bierkergaard

The nut of choice in the Bierker household these days is the pistachio. There is something about having to work for it, cracking the nut and all, the makes consumption particularly poignant. Cashews are like Crack, overdose. Peanuts are just gobble-food. Pistachios however are a technique and a consumptive experience. In some manner, pistachios are like Grace. Free gift that imposes work. In our container of pistachios, residing on the bottom of the canister, are the ones that my wife passed on. The sliver of crack was too small so she put it back in the hopper. Don't worry, she bought two bags of the salt and pepper at Costco last week. Another bag is in wait. Most of them are easy. Yet, I like the challenge of cracking the hard nuts to open. I have tough teeth, built to take chiseling. I have better teeth than her. I lower my mandibles into the crack void and split the nut open to the promise land. Although, there are some nuts that just ain't worth  the effort. The pro

My  Dad and I were riding the bikes on the Saturday of Easter weekend around the Gettysburg battlefields. It is one of those days I treasure, spending time with my Pop. I remember riding bikes with him in Valley Forge Park, close to where we lived, over 40 years ago. I recall him asking me if I had enough riding and I said I did. Soon after we packed up our bikes in the station wagon, it started to downpour and we sighed relief and smiled that our timing was correct. It was one of those small moments that life is comprised of that make it sweet. Soon after hopping on the bikes in Gettysburg, I noticed that my crank arm was getting loose. So, I pulled out my socket wrench and tightened it. Thought the problem was solved. Not too long down the road, I had to stop again to tighten the crank arm. I think after about the third or fourth time of doing so, I examined the crank arm a little more carefully. It was cracked. It was only a temporary fix to tighten the nut, the casing was shot

I am sitting in Church yesterday wondering why the heck did I just drink and am drinking another cup of coffee? I was edgy and wanted to get up and do some push-ups. Or scream. In the middle of the service. I wasn't enjoying the buzz....more like a buzz-saw. Cutting my peace in two like a board. The pastor was preaching about coming into the light, exposing our sins. I felt the spotlight was on me. Well, I am dragging this out into the light...why do I persist even in acting in ways that I don't enjoy. How come one cup of coffee is not enough?   Addictions promise relief from pain, yet then become the precursor for more pain. The Devil turns the addiction screws deeper into our souls. Turn, turn, turn. The Sin Cycle. He's so good at the Dance. Paul writes that Satan comes disguised as an angel of light. Rebellion  looks like freedom at the start, then the chains come. Sooner or later, the dungeon of darkness is our destiny and all we are are given is a white brush with