By Eric P. Harding
Typically, this space is spent noodling over some personal anecdote that ties into the theme of the features for the issue. But this column is going to be a little different.

Letters submitted to Contingencies regarding the November/December 2021 issue.

By Maryellen Coggins
There aren’t many hours of sunlight on these dreary winter days. But it cheers the spirit to know that beneath the surface of the chilly topsoil, patient flower bulbs—dazzling daffodils, slender tulips, fragrant hyacinth—are biding their time, waiting for the season of renewal to come.

By John Schubert
There is a show that I try to watch called A Million Little Things.

By Ben Abbott and Brian Lanzrath
The changes to daily life and the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to have impacts on the mental and physical health of populations around the world.

By Warren Manners

By Tom Toce
To kick off the new year properly, I’m offering another puzzle from the team of Bob Fink and Jerry Miccolis.

By Stephen Meskin
You’re sitting in the living room while a small child is playing on the floor in front of you.

By Bob Rietz
What is life expectancy, but an average? The measurement is useful for demographers, but much less so for individuals.