“‘Beloved community’ envisions a society focused on universal love and the values of justice, equity and freedom, one where all are respected, welcomed, and invited to share in the larger human community, free of poverty and hate.”

“the tropical conditions of the last few weeks have meant that the scorpion peppers and the Carolina reapers have begun to fruit. They are the fussiest chiles to grow, and several times we have tried with no luck.”

“We are in the thick of summer now. I was going to pop into work to get classroom preparation out of the way, but it is lovely outside, so I have decided to spend time at Patterdale Hall.”

“I appear to have post-Street Fair malaise. Although, to be fair, I also had pre- and per-Street Fair malaise. I think it is a combination of these antibiotics, and the rainy weather we have forecasted.”

“Having grown up in Yellow Springs during the protestive turmoil of the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, followed by the strong public opposition to the Vietnam War during the 1970s, I breathed the air of protest in nearly every waking moment.”

“This year, we have only a smattering of periodical cicadas in town, but they increase in abundance as you head south toward Cincinnati. These are members of Brood XIV.”

“The whole place needs a good sweep, and it looks like being a fair day today so I can open both doors and the one functioning window to let the air move through the house. Stink bugs are everywhere so a bit of a purge is required.”

“But now it is the tail end of the semester; students are nervous, especially the ones that are potentially off to medical school. If they don’t get the required grades their hopes are dashed and that is a big blow psychologically.”

“On Sarvis Mountain, as everywhere, stories tightly bound together remain each teller’s own. Eastern Kentucky’s parochial and progressive characters honor and defy stereotype, living interesting, human lives.”

“Growing up as I did just down the street from Gov. DeWine’s family home, I share with him (as well as many of you) the very special experience of community that comes from having spent my formative years in the village.”