It wasn't alarming to see a young man wearing shorts into church one crispy spring morning.  The thermometer reported only twenty-two degrees and pellets of wind-driven ice swirled outside.  Earlier that week I'd seen people, with warmer blood than I can manufacture, defying the slow retreat of winter by wearing flip-flops.  They must have strict seasonal rules concerning apparel.  At some pre-appointed date they lock all their warmth-providing clothing away and are only allowed access to the next season's garb.  It's a form of self-discipline, I reason, a physical conditioning process of some sort.

How to simplify your life

   I used to love to hide from my sisters, then bolt out and surprise them when they didn’t expect it. Startling them was my goal, watching for that astonished reaction was my reward. It was a real disappointment if I wasn’t clever enough to make them jump and scream. Children like this game, although most would agree that it is preferable to be the instigator, not the victim. Surprise is a useful strategy. It is a tactic used to win battles in times of war, but it is not always easy to carry out.

Stories of a Howard County Farm Wife