Don’t let procrastination steal your yearSheryl Boldt We’re well into the second quarter of this year. Are you on track to meet your work and home goals by the end of 2026? Or have you pushed too many things to the back burner – or worse, completely taken them off the stove? Whether you’re leading…
By Mark PettusPublisher There I was, restocking the bathroom cabinet with my latest industrial-sized haul of Irish Spring from Costco, when I noticed something peculiar. Resting side-by-side on the counter were two bars of soap that, at a glance, looked identical. But upon closer inspection, they were worlds apart. One box was printed in plain…
Slim Randles We wondered about the origin of the new sign down at the Read Me Now bookstore. Sarah McKinley has had the place for about five years now and has become a real asset to our valley. If you’re looking for a book, she either has it or you don’t need to read it….
A Good FriendJudy Conlin One has many friends throughout their lifetime. There are old friends we’ve had since we were young, workplace friends, club friends, church friends, and casual friends. No matter who they are or where we met them, we cherish them all. My column today is about a friend I met late in…
We are surrounded by extraordinary people who quietly and selflessly serve others. They inspire us to pause, reflect and even pray that we might live with the same kind of compassion. If you are one of these people, thank you. Thank you for all you do for those you graciously serve and for the difference…
Company is ComingJudy Conlin I have lived here for almost 40 years and maybe had company once every 5 years or so. I love company, but because I am a type A personality, I have filled my days (and evenings) with all kinds of activities. I love them all, but I am having trouble juggling…
Slim Randles When old Joe Gilliam began digging that hole in his front yard, out there close to the street, neighbors watched and wondered. When he got his grandson to help him carry the shade tree sapling from his pickup to the hole, people nodded. Mystery solved. Old Joe’s planting a tree. After removing the…
Colored Eggs for EasterJudy Conlin For over thirty years, I went through the ritual (and mess) of coloring eggs to help the Easter Bunny out on Easter. When the children were little, it was an exciting happy event. By the time a dozen eggs were hard-boiled, a water bath made for each colored dye, the…
By Mark Pettus Publisher Last fall, I decided to pick up the guitar again after a 50-year break. My fingers are still relearning the callouses, and that elusive F-chord remains a work in progress, but my partner in all things, Colleen, ensured I at least looked the part. For Christmas, she bought me a guitar-themed…
by Jim Miller Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. –Looking to Save Dear Looking, You’re…
