December 2024

The Maynard Gang

The boys at the Maynard Cafe and the Maynard Pitch Parlor often speak in the language of our previous generations for our own amusement. Truth be told, some of us speak that way naturally. One of the advantages of being a retired educator is that, unless making a speech, proper pronunciations and grammar are no longer requisite. In other words I have reverted to my redneck roots. This column will attempt to recreate conversations of a bygone time.

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From Scratch

This past week, I found myself doing a balancing act-navigating my time between Pocahontas and Corning, something I feel pretty honored to be doing. Both towns hold a special place in my heart, each with its unique flavor and charm.

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Just Jana

After a hectic day, I find sitting on the sofa curled up with a warm beverage, with all the lights off except for the twinkling Christmas tree, has a calming effect on me. I would practice this technique throughout the day after a stressful situation but I’m not sure how my clients would react finding me sitting in the dark in their homes... Cocoa anyone?

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Speaking French

The orange-and-brown décor is packed away, along with all the ceramic turkeys, Styrofoam pumpkins, tacky fall wreaths, pumpkin spice latte-scented wax melts and burned-down fall candles. Now, with Mariah Carey belting All I Want for Christmas Is You in the background, we pull out our Christmas decorations, trees, garlands and cherished memories, preparing for the biggest event of all—it’s Christmas time, baby!

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