• Daily Life,  Music

    Color Me Chagrined

    You’ll remember that back around Christmas, I heard a wonderful tenor singing “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” on a radio program, and could not find information about the singer, who I heard the radio host identify as Pete Smith. Some of you emailed me and left comments here in an attempt to assist me. I posted here my intention to email the “Seems Like Old Times” program director, Craig Orndorff and request some assistance. His gracious reply both satisfied me and shocked me. Here is what he wrote: Hi SK, Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy the show. Great to have you…

  • Short Stories

    Reprise: Christmas Cat

    My friend Lewis has been faithful and regular in his appreciation of what I post here. In particular, he has mentioned more than once his enjoyment of a short story I wrote and posted four years ago on Christmas Eve. I happen to like the story, too, and decided to repost it here. I hope y’all enjoy it. And I hope you’re all enjoying a peaceful season as we ease into Christmas Eve tomorrow.  ~ S.K. Orr Christmas Cat The damp leaves muffled all sound as Wynn moved down the slope towards the creek. A crow sitting high in a pine called down into the woods, and the sound reminded…

  • Books,  Daily Life,  I Never Thought I'd Be In This Situation,  Mrs. Orr,  Photographs,  Reflections

    Roots Above The Stones

    Every year at this season we watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their Christmas concert. Last night we watched it; we had recorded it the night before, and I was grateful because I was able to fast forward through much of it. The vibe of the show was very different from what we usually experience. First of all, we noticed that the word “Mormon” has been expunged from the group’s title. They’re now The Tabernacle Choir. This seems logical, given what I have read in recent months about the LDS church bending over backwards to fit in with the rainbow regiment people. Also, the tone of the programs was…off. The…