Almost all of the empty shells on the beach reveal a small, round hole.  It is this hole through which they were attacked and killed by a creature that drills into the shell.  A...

I passed a fisherman on the beach today just as he was selecting among his lures.  There were shrimp in a cooler, iridescent plastic lures, and shiny metallic lures.  I watched him select from...

Fourth of July!  If ever there is a summer celebration, it is this day when patriotism, vacations, and perfect outdoor weather coincide.  I’ll do my walk early this morning to avoid crowded roads and...

I passed a woman dozing on a lounge chair just at the water’s edge.  A paperback book was in the sand beside her, barely out of reach of the incoming tide.  I moved the...

Chicory or cornflower is blooming on the island, lining the road near the park.  Whenever I see the sky-blue blossoms, I am suddenly swept back into my childhood.  One summer I had to cross...

Oh no!  This morning a seagull flew over my head and I felt a very large splat land on my bare arm.  At first I was angry and then a bit amused, but most...

The sun sparkled and danced on the water this morning, making a pattern of diamonds almost too bright for me to watch.  As I walked on the beach, my perspective changed, and yet from...

I have a large prickly pear cactus in my yard.  Each spring I carefully pick some flat pieces off with a pair of tongs, rough up a place in the sandy soil, and lay...

For the first time this year, a biting fly nipped me on the leg while I was walking on the beach.  These flies are particularly malicious, masquerading as common house flies, but able to...

By Sandy Ratliff Dear Heavenly Father–There are many similarities between St. Mary and most mothers. She had high expectations for her child’s success, she worried about His ‘disobedience’ when He remained at the temple,...