by design | Jul 20, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector Amy and I are still working to repair the damage done by whoever managed to hack our phones or computers. New information has been relayed to companies, and I hope before long we can once again get on with our lives. For the life of me, I can’t get used...
by design | Jul 13, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector I’m sitting at my desk and looking out at the backyard and into the field that is fenced behind. The place used to be cleaned up enough to see the concrete block barn that Mr. Roberts built. Now, a wide swath is overgrown with a thick, “junk” green hedge...
by design | Jul 6, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector Two weeks ago, my iPhone dinged at midnight. Sleepy-eyed, I looked at it and saw that my phone provider was sending a verification code. My thoughts were to leave it alone and take care of it in the morning. Throughout the night, I received...
by design | Jun 29, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector Last Friday, I finally attended my first Smokies ballgame at the new complex. To say the experience was a good one is to understate the case. I was amazed at the new facility, its spaciousness, cleanliness, friendly employees, and food and drink...
by design | Jun 15, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector I interviewed for my first job as a high school English teacher in 1974. Only a week of summer was left before teachers reported for in-service training for the coming school year. Luckily, Mildred Doyle honored a request from my mother to help in...
by design | Jun 8, 2026 | Columnist, Rector
By Joe Rector Thursday evening, I took Sadie out for her after-supper constitutional. After she finished her business, I sat on the grass and reeled my dog in. She was ready to go inside and receive her nightly dessert (dog bone), but I needed her to wait just...
