Lemon Tree
Of all the blogs I’ve written, I get the most questions about the fate of the Meyer Lemon tree I decided to kill last year. Though I had planned to do away with it, what with all its health problems, I pruned it down to nothing and it surprised me by reviving, sprouting healthy-colored leaves and thus giving itself another chance. I am happy to inform you interested readers that I smuggled the little tree into California and it is now planted in a sunny spot by our front steps. I hope this will be a happy ending to our troubled relationship.
Jonathan Swan
I cannot seem to tear myself away from political news. It’s fascinating, even when the news is depressing. Recently I have become aware of an occasional “talking head” on the news named Jonathan Swan, national political reporter for Axios. Swan is thoughtful guy of considered opinions but what I like most is that he can’t seem to stifle his infectious giggle at the absurdity of our national politics. It’s refreshing.
The Death of Reading
Lately I haven’t been reading as many books as I used to. In addition, my attention span seems to have packed its bags and headed for unknown destinations. I am not alone. Last week, Philip Yancey wrote that “The death of reading is threatening the soul” in The Washington Post. It is well worth reading. My favorite part:
“When I read an online article from the Atlantic or the New Yorker, after a few paragraphs I glance over at the slide bar to judge the article’s length. My mind strays….and I glance at the bottom of the screen and scan the teasers for more engaging tidbits: 30 Amish Facts That’ll Make your Skin Crawl, Top 10 Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions..A dozen or more clicks later I have lost interest in the original article.”
Have a good week.