Series l Oct 19

 I'm beginning a new series as we move closer to Election Day. I wrote a 20-page term paper my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" These are quotes from what I was thinking 70 years ago: "Many well-meaning people feel that democracy is for Protestant, Anglo-Saxon Americans. They reject the full rights of immigrant groups. Our democracy is very limited if among 160 million Americans, we mistreat 55 or 60 million Americans." 

 Today is World Food Day, a global observance held every year on October 16 to raise awareness about world hunger, malnutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. We are giving to ELCA World Hunger.

Voted

 It's 8:30 a.m. and we just got back from early voting at the Court House. Yesterday was the first day and they were crowded all day. We were the first to vote this morning in the drizzle. They were so helpful for me, living with a disability. Please vote as soon as you can. No hassle: helpful. Safe, secure. Vote!

 

Bridge

 A walk across the Meredith Willson ("Music Man") footbridge just three blocks from our home.

Oct 1 parents married

 My parents were born in 1898. After taking care of their families during the 20's, they were married October 11, 1929.  Just 17 days later was the "Crash," the beginning of the great depression, October 29. My sister, Marianne, was not born until 1936; I was born in 1938. 

Trump and Los Angeles and San Diego

 Trump said last night "Let them take out Los Angeles; let them take out San Diego." Don't say "Trump is old/fading" or "Trump is deranged/mentally ill.) Rather, what Trump is doing is evil. I speak up because Burton is from San Diego, but I would speak up because "taking out" any place in the U.S., or the world is wrong. Yet many of us go about our daily lives as though "Things will get better." We can just watch and wait. No! What can we do to protect the U.S. and the world?

First Graders

 Burton's first grade teacher in Mason City was Miss Wassom. Years later, when he was in San Diego and I was in Mason city,  Miss Wassom was my supervising teacher when I was doing student teaching. I remember her saying to the first graders when they stood up to talk, "Begin by saying if this is a true story or one I made up." The children did. They knew the difference. Currently President Trump is often called a child. What an insult to children. Would that Trump knew the difference between truth and "made up."  

 We took a ride around Mason City and a walk down a "pretty" street, only to return home and discover the most beautiful tree was right out our front windows. I am enjoying watching the leaves fall, slowly, as I write this. Brought the coleus in before the first frost.

Joel at WTS

 Son Joel stopped by Wartburg Seminary today. He first met Luther in 1979 at age 11.  For decades Joel and his wife Rachel--they were married at Wartburg--have been inspiring and mentoring hundreds and hundreds of students through choral music at Mason City High School and North Iowa Area Community College.

Buchheim death at 103

 Durwood "Bud" Buchheim, Professor of Homiletics at Wartburg Theological Seminary from 1979-1992, died peacefully September 29. He was 103 years old.  Deeply loved and respected, Bud served the church as pastor, bishop, and professor. We can give memorials to Wartburg Seminary, the Buchheim Rural Ministry Fund. We thank God for this man of the Church.

Orange Shirt Day

 September 30 is Orange Shirt Day: Also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honoring the Indigenous children harmed by residential and boarding school systems. Many died when taken from their homes and families. The survivors carry that trauma with them through generations.