Sally Lael

Kids sitting in grass

Let’s take care of our youth

Watching the news, seeing the chaos on college campuses, so much unrest in the Middle East, politicians proving again and again they can’t be trusted......what’s going on? Where are we headed. Who or what is stoking the fire? 

Many questions, very few answers.

We are surrounded by so much that is wrong and it’s affecting all of us. But in the midst of all that is happening, we fail to see how it affects our most important treasure---our youth. And there is no way we can shield them from all of this.

Squamous cell skin cancer on Sally's hand.

Bits & Pieces – A PSA for my dear readers

This week’s column will be a little different than what you’re used to reading. Yes, I enjoy it when many of you have commented on the humor that I share with you, especially about my family. But today will not be entertaining you with humor but with concern for you and hopefully, some preventive care. 

A little over a week ago I was diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer. I wish I could tell you this was my first one but unfortunately it’s not. Note: there is a picture in this column of my latest skin cancer.

Telephone graphic

Bits & Pieces – Telephone evolution: from landlines to cellphones

Phone technology has changed so much since I was a youngster that it’s unbelievable.

I grew up in an era when we had telephone operators that would say, “number please.” And we also had party lines, which meant you shared a line with another person. You weren’t supposed to listen in to another person’s conversation, but....... sometimes you just couldn’t help it.

Cows sitting in field

Bits & Pieces – Cows that predict the weather

As I write this on Tuesday, the forecast for the predicted storms headed our way sound pretty serious. High winds, hail, thunderstorms, hail and possibly tornadoes are all in the watch. The storms are supposed to hit later this afternoon. 

I love storms.  I always have, even as a child.

Solar Eclipse graphic

Bits & Pieces – Back to normal, whatever that may be

Now that the eclipse is over, everyone can return to their normal routine, whatever that may be.

It was fun, exciting, and as I read this morning, or those who were in places where the eclipse was total, there were four minutes of silence. In some areas the eclipse lasted about four minutes.

People either flew or drove hundreds, maybe thousands of miles just to see this once in a lifetime event. I saw on the news that one man flew in from Africa just to see it.

Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Having a boy changes the game

April is here and we’re all anticipating lots of sunshine and warmer temperatures. But first there must be rain. Even though I’m writing this on Monday, rain is in the forecast for the next couple of days. 

April 1 is usually a day of fun and April Fool’s Day shenanigans, tricks, and pranks. However, historians just aren’t sure how April Fool’s Day originally started. But what they do know is the custom goes back centuries. I’m sure many remember playing the best April Fool’s joke on someone or being the target of one such joke.

Nea and Sally at the Nelson Ice Center

Bits & Pieces – The frozen Grandma and unfair word play

The “Soundtrack of Spotlight” was a huge success last weekend at the Nelson Ice Center in Springfield. 

It was everything and more! The costumes were beautiful, the music was fantastic and the ice skaters were awesome. And they were right; you couldn’t help but tap your feet and wiggling with the rythmn. There’s just something about “Jailhouse Rock,” “Yellow Submarine,” and of course, “Dancing Queen” that stirs up a lot of happy memories of days gone by. It definitely was a fun show.

Nea as Timon

Bits & Pieces – ‘Timon’ on ice this weekend

It’s that time of year again and I am excited!

It’s the annual ice skating show at the Nelson Center in Springfield---and my granddaughter, Nea, is in several numbers.

Nea started ice skating when she was 4.5. She is on the autustic spectrum, so her parents wanted to find something that she would be comfortable in, yet would excel in at her own pace. 

Through a lot of therapy and trying different activities, Nea has made amazing strides in her life. She will be 14 March 29.

Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Don’t put the snow shovel away!

Let’s face it! We are having beautiful, but freaky weather for  this time of year. Yes, we love the sunshine and 70+ degrees outside. Add to that the time change (something I dislike, but many prefer it) which gives us more daylight hours in the evening. 

February and March have many times in the past been our worse winter months. Warm days, cold nights, thunderstorms, ice storms, tornadoes, blizzards, you name it. The weather is pretty unstable during these two momths. Then in April, it tries to balance itself out.

Rocket Strong - Rushville-Industry

Our hearts ache

The horrible crash on Monday of a Rushville/Industry school bus and semi-truck has not only shook up Schuyler County, but all of the surrounding area, including Cass County.

While we may never know what happened, we know the Illinois State Police, Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, Rushville Police and other law enforcement agencies will do a thorough investigation to piece together this horrific nightmare.