October 3, 2026
Letters from Dogwood
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.’’
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!”