Opinion

Sitting with my daughter, my aunt and my mom last Saturday afternoon, trying to get a word in edgewise, I blurted out, “Who’s the greatest fictional character of all time?” Receiving looks and stares of bewilderment, my mom quickly shouted out, “Billy Graham!” Expecting such a response, I explained to her that the Reverend Graham could in no way be anyone’s favorite fictional character. Understanding my words, she then blurted out, “Michael Jordan!” She was so proud of herself, but again, what kind of son would I be if I allowed her to think she was correct? So, more explanations were given, and after my aunt suggested Mighty Mouse, mom finally had an answer. She smiled and said, “Wonder Girl.”

One of my favorite amusements is to dumbfound and sometimes annoy my grandchildren and my sister’s grandchildren with words and sayings of past generations that are totally foreign to their technologized world. “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” “You can hear anything but the money a rattlin and the meat a fryin.” Reflecting on a long lifetime of hearing amusing and/ or profound Randolph County utterances, I have decided to offer a few for the edification of Star Herald readers.

with Jana Caldwell Mike has discovered he can take a picture his friends send him and find out exactly where they are on Google Earth. At the beach, fishing, hunting, doesn’t matter, he can track you. He finds it a challenge. It’s quite an art form and somewhat creepy as heck...

Animals can’t TELL us when they’re feeling poorly. You, the caregiver, need to learn the definitive signs so you can get them help. Probably the number one sign is not eating. If not eating is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and other signs, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Compulsion to hide – especially for cats – is also a sign of a health issue, especially if the cat used to be active and playful.

On Memorial Day our family took a trip to the Zoo in Memphis. It was over two years ago that we went last. Though we didn’t know him back then, Xander was with us on this day. We were excited to see Xander’s reaction to all the animals. Of course, he was all smiles and didn’t miss a thing, eyes wide in wonder at it all.