Columns

She Never Gives Up

She’s at it again. A tiny wisp of a bird has been working tirelessly to build a nest for her soon-to-be offspring. We’ve allowed this intrusion into the top of our propane tank each year because this industrious mother will have it no other way. She will let nothing stop her from preparing a safe, comfortable home for her family. We knew she was back when we noticed bits of leaves and twigs poking out of the top of the tank. There have been torrential rains, extreme winds and frigid temperatures since she began her annual home building. Yet she does not give up. We are amazed at ...

Listen Carefully

Look out! I wanted to scream. An early morning jogger was barely visible as he ran along National Road in Wheeling. It wasn’t his running in dark colored clothing or even that he was in the road. It was the fact that he had headphones on that obviously prevented him from hearing the traffic. Now that’s just downright dangerous. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there are many runners and walkers honing their skills in preparation for the annual Ogden Newspaper Half Marathon slated for Saturday, May 27, in Wheeling. I can vividly remember those first few distance races, then ...

Wetting A Line Never Gets Old

There are certain retail excursions that I usually find taxing when accompanying my spouse. You ladies know what I am talking about. A simple trip to Lowes, Harbor Freight, Menard’s or Cabela’s is never a quick outing. But I have learned to prepare for such shopping events by seeking out areas of each store that interests me. I just can’t get excited picking out two by fours, but show me to the collection of hanging rugs, and I’m in. Or while he is looking over electrical gadgets I will meander into the bird feeder aisle where I am intrigued by all the ways you can attract ...

What Went Up Is Coming Down

The fickle month of April is winding down, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s frustrating to not know when to truly unpack the shorts and sandals. One day it’s 80 degrees and next you’re scrambling to find your heavy parka again. The shoe rack inside my kitchen door contains colorful flip flops, lined snow boots, lightweight Skechers and rain boots. It pays to be prepared, but this is ridiculous. Spring is usually the time we talk about what we will plant this year for the deer and other wildlife to enjoy. I cleaned the hummingbird feeders and cooked up some nectar for the tiny ...

Through His Eyes

I had an eye-opening conversation with a young man the other day. He enjoys history and keeps up with wide-eyed curiosity about the news events of today’s world. He has a fascination with military operations and battleships in particular. He recently toured the exhibits at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii with his family and absorbed many facts about World War II. He paid attention to details about the mighty ships that were utilized in that great war. I listened intently as he showed me a tiny replica battleship that he acquired during his trip to Pearl Harbor. He explained how the United ...

Sweet Memories This Weekend

Walking through a local department store the other day, I heard the laughter of children coming from beneath a rack of clothing. As I approached, I then noticed two pairs of feet jutting out from under the clothes. Two young siblings were enjoying a bit of hide and seek from their anxious mother who was shopping nearby. The antics of these little darlings reminded me of my own younger days when our mother would take us to the Robert Hall store in Elm Grove. Mom would try her best to outfit us in some Easter finery complete with little white gloves and fancy hats for the girls and ...