Author Archives: Kathy

Nickname History

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Kathy

What does the word tawdry have in common with the name Ned? Care to hazard a guess? Ned is, in a way, a misunderstanding. According to folk etymology, the name derives from the common usage of Mine Edward as an … Continue reading →

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Only Connect

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Kathy

Governor Ron DeSantis’s website includes a page devoted to his proposed Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (W.O.K.E.) Act. Florida’s tax dollars are paying for courses that make kids hate America, he says. Critical race theory has invaded … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Teaching, Uncategorized, Weekend Editions | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

A Casual Post

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Kathy

Gum-chewing drives some people to distraction, while split infinitives irritate others. One idiosyncratic bee in my own bonnet is the meaning of casualties. I’ve even taken a stand on the issue. Some years ago, I wrote a letter to National … Continue reading →

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Art out of Trauma

Posted on January 29, 2023 by Kathy

A disadvantage of book groups is that sometimes you have to read books that you never would have picked up on your own and that you don’t enjoy. The upside is that sometimes you have to read books that you … Continue reading →

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Winter and Beginnings

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Kathy

On this last Wednesday of the month, we’re finally getting around to January, whose root is Janus, the Roman god of doorways, beginnings and endings, and transitions. His face appeared on either side of a door, so that he could … Continue reading →

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That Is Poetry

Posted on January 22, 2023 by Kathy

My husband is reading one of my favorite books, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831). He’s been tackling classics in recent years. I thought that was the reason for this choice, but just discovered he’s showing the 1939 Charles Laughton … Continue reading →

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Sub Rosa

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Kathy

On Monday, I shared the secret ingredient in my coffee cake with you all. Don’t tell my housemates, because they shun yogurt and sour cream. Mention using bacteria in order to “culture” milk? You should see the looks on their … Continue reading →

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Cold Day, Warm Cake

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Kathy

A chilly day like today, without too much going on, gives me the urge to bake. King Arthur Baking Company’s website features appealing recipes and videos. I decided to try their favorite coffee cake. I chose a cake that takes … Continue reading →

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Question of the Day

Posted on January 14, 2023 by Kathy

Actually, two questions. Do you feel you have to finish a book once you start it, or are you okay with sometimes quitting on a book? If the latter, what are your criteria? How much of a chance do you … Continue reading →

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Seeking an End

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Kathy

Like the books I read, Wednesday Words are somewhat randomly chosen, today’s especially so. Over the weekend, I ran across a video of the 60s Australian folk group The Seekers singing “I Know I’ll Never Find Another You.” The concert … Continue reading →

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