WE’RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Are you with me? After all the planning, shopping, decorating, caroling, worship services, and entertaining, we are numb - or at least I am.  But I did manage to put away the decorations before collapsing into the doldrums.  “The what?” you ask. In this case (according to Webster) a state of inactivity, stagnation, or slump. Or, if you’re a mariner, a part of the ocean abounding in calms, storms, and light shifting winds.  That also might describe our lives.

  This calm before the next storm gives us time to make that “to do” list, read the book we put aside during the holidays, or attempt any number of things we’ve been planning to do.

  My next big project will be writing another book.  Now that Delia is home, will she see Captain Richard Manning again? It is rumored his unit will be going to the Philippines.  Delia and her friend Susie discuss the possibility of going to college in the fall. In the meantime, a family friend asks Delia if she would work in his law office while he looks for a replacement for the young man who had been serving as his secretary.  When Eloise comes to visit, she decides that Delia lives on an enchanted island.  As with most enchanted places, one must be aware of the evil as well as the good. 

  Another summer sees Matt back in Omaha, Texas, with his grandparents.  I don’t know the circumstances.  Is his father still in the Army?  We’ll have to wait to find out.  What happened to the Wilson brothers?  If Ray was sent to reform school, would he be home for the summer? Jake most likely took the opportunity to stay out of prison and joined the Army.  Would he be home on leave?  So many possibilities.  And then there is Joshua.  What has he been up to?  What are his plans?  I can hardly wait to find out

The year 2025 seems to have hit the ground running.  It is difficult to keep up with all that is going on.  Be sure to slow down occasionally, find a quiet spot, and decompress.  

Wishing you smooth sailing,

Mary Nolan Brown