Dear Family, About a year ago I bought a 50-pound bag of ice melt, emptied it into one of those giant white buckets from the bishops’ storehouse, and tucked it away in a seldom-trafficked corner of our basement, thinking it could very well last the rest of my life. I’ve probably used about half of…
The Wonnacotts’ December and January: On milestones, work ethic, and DINKing around
Dear Family, I had the most lovely holiday, and I certainly thought that such a long and enjoyable break would leave me desperate to write a famlet. But I have to say, there’s nothing that kills my motivation to do anything more graduating from college. That is right—I’m all finished! As of December 5th, I…
On a polyglot, a piano tuner, outdoor education, and a sleep study (vol. xxx, no. 1)
[Note about the cover image above: That’s Grace conducting the January 16th forum at Southern Virginia University — not discussed in the letter, but go Grace!] Dear Family, The concluding speaker at church earlier this month began her remarks by reflecting briefly on some of the interesting places in the world where she had attended…
On caftans, cruise ships, Christmas, Kents, and karaoke (vol. xxix, no. 12)
Dear Family, Crystal and I have now been on a cruise. We enjoyed it. Whatever complaints I may register in the forthcoming paragraphs about this month’s cruise, cruises in general, or the kinds of people who gravitate toward cruises, please keep this much in mind: we had a very nice time, and I’m glad we…
The Wonnacotts’ November: On business trips, my last full month of student teaching, and Thanksgiving in Coeur d’Alene
Dear Family, This month began with Luke in Arizona. Work had never taken him further than Tremonton, Utah before then, but I suppose a longer and farther business trip was inevitable. He was in Arizona for a day to visit some clients before heading over to Las Vegas for a three-day conference. Luckily his aunt…
On Thanksgiving and thanks giving (vol. xxix, no. 11)
Dear Family, It has come to my attention that my monthly letters feature an inordinate amount of complaining, mostly about petty and trivial matters. Some of these complaints are sincere and heartfelt; others I play up for comic effect. I honestly couldn’t tell you how much of my whining falls into each category. But I’ve…
The Wonnacotts’ October: On Halloween social skills, things students say, and scooting
Dear Family, I know that you probably didn’t notice the lack of a September letter, but please know that I noticed it and decided not to worry too much about it. The unfortunate thing about months that I fail to write a letter is that these months tend to be more eventful than months that…
On a wedding, a surgery, and the stirring power of a bunch of little kids on bikes (vol. xxix, no. 10)
Dear Family, I sincerely wonder whether anyone, in the whole history of human civilization, has ever unironically uttered the following two phrases in succession: “That was a beautiful wedding. I just wish it could have gone on a little longer.” I can’t say I loved every minute of it, but every minute of the wedding…
On Beautiful Rivers of Historic, Religious, and Familial Significance (vol. xxix, no. 9)
Dear Family, I ran across the Susquehanna River twice this month, something I’ll never be able to do without thinking of Dad. Like probably untold millions of other Mid-Atlantic denizens, I have crossed the Susquehanna River countless times — usually in a car on I-95, but also dozens of times on trains, a handful of…
The Wonnacotts’ August: Returning to Maryland, the Fruits of Latvia, and the Most Exhausting Two Weeks of My Life
Dear Family, I ended last month’s letter on an airplane headed for home—or rather, an airplane headed for Dulles International Airport—so I suppose that’s about where I’ll pick it up here. As soon as Luke and I made it off the plane, off the indoor trans-terminal shuttle, and out the airport doors, we knew we…