I watch a lot of television these days. With my knees bothering me so much, it is most comfortable to lie back in my recliner and watch mysteries on TV. I have noticed only two Easter-related commercials. One is the ever popular Cadbury Bunny tryouts and other is the Swiss chocolate commercial. Where are the Easter baskets? Where are the colored hard-boiled eggs?

The Easter Bunny came this year.
I wondered if he would.
Gloved and masked,
Going about his task,
His traditional job, with fear.

With handshakes no more;
I waved and I cheered,
”You Sweet Springtime Honey
Mr. Cotton Tailed Bunny.
I'll see you again next year.”

Full disclosure, this is my daily musing written from the viewpoint of a Christian. Read, or ignore. Agree, or disagree. Two freedoms that are ultimately still yours, along with many others.

As a believer, in trying to maneuver through this C-19 crisis in the best way I can, I frequently find myself shifting between some fear and a little arrogance while attempting to find the perfect point between the two. In speaking with others, while many are exactly where I am, I hear a lot of fear, and a lot of arrogance in some of them as well.

t was March, 1939. John Clark Mosley set out to school that first day of first grade for the second time in two years with his brother (and best friend) Bobby Henry. “Hen”, as everybody in Tatum Holler called him, was for the most part a quiet, reflective child. He was a veteran of White Deer School, having spent two years already in the first grade, once when he was five and again when he turned six.

I don’t like waiting. At all!

A few years ago, we were driving south on I-75 to visit relatives in Florida. Being the history buff that I am, I asked Tim if we could take a little detour through Savannah. I was so excited when he agreed.

On the way in, we drove by the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. It’s a suspension bridge that’s absolutely breath taking. That alone was worth taking the detour.

One of my all-time favorite songs is “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. I was only twelve years old when that song hit the airwaves in 1977. It struck a chord with me (no pun intended) because it seemed so hopeful and so happy. It also ended with a strange robot-like voice at the end, which was extra intriguing for a nerdy pre-teen like me. (More on that later.)

As if the blizzard of ’93 wasn’t enough, two months later, east Tennessee experienced the flood of ’93. The blizzard set the stage. When the snow melted it went a long way to filling creeks and other bodies of water. Then the rains began and kept coming.

It wasn’t just discouraging to have clouds and rain for days on end, but then after a particularly heavy night’s rainfall, it became impossible to get around town. Just as it had during the blizzard, school was cancelled.

Here we go again with another leftover ham casserole. Only this time I am pairing it with rice. Rice combines well with a lot of things, either savory or sweet. I think of Spanish Rice and Rice Pudding. This recipe is a bit different than most rice recipes. The uncooked rice is sauteed in butter until golden, rather than cooked before it is combined with the other ingredients. Don't worry, the rice won't get gummy. If you have never cooked rice this way before, you will be surprised how nicely it turns out.

Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19