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Love For The Iconic Corner Store

I like old things — things that have stood the test of time, surviving because of their charm, or because they are still needed. The authenticity of a place is important to me. And say what you want, but we are surrounded by authenticity in Chautauqua County. Whether you’re driving by acres of grapes, or up and down old country roads, or stopping by farm stands that have been there forever, or watching the summer sunset at a park by the lake ... this is about as real as it gets in the world. And as someone who has been fortunate to see a lot of pockets of the world, I feel like ...

A Wedding To Remember — Mine

A year ago, I was preparing for a wedding — my own. I could never have imagined what was in store in the near future. I am so thankful that it is not this year. Of course, when you marry you need a dress. I thought I had that covered. There was a dress in my closet that I purchased for a cruise but never worn. My daughter-in-law helped me into it. While it was alright, it was not really a good color for me. Beige and I do not exactly get along. I am too pale. I had seen a dress on the Internet that I really liked. It was a lovely shade of blue. My children told me to order the ...

Those Who Pave The Way

In my days of teaching history, part of the curriculum dealt with those who trail-blazed, so to speak. It focused on those who came before us and discovered, invented, recorded and taught those who came after them, hoping to make better lives for them, and then to pass along what they learned and added to so future generations could do the same. I was fortunate, more accurately, blessed, with many opportunities in my life. I’ve been able to be a part of many amazing challenges and events too. Having been able to experience these opportunities, challenges and events, though, ...

Battle For The Big Pond Rages On

The water slipped up to my waist as I wandered out into the pond. The muddy bottom sucked at my toes, requiring a slower, more deliberate pace. Others around me were scattered about, moving in the same ways, slowly and carefully, while scanning the top of the water for the distinct, bright ...

A Different Presidential Candidate

We have a choice! Next presidential election, we don’t have to decide between two big-spending candidates, neither of whom has expressed much interest in limited government. Now, we have a third serious choice. This week, Dr. Jo Jorgensen, a psychology lecturer at Clemson University, won the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination. OK, I won’t delude myself — a libertarian is unlikely to become president. But Jorgensen’s platform is a refreshing change. She correctly points out that government “is too big, too bossy, too nosy, and way too intrusive.” Of course, ...

You Have Heard All Of These Before

Another Memorial Day has passed. Many visited cemeteries in the days approaching the holiday to tend to graves of family or friends. A few months ago, cemeteries were beautiful yet lonely places. Now they’ve sprung to life with flowers of all sorts. A member of the clergy once said that after a death, all of the firsts are hard. The first Thanksgiving, the first birthday, the first anniversary, and so on. And the first Memorial Day too. If the departed was buried, entombed, or inurned, maybe the monument is in place. Or maybe that will wait for another time. Either way, ...