Since I quit my alcohol habit almost nine months ago, I’ve had a lot more time, money and energy available (imagine that?). In lieu of my previously ever-present wine glass, I’ve started playing Solitaire on my phone. To my surprise, the simple game offers some applicable life lessons. I’ll share[Read More…]
Columns
The keeper of the keys
After you have gathered as much about your parents as you can, you are ready to tackle the third generation: your grandparents. If you can, visit your grandparents. Repeat this type of interview asking the same questions about your parents. Be prepared this time to take notes. Grandparents have richer[Read More…]
Loose Ends: The decision-making process
My first introduction to rural western life included life experiences offered by local sheep and cattle ranchers. Today with the number of pioneer ranches decreasing, they continue to carry on seasonal traditions and often include newcomers to participate in the yearly rituals. Whether it be branding calves, shearing sheep, or[Read More…]
Veteran’s Voice: Vote
As veterans we not only have the Constitutional right to vote we also have the duty to vote because we all swore a solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and voting is the best way to fulfill that oath. The Veterans’ Administration[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Gray areas
This is a peek behind the curtain into the decision-making process in our small newsroom. From time to time information that’s uncomfortable or unpleasant comes to us through news tips, public records searches, or word of mouth. When that information can be verified and validated, we have a decision to[Read More…]
Kaye’s Corner: Tots book paradise
Parents, grandparents, and caretakers, if your young kiddos haven’t been to the library for a while, you should go enjoy the newly remodeled children’s room. Littles can enter through the “hobbit” door, sized just for kids. Adults you get your own regular sized door. With beautiful wood and impressive artisanship,[Read More…]
Where do I find my family tree online?
Where do I find my family tree online? That’s a common question asked. The answer is, it isn’t there yet. All reputable family tree databases protect anyone known or suspected to be still living. Those entries are purposely hidden from view. You need to personally research the first three generations[Read More…]
Kaye’s Corner: Art friends
Over our 15 years of selling art at the outdoor fairs (those white tent affairs), I received a huge education on various topics related to art and being a pop-up vendor. In the beginning, I never expected to see these same folks again, but it turns out many artists schedule[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: Normal
Harding spoke those words during his short-lived presidency (1921-1923) that followed the end of the first World War and the Spanish Flu pandemic. They ring true a century later, again following a war and a devastating pandemic. “Return to normalcy” was his campaign slogan for the election of 1920. We’re[Read More…]
Loose Ends: Watching our words
“How big is baby?” are the breathless words every baby loves to hear. They learn to throw out their arms then shout out “SOOOO Big!” in reply. This is a common childhood game played by most every family with a little one. I continue to hear it and it always reminds[Read More…]
Kaye’s Corner: A story about stories
In hopes of bringing you a bit of cheer, I want to share some heartwarming follow-up stories to my previously published column, Uncle Clarence’s article titled, “Our Best Christmas.” You may recall, this is a true story of an Iowa family giving their favorite horse to a needy family on[Read More…]
Editor’s Column: What Matters
We started with “Life” magazine (first edition published 1936). Then came “People” in 1974, followed by “Us” in 1977, and “Self” in 1979. Those are the titles of national magazines and their first edition publication dates. Do you see a pattern forming? My dad used to joke that the next[Read More…]