You are about to read three short stories, delightful stories. Surely, where we live, who we live with, and our family traditions are central to us all, and these stories, about community, about family, and about traditions draw each of our minds back to the people and places and traditions that shaped us.

Places are not full of generalities, but of specifics, the bushes by the door, the strange blend of sameness and uniqueness in the houses on our block. And of course, the unique character of the people that lived nearby, some who were, simply put, strange and who just didn't fit in. Be prepared though, because the story catches us by surprise as we realize that we too are strange, and though we don't fit in, that condition is temporary!

Family is another of those precious things that is unique to each of us, and it is often the little things that we remember best -- mom's special cooking, the pictures on the walls, the phrases our dads repeated over and over. And then there are the family traditions, the ones we treasure, and the ones we are determined to pass on to our children whether they (or we) really like those traditions or not!

Over time these memories become like aged wine warming our innards and putting a smile on our faces. While reading these stories you may well feel sadness when you realize you can't go back, but then again, maybe you can? Be of good cheer, there is hope!

So read, read slowly and with joy these stories that will bring you back in time and yet forward in hope.