Dear Readers, more

Springtime: a season synonymous with blooming flowers, verdant landscapes, and the promise of warmer days ahead. For many, it’s a time to revel in the beauty of nature’s rebirth, a chance to shed the layers of winter and embrace the sun's gentle kiss. However, for a significant portion of the population, this idyllic vision is marred by an annual battle against the invisible foes of pollen, mold spores, and a myriad of other allergens. Welcome to the world of seasonal allergies, where the joys of spring are tempered by the discomfort of runny noses, itchy eyes, and a symphony of sneezes. more

In an exciting development for aspiring writers and community storytellers, the West Plains Daily Quill has announced an open call for a new columnist to join our beloved weekly feature on the Local Voices page. This opportunity, appearing in every Wednesday edition of the newspaper, represents a significant platform for locals to share their insights, stories, and reflections on a wide array of topics ranging from local history to modern-day culture. more

Though I have never lived in the town of Houston, I’m enjoying a book by Julia West Parker that started as a paper she wrote for an upcoming centennial of the founding of Texas County, MO. Her story of the early history of Texas County and the town of Houston is a page-turner as she recalls the churches, schools, courthouses, businesses, and families of Texas County, beginning with her birth at Elk Creek, Mo. in 1881. more

The farmer down the road was the first person to pay me for working. more

Have you ever heard of Bharatanatyam? For most people in the Ozarks the answer would be just like me with a “No- I don’t even have an idea of what that would be.” Although I still stumble over the pronunciation - buh-ruh-tuh-NAH-tyum, I do know the definition and have studied its origin and practices in India. more

Dear Readers, more

We celebrate National Women’s Health Week from May 12 through 18. more

In an exciting development for aspiring writers and community storytellers, the West Plains Daily Quill has announced an open call for a new columnist to join our beloved weekly feature on the Local Voices page. This opportunity, appearing in every Wednesday edition of the newspaper, represents a significant platform for locals to share their insights, stories, and reflections on a wide array of topics ranging from local history to modern-day culture. more

While April is known as the month that brings May flowers, it’s during the month of May that we set aside time to honor those who died in active military service, usually by placing flowers @ gravesites. Whether we call it Decoration Day or Memorial Day now, it’s always been a reverent day of remembrance in the Ozarks. more

My mother never made cinnamon rolls for breakfast or an apple pie for supper, leastways none that I can recall. more

Dear Readers, more

It’s kind of a bittersweet thing, Memorial Day. Sure, it’s a three-day weekend, barbecues, and local parades. But at its heart, it’s about remembering those we’ve lost, particularly the ones who fought for our freedoms. And there’s this whole tradition—maybe your family does it too—of going out to cemeteries and decking out graves with flags, flowers, and all that jazz. Except, here’s the kicker, it looks like this tradition might be on its way out. more

I read some of the most interesting bits of history in a cookbook this week. That’s right, a cookbook: “Missouri Back Road Restaurant Recipes: A Cookbook & Restaurant Guide” by Anita Musgrove. more

All a telephone was good for when I was a boy was talking to people beyond earshot. more

Last week, I had intended to write about a book written by my relative and long-time Ozarker, more

Dear Readers, more

If humming is a sure sign of happiness, we have some very happy children creating Lego masterpieces as I write my column this Saturday morning. The lovely harmony created by one family reminds me of bees buzzing in a flowerbed! more

It was one of those random conversations spurred by a bit on the news about population growth: Benton County, Arkansas, has experienced phenomenal growth. more

This week, I’d like to feature a book called “2 Good 2 Be 4Gotten” by Dr. Max Decker. Written in 2012, the author of this book, Max, was my Cousin Twice Removed (my Grandpa’s first cousin.) His mother, Gladys Martin Decker, was a sister to Katie Martin Patillo (my great grandmother.) My second great-grandparents were Richard Cowden Martin and Tennessee James Martin. more