I told myself I wouldn’t write this column, but Angela just won’t let go, nor would I wish it so. This is for all who mourn Angelas of their own: more

Church folks are my parents’ type of people and they are, to my surprise, a sometimes cheeky group to be around. There are four specifically that, when joined by my parents, form a group of six who tend to hang out quite a bit. They have monthly game days, go on excursions to antique shops or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and gather for occasional holidays when the rest of their families aren’t coming out to visit. They have always been exceedingly kind to me, even extending invitations to join their game festivities or visit for holiday meals when my parents were out of town. more

Sunshine Bowls and Bakery more

Due to the Elections on April 2, the Aldermen meeting was moved from its usual Tuesday to Thursday evening. The session began with the approval of the elections followed by the swearing-in ceremony for the four Aldermen elected at the beginning of April. more

How to beat the “I don’t wanna” beast into submission more

Good news, armchair critics: Young people can still write compelling and coherent prose and poetry with exceptional candor and grammatical skill. more

No matter how much is written about how beneficial black snakes are to humans, these rodent-eating reptiles will always be at the top of many people’s fear lists. more

Spring fever more

Writer witnesses bird-on-bird violence more

I can’t predict as I write this what the weather will be like when you read it, but one thing I’m fairly sure of: We are into the gardeners’ cover/uncover season. more

April already! With the recent literally freezing temperatures, I’ve done fairly well at keeping my spring fever at bay. Yes, I have planted a few seeds just for the pure joy of watching them sprout, but I haven’t gone crazy. Yet. The temptation is always there, though. Intellectual, I understand that it is still too early for most things, but I am ready to get this gardening party started. more

If we were bison, we’d probably have a much higher opinion of brown-headed cowbirds. You’d be hard-pressed to find a birding enthusiast – or anyone else, for that matter – that holds much love for the brown-headed cowbird. This bird, which is common throughout Missouri and many other parts of the U.S., has earned the ire of many people because it parasitizes nests of other birds. Mid-April is usually when female cowbirds begin plopping their eggs into nests of various species. Although there’s little appreciation for these nest-infiltration tactics, even the most ardent cowbird-hater would have to admit it’s a rather remarkable method of producing the next generation. more