Tag: Family

  • Mugshot

    A white mug with a red handle. In fancy red script is written Friesen, with a coat of arms beneath.

    I got this mug as a gift from my brother, who picked it up at the Mennonite Heritage Village. The fancy script and heraldry suggest a regal Friesen lineage. A search of the internet finds several different versions of a Friesen coat of arms, though most have the knight helmet and include a good amount of red.

    Speaking of family lineage, I made bread this morning using the recipe passed down to me from my mom, who in turn received it from my dad’s mom.… Read the rest

  • Mugshot

    A mug with a desert scene of cacti and other plants.

    My parents brought me this mug from one of their excursions to the American southwest. Unfortunately, the dishwasher has worn away the image (this is the less damaged side).

    They went a few times to New Mexico and Arizona in their retirement. Whenever I use this mug I think of them. They went in winter – Mom enjoyed the break from the cold as she was definitely not a winter person.… Read the rest

  • Christmas Carol Reflection #1

    I’m told that one of my paternal grandmother’s favorite Christmas carols was O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. It was also a favorite of my mom. Why did they like it so much? That’s a question I’ve added to my file of things it’s too late to ask since both have passed.

    In any case, it’s become somewhat customary to sing it at family Christmas gatherings, and has become one of my favorite carols, but not only for sentimental reasons.… Read the rest