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Swear It Was An Accident

I didn’t mean for it to happen. I was and still am a bit sick about it. It was a perfect fall driving day, sunny and clear out in the county when it happened. Despite my obeying the speed limit and trying to be alert to the wildlife I may encounter, there was no avoiding the collision with the raccoon. It came out of nowhere from the side of the road. The poor thing attempted to beat my wheels to no avail. The quick thud sent shivers up my spine as I realized the animal’s fate was sealed. Despite my best efforts, there was nothing I could do. I was always taught to never ...

A Dollar For Your Thoughts

There was a time when parents would pile their children into the family car — a station wagon in our home — and take a “Sunday drive” through the country. Of course that was after church when we would be instructed to change into our play clothes. The Sunday drive for our family usually meant a ride through the winding countryside of Marshall County to Moundsville to visit our aunt and uncle. Our dad always made it a point to drive us past the West Virginia State Penitentiary and remind us that if we didn’t behave, we could end up there. If we did behave, we might stop for ...

No Time For Checkers

There are a lot of myths about firefighters. For instance, some believe that professional firefighters just sit around playing checkers and cards all day, waiting for an alarm to come in. Well, let me assure you there is nothing farther from the truth. If you are one of the many visitors to stop in recently and check out the new Wheeling Fire Department Headquarters in East Wheeling, you were assured most definitely that city fire crews have little time to play anything. This beautifully decked-out fire station houses some of the city’s biggest and best fire apparatus and equipment ...

The Season Of Goodbye And Hello

The hummingbirds have all but left the homestead. I kept one or two small feeders up for the stragglers heading south. I saw one at mid-week but the rest have taken nature’s cue and left for warmer destinations. I have to say I miss those little birds. They provided us with so much entertainment in the early morning hours and again just before dusk. At one point, there was a frenzy of activity with up to 10 hummers flying about the feeders. The changing of the seasons is all around. The leaves are falling fast, and some trees have managed to display their autumnal colors. ...

What We Can Offer

Her name is Hope. She came into the world pink-cheeked and a perfect 6 pounds 1 ounce. My nephew Noah and his wife Kayla welcomed their daughter to their family of two boys and the family dog. Hope arrived in the early part of September, a month that has been a roller-coaster of emotions for many. Just one week after her joyous birth, our country saw a slate of violent acts that have worn us down emotionally and spiritually. Another senseless school shooting, an innocent woman slain on a commuter train and then the horrific murder of conservative Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk ...

Falling For Autumn

I caved. I always said I wouldn’t get out my fall/Halloween decorations until at least mid-September. However, on Labor Day Monday, I just happened to be in the basement looking for something when I came upon an autumn-inspired wreath I had tucked away last spring. Then I delved a little deeper into the stuff on the basement shelves and located some pumpkin decorations and assorted Halloween junk. I couldn’t help myself. They all called to me to be released from their dusty hibernation and resume their assigned places on the porch and throughout the house. I have to admit that ...