This inauguration surely has to be one of the saddest in our nation's history. The lockdown of our nation's capitol, the ridiculous military and police presence, and the fact that in effect no public inauguration will actually take place are abominable. Apparently, however, this is where we are now in the land of the free.

Below is my reaction to this situation, via Intellectual Takeout:

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/danger-and-disgrace-on-inauguration-day/

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To my readers:
 
My apologies for not posting here in the last two months. I will try to be more diligent.
 
If you tried to contact me via this blog between Thanksgiving and the New Year, you also have my apologies. For whatever reason, your emails went to a long defunct address. That problem, I hope, is now fixed.
 
God bless all of you,
 
Jeff

Below is a recent post from The Epoch Times. As I say above, I intend to post more frequently here, both articles already published and some thoughts specific to this blog. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/self-reliance-an-american-virtue_3627546.html

https://www.theepochtimes.com/mamas-dont-let-your-cowboys-grow-up-to-be-babies_3593958.html
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Hello all,

What a strange day of weather here in Front Royal, Virginia. We had rain, a bit of snow, powerful and bitter winds, sunshine, and even a rainbow. As I write this, I am wearing in addition to my usual clothes a sweater, a hoodie, and a scarf. Winter is definitely on the way.

Here's a post that might interest the literary crew. I look at Nathaniel Hawthorne, his story "The Birth-Mark," and what lesson we might draw from it. 

https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-birth-mark-an-allegory-for-our-time_3567088.html

All my best to all of you this cold evening,
Jeff

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Dear readers,

It's November 16, a chilly evening here in Virginia, and I apologize for being away for so long. Numerous obligations have eaten up my time. Some of you who read my articles in other publications track me down via my website, and I sincerely try to respond to the emails you send me. If I have missed some of you, please put that down to my ineptitude regarding technology or my oversight of your note. 

Another note: if you wish to order my books, please do so from Amazon, not here. I will try to remove the Paypal option soon. It costs me too much, and I believe I have missed a recent customer order and now can't contact the woman who ordered the books. Once more, technological ignorance at work on my part.

Now for some thoughts on the election mess we're in.

Tens of millions of Trump supporters believe this election is rife with fraud and that the election is being stolen. Tens of millions of Biden supporters believe the other side is trying to steal the election from them.

You who read my pieces  know I am a conservative and can probably guess how I voted. That aside, here's what so many people seem to me to be missing in this ugly battle.

If this election involves massive voter fraud, both sides better snap to and ask for the evidence. Otherwise, we are looking at the end of our election process, our American republic, and our liberty. Both Republicans and Democrats should be demanding a recount of all legal ballots. If we fail to do so, if we fail to solve this horrendous problem right now, then all future elections will be in jeopardy. 

Those who love America should want a righteous vote. It's that simple. 

It's been a long day, a long month, and a long year. Come the New Year, I'll be among the many Americans raising a celebratory glass to the end of 2020.

All my best to each and every one of you,
Jeff

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In this article, I take a look at the effect of our closed colleges and distance learning are having not only on college life, but on life in the home. Published at Intellectual Takeout on November2, 2020. 

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/family-matters--the-effects-of-our-closed-colleges/

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A long day, a long month, a long summer.

My routine is simple. I rise early, spend hours a day writing for various publications, clean house and mow the lawn when these tasks demand my attention, and go into town every day or two to hear human voices and see human faces.

It's not a bad life right now. Given the circumstances of many workers and small business owners, I count myself lucky. And I'm accustomed to isolation, so no big deal there, though I do talk to myself more than I once did and occasionally summon up for the amusement of family and friends Miranda, my invented maid, chauffeur, masseuse, and all round go-to girl. 

But given the mess of the last six month--the virus, the lockdowns that have destroyed tens of thousands of small businesses, the riots that have wrecked a billion dollars in damages and killed some of of our fellow citizens, the blathering of many politicians from all sides of the political aisle, the fear inculcated in so many Americans, the attacks on our Constitution and our culture--my own life and how I live it is small potatoes.

So what does count, in my estimation? What's important? What is truly vital? Just take a look at the picture above. A mom with her two kids laughing over a book. That's it. That's the essence of being as I see it these days. That sums up what is important to me: my children and their spouses, my grandchildren, books, laughter, love. Add in a few beloved friends and a raised glass of wine, and the formula is complete.

When we're in rough waters, and we are, it's important to cherish and support the ones we love, and to treasure the basics. 

So I do.

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Good grief! Two friends hugging each other! What about masks? What about social distancing? Someone call the cops pronto!

Like many Americans, I don't like masks. They dehumanize us, plus those who have to wear them all day, from grocery store clerks to the dental assistants I met recently, are breathing in contaminated air and moisture. I wear a mask where our tin-pot governor requires me to wear a mask.

Otherwise...read the article below from Intellectual Takeout.

https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/bringing-back-sanity/

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The article below was originally published by The Epoch Times. 

It's time to cancel "cancel culture."

https://www.theepochtimes.com/ideology-mobs-and-cancel-culture-let-the-resistance-begin-with-us_3487296.html