A few days past, I encountered two people I did not know as I went outside to retrieve that all-important mail (which, as usual, was hardly worth the effort). They introduced themselves and handed me a local candidate’s “door hanger” for the upcoming election. This began a normal (for me) ...

Get a bunch of guys 70 years and older together at this time of year and the conversation just might turn to Halloweens of yore. One-upmanship sets in as each man brags about Halloween pranks in which he was involved. One Halloween in the early ‘60s some of the guys (I wasn’t in on this ...

“You’re receiving this gift because I love the colorful fall season. “Even though I don’t know you, I pray that you will feel blessed by the beauty that God provides each day, such as seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset, being with someone who brings you joy or maybe it's in the ...

I enjoy living across the street from Graceland Cemetery, especially when dogs are out walking their humans. My daughter is on the board of directors for Midwest Peke ‘n Chin Rescue, helping with all those small, smooshie-faced dogs with big attitudes. She recently assisted in the adoption ...

As children we are taught not to covet other people’s things. I had cousins who had an electric train setup. I wanted it. That’s coveting. Come to think of it, I wasn’t coveting. I wanted one like it! By the way, I could covet all I wanted but I didn’t get that train set or one like ...

If you are familiar with domestic violence, you know that its effect most often is to ruin your life. I wish I hadn’t just written that. Domestic violence is too often incremental, starting in a way that confuses, then escalating to a point where you are certain it’s time to ...