Camping
April 1, 2025
It’s always nice to get away and go camping, whether by “glamper” (travel trailer) or tent, it’s always an adventure. State parks, surrounded by trees, no cell signal and nothing to do but spend time together is the best.
Opinion
273 articles
One of Willie Johnson’s Boys
March 25, 2025
It was oft-heard phrase when I was growing up. “Oh, so your one of Willie Johnson’s boys.”
I Ate As Slow As I Could, Hoping It Would Last Forever….
March 25, 2025
The first thing I noticed was the odd shaped, six-sided table. We were at Fat Cats in Rogersville, Alabama, sitting down to eat breakfast.
The Seasons of a Marriage
March 18, 2025
I’ve never seen a perfect marriage. Never.
Tennessee Coalition Celebrates Twenty Years of Sunshine Week
March 18, 2025
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week celebrated nationally to promote the importance of open government at the federal, state and local levels.
Letter: Baby, the Bathwater
March 11, 2025
“Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” is an old idiom originating in sixteenth century Germany. The cliché has such a simple meaning yet our government leaders can’t seem to grasp the valuable message, especially Republicans in the current General Assembly in Nashville.
Letter: Reader’s Concerns on Trump Administration
March 11, 2025
As I write this it has been forty days. The Constitution is in shreds as thousands of people have been illegally fired by a man who was not elected.
And You Think We Have Tariff Problems
March 11, 2025
I’m telling you, this thing has gotten completely out of control. It’s insane. We have lost our every-loving minds! I feel like I am being swallowed by a boa constrictor.
Cancers
March 4, 2025
Just as I was about to turn sixty years old, I was diagnosed with cancer. My subsequent surgery and treatment allowed me to live a healthy life since then. For that, I'm grateful to the Father above for his grace and mercy.
Separating the Plastic From the Genuine Article
February 25, 2025
Melba Montgomery died in January. She was my second favorite all-time female country music singer. George Strait has semi-retired. Alan Jackson is battling health issues. I’m telling you, as real country singers go, Gene Watson and Moe Bandy are about all we have left.
‘Thy will be done’
February 25, 2025
Out of all the many things I prayed, it was the one phrase I kept buttoned up.
A Reader’s Response to the Water Issue in Trezevant
February 25, 2025
So Trezevant needs a $6 million dollar upgrade to their water system (The McKenzie Banner, 2/18/25). How are they going to pay for it? Well, they are raising their rates so they can get a match for “a federal grant.” Their consultant wants engineers to get working and “start applying for federal funding.”
Love Finds A Way
February 18, 2025
I pulled into Mother’s driveway, my headlights sweeping the front of her house. It was my regular Wednesday night visit to check and see how she was doing.
Four Seconds is Shorter Than You Think
February 18, 2025
A couple of friends got to talking about what they would do differently if they had their lives to live over. The conversation revolved around whether they would choose the same occupation, the same city to live in, maybe a different spouse, or one or two more children. Both agreed they would eat a lot healthier, hit the gym more, and would have quit cigarettes much earlier.
Let a Blind Man Show the Way
February 11, 2025
Walking the Market Place in downtown Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Central America, I was assaulted by the cacophony of sounds—horns honking, salsa music blaring, people laughing, shouting, and talking.
Hearts in Harmony
February 11, 2025
Valentine’s Day is this weekend, how do you usually celebrate? In my lifetime it has varied — it’s been a romantic evening out, a galentine’s get-together, a table for one, and dining in with an SVU marathon. I will say, a table for one is the most uncomfortable meal you will ever have in a crowded restaurant.
A New Joel
February 4, 2025
Hard to believe we are already into the second month of 2025. January was action-packed with lots of changes, some good and some bad.
A Dog of Noble Character
February 4, 2025
A pet of noble character who can find?
1/32 of an Inch
January 28, 2025
Dwight was older than me.
Pardon My Paltry Puns Proliferation
January 28, 2025
Boy howdy, you talk about feeling left out. Alone. Ostracized. Adrift at sea. My self-esteem just fell ten floors lower than a whale’s belly….
