CIVIC RAIN GAUGES

One drop of rain rarely changes your day. I'd wager each of us has had that anomalous experience being struck by a single drop from a cloudless Texas sky. You might feel it land on your arm, glance above, and forget about it a few minutes later. One drop is easy to dismiss.

For Sue Jane

Patricia Hurt, Publisher Publisher's note: Sue Jane Sullivan passed away peacefully on the morning of July 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.

ROBOTIC PETS CAN PROVIDE COMFORT TO ELDERLY SENIORS

Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who has dementia, recently moved into an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow pets. I’m thinking about getting her a robotic pet to cheer her up. Are they worth it, and if so, which one do you recommend?

AGE 66? HIT ROUTE 66

Barbara Brannon of Spur has been a big fan of Route 66 ever since she read John Steinbeck’s TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY, IN SEARCH OF AMERICA. In that book from 1962, he called Route 66 The Mother Road. Others have called the famous highway America’s Main Street.

THE PHASES OF POLITICAL RESPONSES

I have written many times in the past about how fascinated I am with patterns, from the movements of stars in outer space to the motivating factors of our subconscious inner space.

FIVE POLITICAL FIGHTS RURAL TEXANS SHOULD WATCH

Rural Texas has long been treated as settled red territory. Republicans count on our votes. Democrats try to get to know us during election years. And neither party expects rural loyalties to shift.That assumption deserves another look in 2026.

Faces & Places

“Never underestimate the power of a single word, and never recklessly throw around words. One wrong word, or misinterpreted word, can change the meaning of an entire sentence and start a war. And one right word, or one kind word, can grant you the heavens and open doors.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

John Denver’s song, ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH has become one of two state songs in Colorado. WHERE THE COLUMBINES GROW is the other one. Susan and I were recently on a Rocky Mountain High ourselves.We were on top of Pikes Peak.

SILENCE: THE MOST DEADLY GAS

I once adhered to an unwritten but observed internal rule not to publish editorial commentary about issues that did not appear in articles printed on the front page or other news sections in the same edition.

A TEXAS TAX PLAN MUST WORK IN RURAL TEXAS, TOO

Everyone wants lower property taxes. That is what makes the Texas Taxpayer Empowerment Plan powerful. It promises local spending limits, voter approval of tax increases, slower appraisal growth and elimination of school property taxes for homeowners.Texans should control their taxes.