Hoping the predictors are wrong

By Joe Rector The prognosticators are telling us that the coming weekend will include a major winter weather event. I love the way that those who predict the weather use words like “event.” They make a snowstorm or ice storm, a rainstorm or a heatwave sound as if the...

Soup and a hug

By Joe Rector Before I begin, I’d like to offer an apology to my editor for any and all errors that might be contained in the draft I send her. A couple of weeks ago, I had cataract surgery on my left eye. Next Wednesday, I’ll have the other eye fixed. Right now, it’s...

Good time to work on trees

By Joe Rector Today is the last day I can do any meaningful work for the next month. Tomorrow, I will have cataract surgery on my left eye, and after two weeks of taking care of that side, I’ll have the other repaired. For the most part, the month of January is a...

Afterwards

By Joe Rector “Whew!” How many folks uttered that word on the Friday after Christmas 2025 had come and gone? Families united for a few days, but to be honest, many of those who left to return home, and the ones who hosted them were glad to wave goodbye. No matter how...

Routines

By Joe Rector Every morning, I rise from bed when my eyes open. If I’ve used an alarm clock, the snooze button is never touched. I walk through the house and hit the button to start the coffee pot brewing and continue to my bathroom at the far end of the house. I...

In the Middle

By Joe Rector Christmas and the New Year fall on awkward days this year, at least for the paper’s publishing. So, to begin, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Amy and I will travel at some time to Hendersonville. Lacey, Nick...