September 10, 2026
David Black
Letters from Dogwood – Of dog days
We’ve just endured what some old-timers would call an oldfashioned summer: oppressive heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms. Believe it or not, records say this is the hottest July on record (1895-present). However, I recall a passel of hot summers and about as many that were Sahara-dry. There were summers we had to haul water for washing clothes onehalf a mile in old barrels; there were others when tadpoles swam in the flooded side ditches.
Letters from Dogwood – Family recipes
Most families have “family recipes,” something familiar but prepared with a special ingredient or in an unusual way, or it may be a totally unique dish. I have such fond memories of three particular favorite dishes from my childhood—but sadly, I don’t have the recipes. Let me explain.
Letters from Dogwood – No Techie am I
The other day I ran across a Facebook meme which featured an old fellow complaining about today’s frequent use of texting terms and abbreviations. Someone had sent him the message “GM,” and he was not about to be stumped by that. He replied, “General Motors to you, also!”
Letters from Dogwood – Loving a new old dog
O urs has been a family of three for quite some time. 0ur ancient calico cat Patches— She Who Tries to Trip Me as I Walk—is that noisome third, her demanding early morning yowling sufficient to make us get up.