Faces & Places

“I think the greatest sin in the world is bringing children into the world – that have disease from their parents, that have no chance in the world to be a human being practically, delinquents, prisoners, all sorts of things just marked when they’re born.

Jerry Jeff Walker, Chilis,

For some time, these weekly essays have promised a forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website. Last year, I penned an essay detailing the story behind the name, but now, FINALLY, my website is live.

LOBLOLLY HAS BEEN RESURRECTED

Gary is a small town in Panola County near the county seat of Carthage. The high school in Gary has about 275 students.

The death of iceberg lettuce

I think we’ve heard enough about politics for a lifetime. I know I have, so I think it’s important to talk about something totally different but almost as important ... It was here, then gone. It was everywhere, then vanished off our plates. I was always a big salad eater.

CHECK YOUR MIRRORS

Any photo of my grandmother Bessie is associated in my mind with old age. This was an ignorant perspective now that I am older and now that I know the rest of the story. Photo perspective is tricky.

It’s not just Election Day any longer

For most Texans, Election Day is a misnomer. More Texans voted early this year than cast their ballots during all of the 2016 general election. Many more voted early than went to the polls on Election Day. A record 9.

Old Glory News

THANK YOU BIG COUNTRY WORKERS, I LOVE MY ELECTRICITY. THANK YOU. Oh my goodness, that ice storm sure gave us a jolt. It slipped right up and caught us unprepared. We forget to really appreciate anything until we don't have it every day. Don't take anything for granted!!

2 Cents Worth

Wow!!!! did we get up to a winter mix this morning, it was sleeting when I hit the floor and the first words I spoke was, Thank you Lord for a nice warm house!!!!!

Faces & Places

“... these two words [birth control] sum up our whole philosophy...

Seasons of Life, Redux

Author’s note: I penned this essay in October 2019. Amidst our recent conversation about mental health and the trials of 2020, I thought a reminder about the seasons of life would be a worthwhile read for all of us, me included.