October 3, 2026
Opinion
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!
Caregiving doesn’t end at retirement
Most Americans hope that retirement will bring a transition into greater financial freedom and more time spent pursuing personal goals and hobbies. For parents acting as caregivers for adult children with disabilities, however, retirement often brings a different reality. Many of these adults find themselves continuing or increasing the care they provide while also facing the financial and physical challenges of aging themselves.
Blessed Assurance – Intelligence or wisdom?
Ihave spent a lot of my life acquiring knowledge. Like most people in the U.S. I attended school from Kindergarten through High School. I learned a lot and it prepared me in important ways for my continued learning in college and two graduate programs. Through all that formal education I developed a habit of life-long learning. Simply put, I love learning new things and am especially drawn to learning from and about people. I have met some fabulous human beings over the last 6.5 decades of life. Some have become close friends and others have become examples of what not to do – and both have taught me much.
Blessed Assurance – Rest
Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a fairly Type-A, driven individual. It has always been how I am wired and I have done well in my careers because of that way of functioning. However, that way of functioning has also led to symptoms of burnout and to an understanding that I can’t just go full throttle all the time without some rest and relaxation. Working too much in a high stress ICU environment helped me to understand my need for a different narrative that could heal the psychological wounds I was carrying from all the injuries and deaths I witnessed.
Thoughts from the Crossroads – Pumpkin spice
Well folks, it’s September. That means pumpkin spice flavor is everywhere for the next couple of months. When Starbucks debuted the pumpkin spice latte in 2003, the drink not only became a national phenomenon, but it sparked pumpkin spice flavored versions of practically everything. Yep, Pandora’s box had been opened.