senior scribes
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Words, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I had a request for an old column. I'm not searching my records - I'm too lazy - I'll rewrite it. The people with whom I've spoken regarding this, seem to like how I say it. A few faces lit up and one person started bouncing on their feet saying - "Yeah - right - true - , etc." So - I hope you all had a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays… - or whatever... read more
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Conversatin' By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column is a tad hard-hitting - it's the truth. I was chatting with a guy - I think - on the computer. You don't see a face - just a name. The conversation originally involved three of us - then just "he" and I. It started with our  US Constitution - that it is not being upheld. Some part of it states that we will not let people come here (to the USA) to live if they intend on destroying or harming us... read more
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Santa Claus?!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! It's always interesting to me how different things are around the world - and yet - the same, really. Take Santa Claus: In Belgium he's Pere Noel, in Brazil he's Papai Noel. In Germany he's Weihnachtman (Christmas Man), in Hawaii he's Kanakaloka. In Hungary he's Mikulas (St. Nicholas), in Italy he's Babbo Natale. In Japan he's Hoteiosho (a god or priest who bears gifts), in Russia he's Ded Moroz... read more
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Jesus and the Grinch, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I had readers express an interest in this subject. Since I've written about said subject previously - and I'm too lazy to go back through the columns - I've rewritten it. For me - every time I think about this subject - a new question arises. Enjoy! So the first "Christmas" was when this baby Jesus was born - as I see it. It's recorded in the King James Bible... which also records the Wise Men bringing gifts... read more
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Dennis Gray, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinners with family and friends. I did a little checking on this "Thanksgiving" idea. It seems that there has always been a party - if you will - when the crops were taken in from the fields. Most people had some sort of celebration, giving thanks to the god or gods for another year that held fertile fields, good rains, and healthy workers to tend... read more
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Senior Scribes… This World Is Not Our Home, Forwarded From Bev Hughes 
Dear friends, The news is dominated by the refugee crisis. Commentators debate it, politicians are fighting, Facebook opinions are running wild, Christians are on both sides of the debate. It's a confusing issue. I don't claim to know the answer, but I do know this. As Christians, this world is not our home either. In a way, we are refugees in a strange land, awaiting the day we can go home... read more
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Toujour Paree, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Do you readers remember the Andy Griffith Show? Do you remember the episode where the new kid in town was told repeatedly to stop riding his bike on the sidewalk? Remember Sheriff Andy had had enough of warning the kid, took the kid and the bike to the Court House and called the kid's Dad? Remember the Dad being at the Court House and the kid saying he did not hurt anyone while riding his bike... read more
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'Tis The Season! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! As I write this, I rub my forehead and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. On my answering machine was a message from the Government - the Government!! A guy who said his name was David (in broken English), warned me I needed to call a number he left in the message. I should do this as this was the "second warning" - "do not ignore this" I was told. Seriously? I never got the first warning... read more
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To The Vets and Readers, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! It's that time of the year - again - it seems too soon. Veteran's Day is next Wednesday - as I write this. I do not write these columns alone...readers tell me their hopes, dreams, fears, etc. I strive to make the columns worth your time to read - something tucked into them you can use - a direction for our lives (whether you take it or not - it's a direction.) - things with which we all deal everyday... read more
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Money, © By Abraham Lincoln
Whatever happened to the Half Dollar coin? I keep looking for them when I get change but they are all being hoarded or the banks no longer give them out. My father-in-law used to hand out Two Dollar Bills at Christmas. He always made a trip to the local bank to get the bills he was going to hand out each year. We still have those he gave us and the bills were issued the year we were born. Before I retired... read more
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Hope and Help, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! We've looked at some hard-hitting situations in the past couple of months. We looked at HIV/AIDS and Planned Parenthood getting caught verbally stating that they were selling "abortion contents" - dead baby body parts to be exact. In my Right to Life Newsletter - Ohio will no longer be funding Planned Parenthood due to this. We've looked at rights - peoples' rights. We've asked - I have asked... read more
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50 Shades of Gray, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!. It probably started when I was in on the ground floor of Abortion Accurate Information - now Crisis Pregnancy. Our goal was to provide as much information as possible - pictures, statistics, health risks to the Mother following an abortion, etc. The more information you have - the better your decision is. Somehow it spilled over into my life and these columns. No situation or answer is black or white... read more
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Consider This, By Mona Lease
HI, all! I thought I'd share this with you since we are coming upon the season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.  It has been brought to my attention that my column dated 9/19/2015 - entitled "Whose Rights Count" - has generated some speculation as to some particular person or persons that could be the subject matter. That is not so. My reference to nursing homes is because I worked in two of our local... read more
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A Two Headed Coin? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was thinking how the bad is everywhere. It seems like where there is a way to go wrongly - that's what's happening and a few new ways have been invented. So - consider the following: Marlee Martin, actress: Appeared in "The West Wing," "Desperate Housewives," "Seinfeld," "Law & Order," and "ER" - to name a few. She received an Academy Award for her role in "Children of a Lesser God" and... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… My pumpkin’s not ripe yet, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s fall. Wilson offers four poems, each addressing a different look at the changing of the season. Some days it’s warm, some days it’s not so warm. Autumn brings red, orange and gold… and then there’s the harvest. Enjoy. Wilson's completed set - five volumes... read more
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A Time to Wonder? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column might be a tad on the x-rated side or - not for the faint of heart. To say I am appalled, mortified, etc. - is an understatement. I claim no political party or religious affiliation. I believe in the "best man for the job" - whatever party - politically speaking. I do what I have to do every day of my life. But some of the recent happenings are "across the line" - so much so that John Boehner is done... read more
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Whose House Is It? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been seeing this a lot lately: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I've seen it on facebook, in the newspapers, heard it on the radio, etc. I've wondered what that actually means. When I was raising my son - it was "my house." My name was on the title. My name was on the lot I rented. My name was on the insurance. My name was on the electric/propane bills. My name was on the titles... read more
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Hotel Stay, From a CNO Reader
An older lady decided to give herself a big treat for her 70th birthday by staying overnight in a really nice hotel. When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250.00.  She demanded to know why the charge was so high. "I agree it's a nice hotel, but the rooms aren't worth $250.00 for just an overnight stay! I didn't even have breakfast." The clerk told her that $250.00 is the 'standard rate'... read more
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Whose Rights Count? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! How many of you readers remember Norman Rockwell and/or his paintings and pictures? Remember the ones he had on the Coca Cola memorabilia? You know - the ones where you were looking into the living room from the outside? The family is all snuggled up in front of a fire while the snow falls gently on the ground outside the window? Good!  Now that you have an image in your head... read more
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Lessons in the Key of Life, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! I was painting the bumper of my son's camper when I was told that my Dad's now-deceased friend's son had been looking for me and was there to see me. I found him leaning against an SUV. His Mother was in the passenger's seat. I went to her side of the SUV and thus began the reminiscing. As we scrolled backwards through the years - laughing at the good memories and knowing... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Gadgets, gadgets and more gadgets, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the issues with her insightful look at the important concerns of the day. This time it’s the gadgets of the day. Wilson offers four poems, each addressing a different look at today’s technology. She even has a prediction for the future… check it out! Wilson's completed set - five volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered... read more
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Labor Day?! By Mona Lease
HI, all!! I've always wondered about Labor Day. No Federal employees work it. How is that? Where did Labor Day start? Why? So - I googled it. Labor Day is always the first Monday of September. Oh - ok. It's created by the Labor Movement and dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Hmm. It's a yearly national tribute to the contributions of workers to the strength... read more
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Facts-n-Hints, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I thought since the Great Darke County Fair is here and school is around the corner - I'd make this column more "reader friendly" - if you will. Things That Ruin The Skin 1)Too much chlorine. 2)Too much coffee. 3)Sleeping with make-up applied. 4)Popping pimples. 5)Skipping meals. 6)Long, hot showers. 7)Testing too many products. 8)Not drinking enough water. 9)Too much talking on the phone... read more
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No Worries!? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I need to see my eye Dr. - who is now retired. No worries - he left associates to replace him. I called to schedule an appointment. Three Drs - take your pick. No worries. Now to the insurance - of course - they want to be paid before you even get there. My insurance is United Health Care. Are the Drs "in network" or "out of network?" Now the worries start. OK - maybe not worries. But - hassles... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… It’s Fair Time Again, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of our favorite times of the year with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s the Great Darke County Fair. Wilson offers four poems, each addressing a different look at what visitors will find during fair week…  check them out: Hair Raising, Milking TV, Medlesome Moo-Ves and Under a Cloud. Wilson's completed set... read more
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“Missed Opportunities ~ Missed Blessings” By Art Garland
“Geesh!  So many things on my list I need to get done today!”  Tossing them all around in my mind, driving from one appointment to another I come upon a stop sign.  Stopping, I look to the right then left, then right again and slowly begin to pull away. I had noticed a woman in the street with many bags falling all around her feet.  My first thought was not on this woman, but of my next appointment... read more
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What Have We Accepted? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! So - for the disturbing phone calls I mentioned last week - and the added conversations I had in public places: 1)A guy told me his Father died and there was no funeral. He lowered his head and changed the subject. 2)A young man told me I am living in the '70's. It is now acceptable for an attached girl (married or not) to have male friends and do things with them while the boyfriend (or husband)... read more
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Cherry Tree, By Abraham Lincoln
I have been watching my new cherry tree growing and this is the fourth year since I planted it—a bare root specimen that I ordered from Miller Nursery and it arrived by UPS along with two apple trees. The apple trees began producing apples the second year and were not the kind you see in the grocery store. I picked one or two off and noted they were covered with scabs and that I would have to begin... read more
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Needful Stuff, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! After a couple of disturbing phone calls - disturbing to me anyway - I thought I'd just take a break from it all and give you readers something useful and fun, too. Enjoy!! 10 Brilliant Uses For Beer: 1) Restore volume to limp hair. Mix 3 T of beer with a 1/2 cup of water. Rinse out the shampoo, apply the beer mixture and wait 5 minutes. Rinse. 2) Quick clean and season cast iron. Pour fresh beer... read more
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Wings and Ollie's Plowshares, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! There's a lot of activity in our little county. And some new activity to come. I'll get to the new stuff a tad later. Has anybody seen the helicopter that has been "crop-dusting" in the county the last couple of weeks or so? I had the opportunity to speak with the owner of the business....seriously. He was sitting on the outside of the helicopter talking to the pilot. The helicopter was parked at a local hotel... read more
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Park Concerts & Band Shell, By Sharon Hopper
We attended the jazz band concert and in spite of threatening weather and there was quite a crowd. We have attended all the concerts this year and each and everyone has been well attended. Greenville is planning a new band shell in the park and I do hope that a lot of people get behind this project as it will enhance the experience of attending these concerts. I am sure the sound will be improved and having... read more
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Truth From An Unlikely Source? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following is from a one Mr. Scott Gauthier - a black man. "How ya'll doin', America? We're gonna talk just a little bit about the Confederate Flag - just for a second. Just for a second we're gonna talk about the flag. See this flag? See this Confederate Flag behind me? A lot of people think it was just meant for slavery or was fought on racism. And it most certainly was not. Just to get everybody's... read more
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Of Flags and Morals, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This is another one of "those" columns. Again - this is the truth. Friday, July 10, marked an historic event - the removal of the Confederate Flag from the Dome of the Statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina. It has hung there some 54 years. The catalyst for the event is reported to be a one Dylan Roof - who purchased a gun through an "FBI background check flaw." I'm gonna say this... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Have you noticed how things are shrinking? By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of her game with an insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s getting less for more. Wilson offers five poems, each addressing a different look how our purchasing power seems to be decreasing. She has no fear as she takes on the companies that manufacture our toilet tissues, facial tissues, cereal... read more
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The Phone Call, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I answered the phone to hear a woman telling me - you were right - you were right...What you said is true. I say a lot of things - so, I took a deep breath and asked - "To what are you referring?" I was hoping - ok - praying this was not going to reach behind me and take a huge bite. She reminded me that I had told her that it takes a family - a community really - to effectively raise a child... read more
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Will Rogers - and Senior – wisdom, From a CNO reader
Will Rogers, who died in a 1935 plane crash in Alaska with bush pilot Wiley Post (from Maysville, Okla), was one of the greatest political country/cowboy sages this country has ever known. Some of his sayings: 1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco. 2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day. 3. There are two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither works. 4. Never miss a good chance to shut up... read more
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Independence Bought, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is a little hard-hitting. Then again - the truth usually is. You all remember the story of "The Titanic?" Remember how there were not enough life jackets? Remember the icebergs? OK - now scroll backwards another 250+ years or so. Ships were not built as well as the Titanic - luxury wise or even "smooth-sailing" wise. Oceanus Hopkins was born aboard the Mayflower while it was... read more
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The Plane Crash, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I took this test last weekend. I thought it would be an interesting change of pace. You are riding on an airplane and the pilot radios the control tower - MAYDAY - MAYDAY!  The plane is losing altitude...there is some sort of trouble with an engine. In the last transmission, the pilot tells "the tower" he is 25 air miles from Anchorage, Alaska. That is roughly 50 miles by land. The plane crashes... read more
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This is London Calling, By Abraham Lincoln
Times have changed. If I live until my birthday I will be 81 years old. Our house, in Gordon, was purchased from the Arcanum National Bank because the original owners lost everything during The Great Depression and could not make payments. The taxes were past due at the county seat in Greenville, Ohio and my dad went there and paid the... read more
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Fertile Gardens, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This one has been in my head for too long. As I was waiting outside of WalMart for my ride, I heard as young woman tell the two little girls with whom she was walking, that they were right - we do not talk to strangers. The whole "stranger/danger" thing went through my mind. Which brings me to the following: We tell, talk, preach and restate - stranger/danger, say no to crack... read more
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Little Green Onions, By Abraham Lincoln
What do old people think about? At 80 plus I seldom think about my future because the road ahead is one we all take and there are no rest stops along the way. Sometimes I think of myself as that last piece of tape on the roll wonder if will I be enough to finish wrapping this package. I catch myself thinking about the many things already done and forgotten until I just remembered how... read more
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Crowning Glory, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! A young man called me the other day. He told me his Mom raised him. His parents were divorced. His Dad never really cared - he had always known that. He told me he had been very defiant - too defiant, actually. He said he had tested her and her boundaries. He tested her to see if she would follow through with the rules she had set...she always did. Her yes was always yes and no was... read more
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Our Old House, By Abraham Lincoln
The house was old when we moved in. I should say it was old when my dad bought it and got the deed after paying $300.00 in past due taxes. The Shepard family had to move out before dad and mom moved in. It was the house I was born in. Windows rattled when the wind blew. Fine dust particles sifted through cracks and settled on the windowsill. In the winter, fine snow would end up on my quilt... read more
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Spittoons, By Abraham Lincoln
The tiny building set along the Dayton, Greenville and Union City railroad line. It was built as a ticket and baggage office shortly after the railroad came to town. The small office was no longer used by the railroad and was sold to George Myers. It was his Gordon Coal Office. My mom didn't like the place because my dad went there, and she said it was... read more
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A 50 Year Answer? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! The following has been floating around in my mind for a while now. So - I'm going to submit this to you for your mental mastication - or - another of my "something to think on a spell" columns. Mastication means to chew. It is the first step in the digestion process and allows more efficient breakdown of food by the enzymes. This is accomplished by thorough chewing... read more
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COPD, By Abraham Lincoln
I felt immortal back then. I was mired in black volcanic sand on the beach at Iwo Jima. Scrambling up that slope was as impossible when I had to do it as it has always been. The black lava beach was a nightmare and I remember looking at the volcanic mountain named, “Suribachi”, on my left and the caves where Japanese machine gunners... read more
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Hello and Goodbye, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Memorial Day weekend was great. My son drove up from Florida. As a family - we camped out and through a joint effort - we made Dad's famous "Bluegrass Stew" - cooked over an open fire. In the vein of laughter and good times - I submit the following to you. Memorial Day weekend has long been the "unofficial start of the boating season."  So for all of you boaters, skiers, etc. - wear your life... read more
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I Remember, By Abraham Lincoln
Some 'remarkable people' have crossed my path over the years. My mother kept us alive when all hope must have vanished during the Second World War.  My wife, these last 60 years, has been a calming influence on my life. I think of the dogs I have called my own, by personal name, who have kept my blood pressure low. Miss Beatrice Brown, my... read more
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Decoration Day, By Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln lived in Gordon, Ohio during World War II and remembers what Memorial Days used to be like. This day, Memorial Day, used to be called, "Decoration Day," because it was a national holiday created for the express purpose of honoring our dead by visiting the cemeteries and placing flowers or other "decorations" on the grave sites. When I was young, people cut off flowers... read more
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Honoring those who gave the ultimate price, By Lois Wilson
While most of Americans across the country enjoy their first three-day weekend of the summer, Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson reminds us of the reason for Memorial Day holiday. It isn’t about bar-b-ques or family get-togethers. It’s about those who died so that we may enjoy this and so many other holidays we observe… and the freedoms that go... read more
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Awnings, By Abraham Lincoln
We finally got our cloth awnings installed and they really make a difference in the outside appearance and now the afternoon sun no longer streams in and heats up the house. We have had awnings before and liked them but they eventually wear out and we waited several years to have them replaced. The awning company we used is the same one we had used originally—from Fairborn, Ohio; Glawe Awning... read more
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A Breath of Fresh Air, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! A reader called me. I've been mentoring her for a few years now. She had to change her life - let go of old friends that did not want to grow up and be responsible. One of her friends that did grow up, called her. The friend's sister - Barbie Doll - loves the heroin. Someone informed Children's Services...who made a surprise inspection of Barbie's house. Barbie tested positive for heroin. Barbie called her older sister... read more
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A Kid and a Pope, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been watching a Grandmother (who has custody of her (grandkiddies) manipulate the Father of the grandkiddies. He is not allowed to throw a football with them or interact with them. He is good enough to be allowed to drop the kiddies off after school. You can be sure he is allowed (and made) to pay child support. I watched, for myself, this Father be run off by the Police three times... read more
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Mothers, From Mona Lease
Hi, all!! So many things are happening, I think I could write a column a day! Since I've spoken to a few callers about their life, growing years, young broken hearts, kissing scraped knees, etc. - I dedicate the following to all of you Moms out there. Our work is always needed - whether it is to our own kiddies or to someone that looks to us for wisdom and advice. When the Good Lord was creating Mothers, He was... read more
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Sleep Apnea Test, By Abraham Lincoln
When I was wired for my sleep apnea sleep test. I had 24 wires stuck on my body–under my nose, under my chin, on my temples, behind both ears, on my head in my hair–in front and in back; on my chest, plus two wires on each leg taped on my shins. And, I had two belts around my middle. Each wire end was stuck on my body with a strip of 747 tape (It is the same tape used to fasten the wings... read more
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Could This Happen? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! My Editor printed this article in it's entirety some years previous. For this column, I am using the last portion. "A philosophy professor puts a large jar on his desk and fills it with golf balls. He asks if it's full and the students answer yes. He takes a bag of pebbles, pours them into the jar and shakes it until the pebbles settle into the spaces between the golf balls. Is it full? The students say yes. He takes... read more
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School Days, By Abraham Lincoln
Times have changed. If I live until my birthday I will be 81. I have lived through the Great Depression that ruined lives and bankrupted whole communities. I have starved until mother made enough money washing and ironing Herb Hamel’s bushel basket of clothes and got paid so we could buy something to eat for $2.00 a week. I remember the fear of World War II, and our neighbors who lost sons in Italy, Germany... read more
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Put it on the Bill, by Abraham Lincoln
There was a time, not that long ago, when you walked into your grocery story with a note. The note contained a list of items you needed. My mother usually gave me a note and told me to go to Boyer’s or to Pinkerton’s store to get the things on the note. Sometimes she also gave me money to pay for the items but more often than not, she would say, “Tell them to... read more
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Skunks and Crows, © By Abraham Lincoln
Our dog, Pepper Jax, went out at 6:15 AM the other morning. After a few minutes I went back to the door to let him come back in. I saw him nose-diving into the dew-covered grass and then rolling. He did it repeatedly and I called my wife, Patty, to come and look. We decided he must have been sprayed by a skunk but neither one of us can smell so we didn’t or couldn’t smell anything. He came in the... read more
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What Do You Say? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! A twelve year old girl sat on a park bench beside her fifteen year old half brother at the Darke County Fair. I listened as they spoke of the fact that their Mother had given both of them away when they were very young - One year old and three years old - too young! The girl has a physical defect. The boy has no "defects." They wondered why they were not wanted. The boy told his half sister... read more
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The Way it Was, Abraham Lincoln
Sometimes I either dream or fall into a kind of stupor and seem to exist in a different time. I am able to see and hear whatever is around me. I also remember sitting up against an old oak tree at the speedway south of Greenville and remembered when I walked in and stood at the guardrail and imagined racing cars roaring around the dirt track. And I saw, as plain... read more
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How We Shopped, By Honest Abe Lincoln
Small towns had stores called, "Grocery Stores," that sold more than food. We had two stores in my village named after the founder, Philip "Gordon." Both stores sold food, and they catered to farmers with harness, fly nets, milk buckets, and all the things the local farmers needed. The store at the south end sold more nuts, bolts, and nails than the north store did. I was always fascinated with the buckets... read more
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I know that I am not the only one who gets angry, but… By Sharon Hopper
I hear about the testing that is going on in the schools and some good and some bad perceptions have resulted.      But somehow I think that all this talk about testing and preparation for life in the real world has gotten lost.   For instance.   We have cash registers  that tell the clerk  how much  the purchase is and how much change should be given back to the customer.    But sometimes even that is misinterpreted... read more
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The Holy Gray, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column is kind of a "part two" to last week's column. I spoke with a reader regarding Indiana's law allowing business owners to decide who to serve. This turned into a religious war of sorts and drew in the homosexuals as well as the Mexicans. She (the reader) thought there was a lot of "gray area" - religiously speaking. So - I went in search of what I called... read more
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Socialized Medicine, by Abraham Lincoln
I watched Obama talk, repeatedly, about delivering affordable health care for the masses and I voted for him to deliver pills to us patients. So far, without any notable exceptions, Obama has not swayed Congress to create socialized medicine for Americans -- both the Republicans in office and the Democrats running things are all taking big bucks... read more
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What if you were the mother of Jesus? By Sharon Hopper
Every year at this time we as Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus and so it is written that if we believe in the death and resurrection that we will have everlasting life. We hear about the crowds shouting for the freedom of Barabbas and they put Jesus on the cross only a short time after a triumphant arrival into Jerusalem. And I have always wondered how this could be, except that God ordained... read more
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Easter, You Say? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! As I write this - Easter is a mere five days from us. I've heard all the "talk." You can't call is "Easter" - that's a "pagan"  holiday...you have to call it "Resurrection Sunday."  It's (April 5th) not even when Jesus rose. There's no Easter Bunny - the Easter Bunny is "pagan."  It's not Easter - it's "Easterlie." I've heard "it's not" and "you have to" until I just turned off the computer and laid down the pen... read more
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Are the oldersters the ones with dementia? From a CNO Reader
Recently, I went to McDonald's and I saw on the menu that you could have an order of 6, 9 or 12 Chicken McNuggets. I asked for a half dozen nuggets. 'We don't have half dozen nuggets,' said the teenager at the counter. 'You don't?' I replied. 'We only have six, nine, or twelve,' was the reply. 'So I can't order a half dozen nuggets, but I can order six?' 'That's right.' So I shook my head and ordered six McNuggets... read more
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Good Golly Molly---It Is Over! By Sharon Hopper
After what seemed a lifetime this winter we are on the brink of spring. To me this was the longest time I can remember that I was trapped inside. I love the outside and the fresh air. Heck I even drive my car in the winter with the windows down so I can breathe the fresh air. My husband on the other hand has the heater on what seems 100 degrees. In other words it is ‘hot’. Same with our house. Hot, stuffy, and dry... read more
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Pinstripes and Details, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! So - for those of you that read my column faithfully (thanks, much!), you'll know that I am drawn to the unusual - the things that money cannot buy - you know...true friends...family...dedication, etc. When I saw the truck I knew there was a story - and it would be a good one. The truck arrived in or at the edge of Darke County from California. The owner could not get the truck to run or run rightly. Sorry about... read more
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Here WE Go Again….Our Government’s Stupidity, By Sharon Hopper
Actually who in their right mind would think that homeland security could afford to go broke and cease to exist? REALLY?!!!! Did our congressmen and women forget 911, Colorado Federal Building, ISIS, Presidential Campaigns, or the Massachusetts bombing of a race to name a few. And what about all the National Holidays and sporting events like the Olympic Games. And Let us not forget the politicians... read more
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Very Interesting! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I find the following facts most interesting. See what you think. Isis has been running wild - almost unstoppable you might say. Israel will not stand for it. And Netanyahu has voiced this loudly and clearly. He is equal to our Presidency..."head of the country" speaking. Netanyahu came to the US. He is asking for countries to band together to stop Isis. Our President and Democrats did not attend... read more
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Question? By Sharon Hopper
What have you done with your time here on earth? And What do you expect your reward to be? These were the questions that were brought to our small elderly congregation this past week. My first thought was why is he (the pastor) asking such a group these questions at this time in our lives? Isn’t the age of accomplishment over at this point and is it not too late to go back and have a do over? Then I started reflecting... read more
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Ageless Advice, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Elle grew up in the depression. She remembered getting out of school to people singing, dancing, and shouting in the streets - the war was over - at last!! She lived through hard times - good times bad times and lonely times. She knew money - no money - some money - much money and increasing prices to take the "much money." I had come to depend on her wisdom and opinions on a lot of these columns... read more
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Here we are in a New Year……2015, By Sharon Hopper
Everyone always looks to a New Year like their life is going to be different. But I believe that this year will be the same as last year and the problems will continue. You see I don’t think problems go away with a new year, they actually change over many years. For instance…  I remember driving home from Newport R.I. It took as long to travel the 110 miles from the Pa. line to my hometown of Huron, Ohio as it did to make... read more
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Purim, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! For those of you who read my columns faithfully - thanks much!! - you know that there are some things I just gotta find out for myself - no offense to anyone. All of my life I have heard phrases like "Jew someone down on a price" or those people won't let you "jew" them, etc. I've heard about Orthodox Jews, Traditional Jews, Jews for Jesus, etc. Roughly ten years ago, I started researching these subjects... read more
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Two Phone Calls, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following will sound sad at times. And at times - sappy and sentimental. But - it's all true. She called me crying. I knew before she told me. I had spoken to her two days before that. She had held the phone up to her husband's ear. I said hi. I heard bub, bub, bub. He was heavily dosed with morphine for the cancer pain. She had been telling me that she wanted one last good-bye...one last hug...one last kiss... read more
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Amidst the Chaos? By Mona Lease
I am amazed at what I hear now that I've been keeping my mouth shut - well, more shut than I ever have! The following amuses me. I find so much irony in it. And - a healthy dose of humor. I've heard all my life that Catholics "have it wrong." I've watched the news as Jewish people were killed because "they were inferior" or as Hitler put it - "life worthy of life." He and those who were close to him "had it right - the true religion, etc... read more
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Pacts and Promises, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I am submitting the following to you - to read - to reflect. I used bing on my laptop and typed in "signatures of the Geneva Convention." The following is from "Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia." The Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864 - in Geneva, Switzerland - a neutral country. It was revised in 1906, 1929, and again in 1949 - after we "learned a few more things." This treaty is forever linked to the... read more
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"That Day" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Saint Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day, Feast of Saint Valentine; whatever you call it - we celebrate it every February 14th. It is celebrated around the world and in most countries - it is not a holiday. The holiday began as a liturgical celebration for early Christian saints named Valentinus. Many stories surround this holiday. One of the stories is: A Saint Valentine of Rome was thrown into prison for... read more
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Mrs. Campolo, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! With so many jobs being lost, I thought now might be a good time to submit this to you. I've had it for a few years. I never realty thought there would be a use for it. Still, throwing it in the trash seemed wrong. Off the top, it shows how big words and "labels" strung together, can be misleading. For you parents out there - this one's for you. To you Moms - rethink being "just a housewife"... read more
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Name-ly Speaking, By Mona Lease
As I write this - we just relived the whole Nazi-Germany experience. Saturday and Sunday January - 17th and 18th - the computer scrolled the old headlines across my home page. Certain tv stations were filled with it. Down in his FuhrerBunker - some 28 feet below a garden - Adolph Hitler took up residence. The date was January 16,1945. Russia was coming with mustard gas bombs. It is reported... read more
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Old Fart Pride, From a CNO reader
I'm passing this on as I did not want to be the only Old Fart receiving it. Actually, it's not a bad thing to be called, as you will see. Old Farts are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the National Anthem. Old Farts remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them. Old Farts remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal... read more
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Virginia's Knowledge, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! It had been a while and I was beginning to wonder if I would see Virginia. And just like that - she surprised me with a short visit. She asked me if I had thought about last week's column - about Elle. OK - no disrespect, Virginia but, - Duh - I wrote it. Then I remembered Virginia's ways. ..think harder. OK - I don't get it. She told me to think backwards - what?!! OK - Elle died - I spoke with Elle five days... read more
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Elle, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Before I continue - I want to say that I do not write these columns by myself. They are a collection of thoughts and ideas you readers have shared with me. And I write them in an effort to make this column worth your time to read - that you might find a tidbit to help you gain more perspective. Also - maybe you will find someone else has made it through a situation that you are now encountering. Lastly... read more
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New Year/New Hope, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I hand write these columns to keep a written record for myself. When I wrote 2015 - I was shocked. 2015 already?! I thought about our last year...2014. I spoke with a girl's Mom - we had just been camping. It has not been five months already - has it? There have been so many changes...changes in our home - Darke County. Changes in our Government - our country. And, it is in that capacity I write... read more
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A Yuletide Blessing? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I hope you all had a safe, happy and healthy Yuletide! Now for some exciting stuff - I believe. On the front page of the Daily Advocate - Monday - 12/22 - the headline read - "Commissioners, Judge clash over budget."  This is a money issue, again...nothing new. Money is wanted for the Adult Probation Program for 2015. But what is new is this - Commissioner Mike Stegall is quoted as saying... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Merry Christmas, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s Christmas. Wilson offers two poems and a puzzle, each addressing a different look at Christmas and the holiday season. The accuracy of predictions, the splendor of the ice spears, and finally, the inevitable thaw. Wilson's completed set - five volumes... read more
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Christ - mas? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I submitted a letter to the editor of the Early Bird - which got me to thinking - as usual. I did some more research past that letter. See how you think and feel. People have been running around like Mad Hatters - readying for Christmas. One woman has denied herself and delivered trees, food, clothes, dishes, bedding, tvs, - you name it. She sounds and looks very tired. Others swiped credit cards... read more
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Depression, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been meaning to write this column and other subjects seemed more important - more in tune with the calendar. I've been speaking to people lately and hearing about their depression. They say it is the holidays...then again - in July it was something else. Before I continue I need to state that I am not speaking of depression over the loss of something...a job, house, etc....or a loved one... read more
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My Take On It, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following has a heavy psychological slant to it. Take your time with this...study on it. A Priest's wife and their two teenage daughters went to Spain. The three of them went to a topless beach. When the congregation found out about it - they were outraged. They sputtered - they gasped...of all the gall! One old man said they were getting upset over nothing. After a couple of weeks it would be no big deal. Think about that... read more
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What in the World is Happening? By Sharon Hopper
These past few months everybody seems to be demonstrating about something and the troublesome part of all this unrest is supposedly a race issue. Well I have a different opinion. I think the troublesome part is complete disregard for the law. It seems to me that the more the law is administered, the more people want to demonstrate, destroy property that is not even theirs to destroy, and are willing to go to jail... read more
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Cleaver Knowledge, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column has been floating around in my head for  a while now. Follow me  - if you dare. Was it in the '60's that we - as a people - told June Cleaver to drop the pearls - she could be more - "deserved" to be more than just Mrs. Ward Cleaver...that she could have her "dream" (some women did not know they had a dream and were told to get one!). June was told that little Beaver would be ok without... read more
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Open Letter to My Niece, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!  Niece: I am so pleased you are expecting your first "bundle of joy!" I know you have many thoughts right now. I know you have wanted this for a long time. I wanted to share some of the wisdom given to me. If you set boundaries early in life - like when they are up and walking - you will save yourself a lot of headaches in the future. Raising kiddies is like a savings account: When you tell the kiddie you love... read more
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Old Words, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He kept a daily diary. He wrote of breaking camp to go get turnips from a field they had passed earlier that day on a march. He wrote it all in pencil. He wrote of not holding much hope that he would make it back to US soil alive. He wrote letters to his family "back home." He wrote of constant drilling to keep their skills sharp - of grabbing his gas mask "just in time." He wrote of boarding... read more
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Co-Incidents, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was waiting until after the election to voice my views. Mostly, I wanted to see the prevailing thought processes. I claim no political party and am not swayed by money or the promises of it. I vote for whomever is requesting and requiring the truth. In this case it is John Boehner. He requests the truth as to why four American soldiers were left in the Syrian desert to die when they had requested aid - namely Benghazi... read more


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