Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This was published on June 3, 2020, in Meridian Magazine.  It has some very good things to consider either now, or in times to come, if this becomes a problem. Protecting Yourself During Civil Unrest By  Carolyn Nicolaysen  · June 3, 2020 The following was originally published on Meridian in April of 2018. In light of recent events, it seemed relevant to publish it again. We have the choice to prepare for the worst, or to pretend that we are somehow immune to the violence. During the past several months I have thought more and more about those who live in large cities and how their preparations need to differ from those living in a suburban or country setting. However, the past two weeks have made me understand we all need to prepare for civil unrest no matter where we live. Civil unrest is a real concern when planning for an emergency event. Any of us may find ourselves in a large city, where violence is more likely, when visiting family, ...

This was published last Friday in Meridian Magazine, and I believe it has some very important warnings.  Many things that look enticing or beautiful, could become our downfall, and bring us much unhappiness. Friday, July 18 2014 Picking Flowers in the Minefields of Mortality By Ted Gibbons Thirty-three years ago I was with a tour group in the Middle East. One lazy afternoon when things were safer than they are now, our bus left Israel and crossed the border into Syria for a brief tour of the Golan Heights. The scenery was spectacular. We enjoyed the contrast of green land and blue sky and white clouds, and talked about the conflicts that had raged in this area throughout much of recorded history. After a while we noticed in the distance a purple haze covering the ground. As we drew closer, we found ourselves next to a field of globe-shaped purple flowers at the end of long stems. There were many acres along one side of the road, covere...