was backed up for miles, and every driver was honking a horn. What caused that? I couldn’t tell. They were all behind me. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce....

The colors of grace

I don't know how you feel about fall. Whether you like it or not, I’m going to tell you how I feel about this season. To give you some context, we have a white birch tree right outside our front door. And as I look out my window, there’s a moment every late September that I think, “What a...

Son of Encouragement

St. Barnabas was the early mentor and missionary companion of St. Paul. While his actual name was Joseph, Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) was given this special nickname by the other Apostles because of his compassionate and conciliatory character. After St. Paul’s miraculous...

Having trouble with the circle flies?

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING Do you exercise? I go to the gym almost every day. Really? Yes, I almost went to the gym today. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. A disheveled man...

Growing up to be good, nervous men

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I don’t drive on roads that are under construction. Where do you go? Nowhere. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. We had a fellow in the neighborhood who had...

Sports connect us to religious life

As the fall season approaches, football, cross-country, and many other sports capture the attention of many people. People gather in stadiums, plans are made to secure one’s seat to watch the game on television, and the local paper is filled with the activities and achievements of local students...

Great-tailed grackle

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING Do you ever talk to yourself? I think everybody talks to themselves. I wasn’t talking to you. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. I recently watched an old...

'Better together'

There was once a man who lived in the middle of a small, yet bustling town. Despite the busyness of the town and his particular street, he was always alone. He was known for his tidy house, meticulously-trimmed hedges, and plush lawn. On his front porch was a swing that he had installed, but had...

2000-Pound Cafe

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I did all I could do today. What did you do? Nothing. It was all I could do. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. It’s hard to let go of things, but I took...