All of the predators want to do business

February 23, 2023

“Dearest Darling Madame,” last night’s letter beseeched me. The sender was someone I’ve never met and never want to, but she is calling me dearest darling? The nerve. She really does have to slather it on pretty thick, because what she is asking is impossible. This woman, and I swear, all her family, friends and acquaintances from Kazakhstan, or Bella Russe, or Chad, want my account numbers. Yup, those checking or savings account numbers where they can deposit my new riches. Delete. Despite how powerful my computer junk filters are, some of these appeals make it through ...

County reps keep loose schedules, solid pay

February 18, 2023

As we start into another election season, I think it’s time we address something that should be totally unacceptable to the taxpayers of Warren County. Warren County Commissioners are paid somewhere around $60,000 a year. That would be acceptable except there are no job requirements for the position. There are no set hours or no time keeping. They can choose to go to work if and when they feel like it. Two of the three commissioners, at the moment, have full-time jobs in addition to being commissioners. I’m sure they are trying to balance everything but the reality is that ...

Buying my first car

February 17, 2023

Everyone looks forward to buying their first car. I was no exception. I finished my last college exam and began to search for a car that evening. I decided to look for a second-hand vehicle because I thought that was all I could comfortably afford. I worked part-time from the time I turned 16. Now I was 21. I had saved some of my money although I treated myself to some of the clothes, I thought I really needed. First, I looked in the used car lots for possibilities. There were several models that seemed appealing. That night my mother was entertaining the women’s church group. She ...

Two round trips changed everything

February 16, 2023

It was only supposed to be one round trip. For the past 18 years, since she arrived to take her place on Earth, I have traveled back east to celebrate the Princess of Boston’s birthday. In truth, there were a few surgeries that prevented my sharing her cake, but I know she understood. Being at family occasions is where so many of our memories reside. “But, Gogo, could you come a bit early?” This year, there was indeed a second special occasion. And proud, puff-chested grandparents respond to all invitations when possible. Rory was named captain of her High School Quiz Show ...

‘Faithful’ acts drove life of Mother Teresa

February 11, 2023

Editor’s note: This saint series will feature a saint and how he or she is a meaningful example for us today. Pope Francis wrote that “the saints help all the faithful” for “their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.” St. Mother Teresa provides us with an example of faithfulness. At the age of 12, Mother Teresa felt a call to missionary life. When she was 18 she left her parent’s home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland. She did not see her family again in her lifetime. This was part of the sacrifice of being a missionary. ...

View from Hickory Heights: Using the words ‘I am’

February 10, 2023

How often do you use the words “I am”? It is a way to identify yourself. I often begin a talk with those words to identify what my credentials are. I think of myself as a child of God, a widow, a mother, a grandmother, a retired educator, and a columnist. All of those roles I have fulfilled for many years. How important are those credentials? They are the very essence of my being. All of them are important to me. As a child of God my faith has seen me through numerous experiences. I weathered the storm of a failed romance as a college student. I have been forced to bury two ...