Ash Wednesday, 2026

It's hard to believe we're talking about Ash Wednesday already. I should have read our pastor's meditation before I bundled up and went out to scrape ice off the car and move it slowly around the neighborhood. I needed this reminder,

"In a couple of weeks we will mark a Christian holiday called Ash Wednesday. For some of you this might be a new experience. For others, it might be deeply familiar. But whether this is new for you or a long-established habit, Ash Wednesday confronts us with a truth we have worked hard to forget. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

It’s a stark and sobering reminder. And we don’t only hear these Biblical words, we feel them. We experience them as they are marked onto us in the sign of an ashen cross on our foreheads. Our mortal bodies are marked with the sign of Jesus’s cross. And it’s a reminder of a truth that our hearts so deeply need.

 
We need it because some of us are sick and dying, and we need to know that Jesus has gone ahead of us. We need it because it helps us make sense of the ridiculousness and tragedy of the world around us. We need it because it reminds us to live for the eternity that lasts and not for the trivia that fades. We need it to remind us that earthly power is so often corrupt, but God’s power is infinitely different and greater. In this and many other ways the Holy Spirit applies the truth of the cross to each of us individually, applying the same profound truth to each different moment of need in each of our hearts.

We need this reminder because we never really do forget. Our mortality and deep need will not always be at the front of our minds, but the ache is always there. And Ash Wednesday speaks to us with merciful candor. The crosses on our foreheads are there to name the problem we know we have. But crosses are not just crosses. They are Jesus’s empty cross. They are the sign of the death which has been put to death, so that life might triumph and go on forever and ever and ever." Senior Pastor Steve Turnbull, Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Feb. 5, 2026.

I will be rereading this many times.

Darlene Dimitrovski, Obituary

 Darlene Reese Dimitrovski Obituary March 30, 2025 - Beggs Funeral Home

I was reading through my blog and came across a 2018 message from my UALC friend Darlene Dimitrovski. We had met in a Bible study many years ago--she was beautiful, joyful and full of the Spirit of God. Life hadn't been easy for her, but her light was always shining.  I remembered she had moved a few years ago and for a while I heard from her regularly via her newsletter.  I included her message in one of my blogs about Praying for our leaders written in 2018.  She died in March 2025.

Collecting My Thoughts: How to pray for friends and family

Church of the Acronym: On praying for our leaders

Collecting My Thoughts: Darlene's prayer for the Border Control

Now, Voyager (1942) with Bette Davis

Last night at The Estates we saw the movie "Now, Voyager" which stars Bette Davis and Paul Henreid (1942, B&W). She develops a sense of self confidence and independence after a nervous breakdown through the course of the story. (". . .the themes abound in this tale, including metamorphosis, mother guilt, emotional blackmail, pioneering concepts of psychotherapy and psychiatry, conditional love vs. unconditional love, and unconventional love.") It is based on a book (1941) of the same name by Olive Higgins Prouty who had two nervous breakdowns and draws on some on her own experience. I had never seen the movie, and I find the background of the author almost as interesting as the film. I discovered a podcast that compares books with the films on which they are based. So, if you've had an opportunity to curl up on cold nights with a good melodrama, and see this one, you might also enjoy two women talking about the book vs. film. https://youtu.be/A3ow2pF33Wc?si=qIO__ZmO3Ch5i5LB

All Of Bette Davis' Best Movies, Ranked By Fans

Storytelling. It's the big thing.

I've noticed for several years that "storytelling" is all the rage, Not dry facts and data. And in all fields. We had a lecture yesterday on "Drawing with Sound," where we listened to the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique which left me thoroughly confused about someone's fantasy/addiction. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique) The host said it was storytelling and better than music appreciation.

 
Then today I get a message from the University of Illinois Library inviting me to a "visual storytelling webinar" "drawing from archival materials, such as letters from alumnus John C. Houbolt who served as Chief Aeronautical Scientist at NASA—the visit shaped how students transformed dense, abstract information into engaging typographic systems, visual explanations, and narrative-driven design artifacts."

 What?

I don't know if it's the popularity of Ted Talks or ancient peoples archeology or the riots in Minnesota, but I think that substituting telling stories for facts is a result of poor schooling or an agenda.
Or. Story telling is what we hear every day at lunch in retirement living.

 

https://scicomm.plos.org/2025/04/08/say-it-simply-see-it-clearly-the-scientists-case-for-storytelling/?

storytelling with data

Speaking Russian

Today when I checked the mailbox downstairs, I saw that the bulletin board had been decorated for Valentine's Day, "I love you" written in many languages. That's Bob's favorite and only phrase in Russian, Я тебя люблю:  ya tee-BYAH lyoo-BLYOO.

I taught him to say it years ago, but we don't remember when. When we were in Russia about 20 years ago no one seemed impressed. 

Mr. Blandings builds his dream house (1948)

 Tonight's movie at the Estates almost didn't happen. "Mr. Blandings builds his dream house" is a post WWII tale of "affordability" and "housing crises" that seems made for today's 21st century housing  woes. Many scenes reminded me of the tales of apartment dwellers in NYC--tiny living spaces, high costs and inconvenience. And it seems that teachers ridiculing capitalism and the lifestyle of their students' parents (who pay their salaries) is not new to our age.

It was supposed to be shown on Saturday, but there was no one to set it up because one of our buildings had a broken pipe and flooded due to record cold. All the staff had rushed across the street to help on clean up. So, Connie our sweet activity director rescheduled it for Monday which usually doesn't have a movie. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Our morning (Feb. 2) didn't have a good start either. Due to a water leak, our building also had the water shut off about 3 a.m., which few but the early risers (like me) found out until trying to flush.

"Cary Grant and Myrna Loy played a Manhattan couple who, tired of city life, decide to build a house in the country. The process, however, is marred by numerous problems, including cost overruns and shoddy workmanship. Grant’s character, a harried ad executive, discovers his dream home is more like a nightmare, all while having to deal with a hellish commute. The situation is further complicated by troubles at work and his suspicion that his wife is having an affair with his best friend (played by Melvyn Douglas).

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, which was adapted from Eric Hodgins’s popular novel of the same name, was timely, given the post-World War II housing-construction boom. To promote the film, the studio built 73 exact replicas of Mr. Blandings’s “Dream House” across the country, which they sold or gave away in raffles." Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House | Comedy, Cary Grant, Romance | Britannica

Why is it so much worse if Epstein is involved?

Still the fascination with Epstein, but not the thousands of underage sex and labor slaves brought across the border during the Biden years.

 
Also, are rioting Democrats and virtue signaling celebs as concerned about the welfare of the children of ordinary, home-grown criminals who are NOT illegal aliens? Why would they want them held in police vans or jails with their criminal parents instead of child service agencies? What are they doing with the children of aliens violating laws who are not in sanctuary cities? Do media report on them?

And it's as though they believe the victims of illegals don't matter at all. Would they take in or hide a murderer or rapist who has fled Ireland or Germany?

Our dear friend, Betty Zimmer

On January 21, 2026, our dear sweet Betty went to be with her Lord and Savior.  She probably greeted every artist in heaven by name. Over 50 years a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art, Betty had probably talked to and educated thousands of people. 

Obituary information for Elizabeth L. S. "Betty" Zimmer 

"Betty successfully managed a lifetime career as wife and mother to two children with her professional work as a home economist in business, interior designer, educator, and community service volunteer. Recently she was recognized for serving over 50 years as a docent at the Columbus Museum of Art. Other volunteer organizations were Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Ballet Met, Kelton House, Thurber House, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center/Advisory Council.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Howard Zimmer, Jr., their daughters Cheryl (Christopher) Miller and Marcia (Aled) Greville; grandson Rhys Greville, and many nieces, nephews, and friends."

Heart healthy diet, sodium and potassium

 Now that we are watching sodium for Bob's congestive heart failure I did an AI search on sodium and potassium,

"Balance sodium and potassium intake to support heart health by reducing sodium and increasing potassium through whole, unprocessed foods. Most Americans consume too much sodium (averaging ~3,400 mg/day) and too little potassium (averaging ~2,300–3,000 mg/day), creating an unhealthy imbalance linked to high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk.

Reduce sodium intake by limiting processed and packaged foods (e.g., deli meats, canned soups, fast food), which are major sources of added sodium. Aim for less than 2,300 mg/day, ideally 1,500 mg/day, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Boost potassium intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Aim for 3,500–5,000 mg/day of potassium, as recommended by the American Heart Association for blood pressure control. Examples:

Sweet potatoes (500+ mg per medium potato)

Bananas (450 mg per medium fruit)

Spinach, winter squash, white beans, tomatoes, and pumpkin

Consider potassium-based salt substitutes (e.g., blends with 75% sodium, 25% potassium chloride), which can help reduce sodium intake and increase potassium. Consult your doctor first, especially if you have kidney disease or take certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics).

Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean proteins—naturally rich in potassium and low in sodium.

The ideal sodium-to-potassium ratio is not fixed, but higher potassium relative to sodium is consistently linked to lower blood pressure and reduced heart disease risk. A ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 (potassium to sodium) is considered beneficial.

Key takeaway: Prioritize whole foods, minimize processed items, and focus on increasing potassium-rich foods to naturally balance your sodium-potassium intake for better heart health."

 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10759559/  

https://extension.missouri.edu/news/for-a-healthier-heart-balance-potassium-and-sodium

https://youtu.be/8ZbiA_Akvgk?si=BAiihiAlq0Y40BBN  Potatoes a good source of potassium

USDA-Sodium-Content.pdf   26 page chart of USDA

HighPotassiumFoodList_sglpgs.pdf High potassium foot list by mycardiologist.com

The Minnesota Mobs

Every time I hear or watch an account of the Minnesota mobs I wonder if they care that much about our homegrown criminals. . . you know, the average Indianapolis citizen bank robber or child molester, or Fargo fake schoolteacher, or the doctor who killed his ex-wife and her dentist husband with two kids in their house here in Columbus? Would they riot for them because they were neighbors or employed or sat next to them in church? Or would they riot for the smash and grab at their gym who robbed THEIR car? There are laws to follow when illegals are detained; the governor and mayor are not following them, and they are encouraging riots--all for the cover-up of their own crimes. If we can thank The Donald for nothing else, it's that he kept Walz and Harris out of the White House.

 
Since they are participating in the riots, or just standing around watching, do they want to sit in jail for 2 years like the J-6 folks who didn't commit a fraction of the crimes or terror they have?

Patti Foley of Toledo, obituary

 https://www.coylefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patricia-Foley-8/?  We came to know the Foleys in the 1990s when they hired Bob to be their architect for their new home at Lakeside where they were active members of the community.

Ohio is buried in 11" of snow and other problems

 Our car is immobilized for a while. Churches and schools were closed by the latest storm that has swept across the nation, and particularly those areas south of us. Even if we could get to the car, sweeping off the snow would cover us up, and I suspect the wipers and doors are frozen shut.

"COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Good Sunday evening! [Jan. 25] Most snowfall totals across Central Ohio have been around 10–11 inches as of 5 PM. We did have a few 13-inch reports from New Albany, Zanesville, and Coshocton County. Southern and eastern Ohio had some sleet and freezing rain mixing in during the day, with reported snowfall totals around 6–8 inches, but we are not done with the snow just yet."

These are AI generated reports I found on internet:

"Schools and colleges across central Ohio, including Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Columbus City Schools, canceled classes for January 26 and 27 due to snow and extreme cold.

Businesses and government offices closed, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Franklin County courts, and Columbus VA clinics.

The City of Columbus declared a Level 3 snow emergency on January 25, which was downgraded to Level 2 by January 26 as snow removal crews worked to clear roads.

Mayor Andrew Ginther confirmed that over 16 inches of snow fell in some southern and eastern parts of the metro area, and crews were actively working to improve road conditions.

Wind chills dropped to -15°F to -25°F through the week, with a Cold Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Warning in effect, posing risks of frostbite and hypothermia.

No new snow is expected through January 27, but blowing snow and icy conditions remain hazardous, and temperatures are forecast to stay below zero for several days."

 Then to complicate things Bob was in the hospital January 21-24, getting out in time to grab a few new prescriptions.  There wasn't time to stock up on food--and we live in retirement independent living where meals are provided,   If the employees can get to work! A few did make it in, but it's more like picnics and the new menu for Bob includes less salt. Some of the staff spent the night.

Get rid of your personal information on Google

 “If bad actors get their hands on your personally identifiable information (PII), they can use it to swindle, impersonate, or even endanger you on the internet—and in the real world. One of the prime places to find PII is on Google, and while Google can’t stop that info from appearing on other websites, you can try to remove PII from the search giant’s results." PC magazine explains it.

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/psst-you-can-remove-your-personal-info-from-google-search-heres-how?

Benefits of local honey

Never a dull moment at The Estates. 

I couldn't get the jar of our homegrown (Upper Arlington, Ohio) honey open this morning to make my delicious chocolate-honey de-caf. Even when I was a strong 65, I couldn't get these open (home processed). So, I tucked it inside my waxed amaryllis box and went down to the night watchman (it was about 6:30 a.m.) and asked for help. I even took with me two plastic jar opening strips. Big guy, he  huffed and puffed but he couldn't do it either. So, I told him we needed hot water to loosen the ring seal, so he took it to the back room and did that. After much effort, he was successful. Then there was the sealed lid, so he found a pair of scissors, and finally, success!

"Benefits of Local Honey

Local honey offers various health benefits that can enhance daily wellness. This natural sweetener not only tastes good but also provides important nutrients that support a healthier lifestyle.

Nutritional Advantages

Local honey contains essential vitamins and minerals. It includes vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which contribute to overall health. This sweetener also provides carbohydrates, giving a quick source of energy. Unlike processed sugars, local honey has fewer additives and preservatives, making it a cleaner choice for sweetening foods. The presence of local pollen in honey can boost immune responses. This helps the body build tolerance to local allergens, which can be especially important during allergy season. Choosing local honey means enjoying a product rich in nutrients while also supporting local beekeepers.

Antioxidant Properties

Local honey is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can lead to chronic diseases and aging. Antioxidants found in local honey primarily come from plant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Consuming local honey can aid in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. Studies show that honey's antioxidant content can be more effective than those in many processed sweeteners. Regular use may help improve overall health by boosting the body's defenses and promoting better well-being. Local honey stands out as a natural choice for enhancing health and combating oxidative stress." . . . 

Why Is Local Honey Better for You? Key Health Benefits — Blythewood Bee Company

Sainte Chapelle in Paris

 Visiting Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: What to Know Before You Go - City Or City  A story of this chapel was included in my reading this morning,

Finding a service opportunity

Don't ask God if you don't want an answer. Like in 5 minutes. After my devotions Sunday morning I reread a post Christmas letter from our friends John and Sue. They moved to Yakima some years ago but he was a pastor at our church and we've known them since 1974. They too had recently moved to a retirement community, so I was reading about their interesting, challenging life of service in their new community. I sort of sighed a prayer, something like "Lord I'd like to be of service like John and Sue." Then I picked up my phone to take my morning walk through the halls, down the stairs, past the front desk and back. I stopped to look at the Columbus Dispatch and read about the governor's race (Vivek Ramaswamy). Then I heard something--some people have pets and my first thought was a Siamese cat. Sort of howling. So I redirected my usual route to follow the sound, and after a few turns saw a door was open and someone was yelling for help. I found a resident on the floor covered in blood, grabbed her hand and told her I'd get help. Because of the blood I didn't recognize her, but as soon as we spoke, I knew her voice. I alerted the security staff. She was soon off to the hospital via the Columbus squad, and I hope she'll be OK. She was lucid enough to talk to me and I stayed with her until they took her out of the building. For being 98, she's a tough gal. Pray for her. And me. I was a bit shaky. My mornings are usually not this eventful.

The mess in Minneapolis

With the help of Hakeem Jeffries ["We must reform our broken immigration system and create a pathway toward citizenship for the millions of undocumented (illegal aliens) hardworking individuals who dream of becoming Americans"] and the left-wing, never-Trump media, Gov. Tim Walz allegedly covered up fraud [theft of federal benefits] in Minnesota. Ms. Renee Good chose to disobey lawful orders so ICE could remove dangerous criminals preying on innocent citizens, and lost her life.

Food costs--eggs and walnuts

Remember about 2 weeks after Trump took office and the price of eggs (about $5 a dozen) was beginning to fall, Democrats complained he hadn't fixed it yet. Today, I bought a dozen eggs for 87 cents. Yet they act as though food prices haven't changed!

Speaking of food costs. There is one very healthy food that didn't go up during Biden's reign and has stayed stable all during Trump's. Walnuts. I usually buy them in 16 oz bags (California, whole). They've either been 3/$10 or $3 a bag for probably 6 years. Very good for heart and brain. For breakfast today I had a sliced banana, about an oz of walnuts with milk. Also cheddar cheese on toast with butter.

https://earthsidefarms.com/blogs/earthside-blog/nutritional-value-of-walnuts?

Egg Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Diane's question about Presidents Obama and Trump

"Here's a question for all of my Democrat/liberal friends who are decrying the US capture of Maduro in Venezuela. What’s the difference between President Obama ordering US forces to enter a sovereign nation, without their permission, to intentionally kill Osama Bin Laden, who was under a US indictment (issued in 1998, under the Clinton administration) and President Trump ordering US forces to capture Nicolas Maduro—unharmed--to prosecute him under a US indictment for narcotrafficking issued in 2020? If you have a cogent answer other than “Orange Man Bad,”

I would be delighted to hear it.

Don't forget Manuel Noriega in Panama when George HW Bush ordered troops on the ground to capture him."

Did Santa bring you any good books?

Did you get any books for Christmas? I got one--an ESV archeology Bible. My NIV was lost in the move, so rather than fret every day I just asked for a different one. But here's what Bob got. I'm reading the one on the far left, "An inside job" by Daniel Silva (2025). It's not a genre I like, but I'm really enjoying it. He's a good writer.

As I age, I read less and less, although I have plenty of time. I just can't find a comfortable place with good light.