Author Archives: cfheidel

Advent and Stones? A Redux.

Advent and stones? What might the connection be between dry, dusty stones and the restoration of a hopeless, weary world? You might think this an oddly-timed question, especially as we’re all racing here and there, revved up for that “moooost wonderful time of the year.” You know, “the hap-happiest season of all.” Well, with allContinue reading “Advent and Stones? A Redux.”

Blackberries, Or Bushes Afire?

Over the past decade and a half, our family Thanksgivings have become more significant than other holidays for several reasons including distances between us all, the time required to travel, those dear ones now absent, and the memories that one particular Thanksgiving holds. Now expatriated, our eldest daughter and her family (son in law #1Continue reading “Blackberries, Or Bushes Afire?”

Pilgrim Progressed

Bob was a beloved friend and faithful pilgrim. One day recently, the things of earth began to grow strangely dim, and he entered the Land of Beulah . . . .

Fifteen Years On . . . .

This morning, August 20, 2024, finds me fifteen years a quadriplegic. Perhaps ironically named, the Wreckiversary Celebration Fairie has been buzzing-busy preparing the customary breakfast ritual site. Cinnamon rolls baked, iced and at the ready, including a tell-tale cinnamon roll creation signifying 15 years. A lovely sentimentally inscribed bicycle-themed card, and handsomely framed hymnal pageContinue reading “Fifteen Years On . . . .”

Hedge Apples, Bomber, Mail Thieves & Mrs. Alexandrides.

Or, Less Finely Tuned Sensibilities. In 1965, Seagy Hallstadt moved from Birmingham, Michigan (a Detroit suburb) to Shawnee Mission, Kansas (more precisely, Prairie Village) in Johnson County, compliments of Chevrolet Motors when his dad, Dunk, was promoted. Seagy was four then and at that age when lasting memories start to take root. Other than theContinue reading “Hedge Apples, Bomber, Mail Thieves & Mrs. Alexandrides.”

Memories of a 9 Year Old’s Fourth of July

The summer of ‘68, the family spent the Fourth o’ July vacation week at Uncle Huey’s farm where firecrackers, real ones, were available easily and everywhere. After all, sensibilities back then were less finely tuned.

A Great Sermon in the Sun

“I form the light, and create darkness.” Isaiah 45:7 Happy Sunday, Folks. Only one day until the April 8, 2024 Annular (ring-shaped) Total Eclipse! My son’s family of 4 has traveled from central Maryland to a cozy HOA campground in the rustbelt. From Basecamp Corona, solidly in the path of totality, they hope clear skiesContinue reading “A Great Sermon in the Sun”

Heidel Holiday Greetings 2023

I sit here at 9:49 p.m., Christmas Eve, hurrying to set down a few clever thoughts. You’ll be the judge . . . Starting off with a bit of Holiday Whimsy from the Upper Chesapeake Old Bay Region, I wish you and yours a Merry Crabsmas . . .  Now onto less whimsical things. Alice is happy thatContinue reading “Heidel Holiday Greetings 2023”

2022: Thirteenth “Wreckiversary”

August 20. This morning I read a note from my daughter, recalling correctly that today was an anniversary of my bicycle’s demise. My being astride that two-wheeled rolling steed, when the physics of negative acceleration suddenly took over, only served to further complicate things. Her note remembered and marveled at God’s faithfulness throughout these thirteenContinue reading “2022: Thirteenth “Wreckiversary””