Small towns are having  a difficult time surviving, let alone thriving.  Young people graduate and move away because there are no jobs.  Dwindling populations  cause stores to close so people drive to big box stores out of town to  shop.  This causes more stores to close.  It is  a vicious   cycle.  If a town loses a school, it might make matters even worse.  County seats are … [Read more...]

I am ALMOST positive that spring (the season without snow but with green grass and flowers will arrive) just like it always has.  Spring will be followed by summer and that great American Tradition: a vacation which entails sponging on your relatives for a cheap getaway.  Just buy a summer lake cabin or a time share or move to an exotic location and relatives that you have … [Read more...]

I may have been watching too many episodes of “Ancient Aliens.”  I am wondering what humans will be like in the far, far distant future.  I predict that humans will no longer have voice boxes.  Instead they will have a texting device installed in their hand at birth.  Fingers will be elongated and pointed at the tips, better to text with other humans. Many are bemoaning the … [Read more...]

The woman two aisles over from me who was also checking out of the store seemed to have captured everyone’s attention.  Since her back was to me, I was trying to figure out why other customers were staring at her.  She was of medium height, medium build with short brown hair. Maybe she was some celebrity.  Maybe she was robbing the store.  No, the cashier was smiling and … [Read more...]

All I want for Christmas is an Olympic Medal.  It means that you are one of the best in the world at something.  Obviously, it means you are good at some sport.  The last time I was a winner in the sporting arena was when I was in first grade playing hopscotch with kindergarteners.  I am not one bit athletic.  I am no longer bitter about this since I no longer have to take any … [Read more...]