A while back a friend came to visit and, while she was here, asked if our house is haunted. That kind of caught me off guard.

I have to swallow hard to get my pride down and admit that after a recent venture north into Huskerland — more specifically to Omaha for a Newspaper Association Managers friend’s being honored by the placing of his “Face on the Barroom Floor” at the Omaha Press Club — I am impressed.

“To let friendship die away by negligence and silence, is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of this weary pilgrimage.” — Samuel Johnson, 1782

May is a busy month for students and teachers alike.

Elementary students get to go on field trips –– roller skating, visiting museums and zoos. Spring music programs are scheduled to show off the talents of said students. Gyms are decorated for prom. Final tests are given and seniors prepare for graduation.

It all began very innocently, as most things do.

I've had a couple of experiences in the recent past that have made me think about how brave I am.

I haven't always felt being brave was necessary for me. After all, I have this big, strong husband and five equally as strong sons who would, I'm certain, protect me with their lives –– no matter what the circumstances.

A guy in my position probably should not be bragging about getting an old girlfriend back. What will people say, after all?

It all began when I was a little girl — my obsession with television and movies, that is.
You see, as a baby, and then as a young child sticking me in front of the television seemed to be the only thing that kept me out of my mother's hair for years. It's not that I necessarily even watched it, I just like to have it on near me.

This time — Sunday evening — a week ago, I was feeling pretty smug.

Every morning when I get to work I log on the internet to check the day's weather report.

The weather is becoming more spring-like here in Nodaway County with cool temperatures but the science fiction forecasters are predicting a warming trend.

Although some of these weekly efforts may not reflect it, I have been at this column-writing business for quite a few years now.

There seems to be a new wave of TV viewing these days. I keep hearing discussion of these new programs. What's the topic of conversation? Big families.