October 11, 2026
Opinion
Motivating Louisa voters ahead of November election
Louisa voters who drive by dozens of political banners every day may become jaded by the constant messaging. That’s why two Louisa residents decided to have more of a physical presence highlighting what they deem as the most important issues ahead of the November elections.
Blessed Assurance – Walk this way
E arly in our lives most of us learn to walk. This developmental milestone is usually celebrated with video and FaceTime and other forms of sharing. We all know intrinsically that learning to walk is the way for us to continue to grow and develop into the people we are meant to be. Delays in walking cause great angst and typically a great deal of searching for clues as to why a child isn’t walking as early as they should. No one teaches us to walk – we begin by crawling, by pulling up on furniture, by holding hands with parents, siblings and relatives.
Healthcare crisis coming Oct. 22
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a dangerous new rule beginning Oct. 22 that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments,” will effectively end Americans’ ability to personally import their prescription medicines.
Thoughts from the Crossroads – Glimmers
October is the time of year when we start wearing long sleeves for warmth. Bringing those jackets and sweatshirts out of the closet often leads to one of the greatest feelings ever.
On & Off Earth – October: best month of the autumn season?
October, the gateway to Fall, gets started looking much like summer. Trees, farms and lawns, after three wet months, remain lush and green but late hay harvests and hints of color in the forest tell a tale of pending change. The dogwoods are the first to turn up the color, both with leaves and berries. Sassafras and tupelos (black gum) are quick to join in and dump the green chlorophyll, letting the background reds and yellows shine through.
Letters from Dogwood – Listen closely
Sometimes listening to the conversations of others can be quite interesting and amusing. As a writer I sometimes find material I can use. One such event led to an entire poem that I call “Half an Ear.” A lady on one end of a phone conversation was just told about the death of Walter, then replied just before she disconnected, “Please tell Wallie I am thinking of him.’’
Thoughts from the Crossroads – Hallie & Bella
Ihaven’t devoted a column to my cats in quite awhile, and their fans continue to ask how they are. It always amazes me when someone in public recognizes me from my photo (or sometimes, by my name). And a large majority of the time, they ask about Hallie and Bella. Of course, I never tell the cats that. Don’t need them to get the big head - they already think the world revolves around them.
Blessed Assurance – Serenity
How would you define the word “serenity”? Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary defines it as “a state of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude”. I’ve always had the ability to remain unruffled in many challenging situations. It was what gave me the ability to function in the ICU and Emergency Department environment without losing my cool or my mind. I’m not sure that I would have called myself serene when I was in the middle of the chaos and mayhem that often accompanied a shift in those environments, but I was able to block out the noise and emotion and find a way to focus on what needed to be done.
Thoughts from the Crossroads – Carbondale
Dear Readers, I have a confession to make. I have been unfaithful. For over a week now. And yes, Rick is aware. He even approves. Hallie and Bella, however, are still in blissful ignorance…and I know without a doubt that they would NOT approve!