January 22, 2024 - Thinking back on my “schooling” in San Augustine, Texas, I recall that I was not allowed to use anything except a #2 lead pencil in my studies. At least, not until I entered the fifth grade under Mrs. Margaret Wade. Of course, I was allowed also to use crayons to produce several colorful drawings during these early years. In Mrs. Margaret’s class, things changed.

December 26, 2023 - Have you ever been told by your spouse that “… you must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed today?” I think we all know what that expression means, don’t we?

October 25, 2023 - If you are a stickler for etiquette, you know that every courteous gentleman will always remove his hat or cap upon entering a building. This rule applies to ALL hats – no ball cap or beanie is exempt.  And while the rule certainly feels antiquated, it also begs the question: Why do we do this? After all, there’s nothing about hats that seems inherently offensive.

September 22, 2023 - I sometimes wonder about the thought, or lack of it, that goes into the making of signs these days.  I have seen road signs and even warnings on medicines that don’t seem to make sense or just state the obvious. I think the fear of frivolous law suits has contributed greatly to all of this unnecessary information.

I have pondered the following signs over the past few years and settled on my own conclusions. Do you agree?

September 1, 2023 - Anyone who has camped out in East Texas has probably had this experience: You’ve spent the evening sitting around the campfire after a satisfying dinner. A nice gentle breeze cools the evening air as you settle down for a night of blissful sleep. Then, it starts - “Whip-poor-will, Whip-poor-will”, the sound of a bashful bird serenading you.