Daniel hurried out of the car, ran to the porch and turned off the outside light. Quickly, he made his way back into the yard and stood beside my husband. “I wanna’…
Category: Editorials
From the sunny side: Thankful for the “Whos”
Those who know me, know this is my absolute favorite time of the year. The cooler weather, the “slightly” changing colors of some of the leaves (yeah, down here in Florida, we…
Emerald’s Gem Box: The things we miss in life
So many times in life we are caught up in our feelings about what we don’t have in life and miss so much of what we do have. So many times, we…
Learning As I Go: When we eat our eggs
Our hens aren’t laying. For months, we have searched for a solution. Finally, my husband was outside and heard the “I-just-laid-an-egg” cackle. He rushed over in time to see one of the…
From the sunny side: Two sentences
This is something I have had on my mind for a few weeks now. You could say it’s been sort of percolating, like a pot of coffee, until now. I reckon I’ll…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Veterans Day – In honor of those who have served
We will celebrate Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11. With it comes a holiday for some, special family gatherings for others, or just another day at work (depending on what your job…
Learning As I Go: I’m calling it depression
“I felt sad.” “I didn’t have energy to take care of my new little baby.” “It should have been the happiest time of my life.” “Somedays, I couldn’t even get out of…
From the sunny side: Skip the “supply chain”
I’ve been hearing a lot lately about the problems with the “supply chain.” From what I’ve heard, there’s a lot of blame to go around for these problems. Seems to me, there’s…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Haters
hat·er [ hey-ter ] noun • a person who has an intense dislike for another person or thing • a person who thrives on showing hate toward, criticizing, or belittling other people or…
Learning As I Go: Carrying My blue bag
Hair dryer. Check. Extra clothes. Check. Extra medicine. Check. Extra everything. Check. I lugged my heavy blue suitcase through the airport terminal. On my back was a green, camping backpack with two…
From the sunny side: Angels among us
You probably remember me saying that I have already begun to enjoy Christmas music (my music, my headphones, my ears – don’t judge me!). A few minutes ago, a song came on…
Learning As I Go: You Are Here
“Excuse me, but may I ask you a very strange question?” The lady, deeply distracted, looked up, “Sure,” she replied. “I’ve been standing on the outside of this glass door watching you….
Emerald’s Gem Box: Why I do what I do … I want to help change the world; or, at least my corner of it.
One year ago, I wrote a column entitled “I want to change my corner of the world.” Those words seem to best describe why I love the newspaper business. We all have…
From the sunny side: It’s that time of year
Something significant happened this morning. Actually, it happened yesterday morning as well. The temperature dipped below 50 degrees. That may not mean much to most of y’all. In fact, I don’t expect…
Letter to the Editor
Today marks my 60th Thanksgiving, having arrived at the greatest country ever in 1961. I am grateful to all Americans, the most generous people in the world. I have friends on the…
Learning As I Go: Playing in the mud
“Mama, come over here,” my oldest beckoned from the playground. “I’m in the middle of something, what do you need?” I yelled across the yard. “You’ve gotta’ come over here and touch…
Letter to the Editor: Camp Cherry Lake modernization is desperately needed
I’ve spent the last 40 years fighting crime in Madison County with badge and book. I’ve arrested people when I had to, but I prefer teaching trades and other paths to lawful…
From the sunny side: Being sentimental
Please don’t tell any of my co-workers, but there are some occasions when I become a sentimental old sap. I usually do a pretty good job of hiding it and I am…
Learning As I Go: Help in disguise
It wasn’t particularly late when I pulled up in my yard. I stood outside a minute and looked at the star-studded sky, then climbed my front steps onto the porch. My husband…
Emerald’s Gem Box: Happy Birthday Kennedy
This Sunday, Oct. 17, will mark the third birthday of my granddaughter, Kennedy! What a true blessing the last three years have been. When I had my children, I did not really…