Must Read: Columns

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

While he was still married to Mother’s younger sister Faye and I was still a child, my Uncle J. B. decided to run for county commissioner down in Panola County in deep East Texas. Driving down to Carthage for election day, I was excited by what would prove to be my first foray into politics. Being a poll greeter, I […]

Ask Sassy: Gym Etiquette, Bedroom Reviews and Other Bad Manners

This week, we’re examining the people who mistake public spaces and private encounters for opportunities to behave like absolute royalty. Dear Sassy, A man at my gym camps on the same machine for half an hour scrolling his phone. He says he’s ‘between sets’ when anyone asks. I don’t want to start a fight, but I’m tired of waiting. What […]

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

While he was still married to Mother’s younger sister Faye and I was still a child, my Uncle J. B. decided to run for county commissioner down in Panola County in deep East Texas. Driving down to Carthage for election day, I was excited by what would prove to be my first foray into politics. Being a poll greeter, I […]

Polaris, a black senior dog with a green collar, smiling in two photographs supplied by the SPCA of Texas.

SPCA Pet of the Week: Make Room for Polaris

Polaris would appreciate a little room on the couch. At 82 pounds, “a little” may be open to interpretation. This handsome 7-year-old has a generous smile and an affectionate personality to match. He’s a gentle giant who wants to be close to his people, preferably with plenty of opportunities for cuddling. Anyone looking for a substantial presence around the house […]

Ask Sassy: Exes, Election Arguments and Nosy Neighbors

November has arrived, darlings, and apparently nobody told your exes, relatives or neighbors that boundaries still exist. Dear Sassy, My ex has started texting again after six months. He says he’s changed and wants dinner to prove it. We broke up because he kept disappearing for days. I miss him, but I also remember how miserable I was. Do I […]

Halloween, Voting, And Something Else Rolled Into One

Sometimes we give ourselves away, age wise, with a comment or a reference that reveals that the median age of folks in America is firmly visible in our rearview mirror. When Karl and I went to vote this week, I did just that to an older gentleman who was getting signatures for a petition I was eager to sign. We […]

Two photos of Goose, a tan Shepherd mix with floppy ears and a smiling, tongue-out expression.

SPCA Pet of the Week: Goose Is Worth Getting to Know

Some guys need a little time before they’re ready to show you their personality. Goose is one of them, and judging by that face, he’s worth the wait. This handsome 1-year-old Shepherd mix is 46 pounds of floppy ears, expressive eyebrows and a grin that could make a bad day considerably better. Goose can be shy when meeting new people. […]

I’ve Got Mail

Well, we’re getting to the thick part of it in the election now. Not necessarily the good part, but the thick part. I can tell from the titles of the email blasts I receive, and I suspect that some of you are getting the exact same ones that come to me. One of my personal favorites is “A Few Questions […]

SPCA Pet of the Week: A Little Patience, A Lot Of Amos

At 76 pounds, Amos is a substantial presence. He just doesn’t necessarily want to make an entrance. This four-year-old German Shepherd mix can be shy around new people and hesitant in unfamiliar places. Give him a little time to feel safe, though, and the handsome fellow starts leaning in for gentle pets. Soon, you’re getting a tail wag just for […]

Ask Sassy: Who Died and Made You Elvira?

Welcome back, darlings. Halloween is approaching, and some of you have apparently decided the costume comes with governing authority. Sassy, Settle This, My friend and I are both going to the same Halloween party as Elvira. She wore the costume last year and says it’s “her thing,” so I need to change mine. I bought the wig before I knew […]