by Martin Puckett
I am sure many of us have set some New Year resolutions for 2013. I set a few personal goals last year, mostly to do with my health. Some were hard to measure; they were general goals, like being healthier.
These days, when everyone is so busy, whether you get out and physically travel somewhere to do research, or whether you do it online, you should prepare first. This means you need to decide who and what you are looking for, and gather at least the basic facts about them, so you have it near to hand when you find something.
I will blame the whole incident I am about to share with you on peer pressure; pure and simple. The year was 1962 and it was the typical, traditional, old fashioned winter, complete with school-closing snowstorms and abandoned mountains of snow that challenged ambitious and fearless children. It was a winter boasting snowbanks that flexed their muscles upward in a quest to surpass phone poles and thick power lines.
It is nearly time for those fresh New Year’s Resolutions. We frantically savor seasonal treats, like that raspberry chocolate cheesecake; justifying its speedy ingestion with the solid knowledge that as of Jan. 1, 2013, we will leave all sweets behind upon our quest to become healthy, happy and svelte.
Typically, at this time of year, I like to write about all the joys and wonder that the Christmas holiday holds for both my children and myself. But this year, it just didn’t feel right given the horrific events that unfolded in Newtown, Conn. Friday when a gunman entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School and opened fire on children and staff, killing 20 students and six staff members before taking his own life.
“I could sure use a miracle right about now,” she grumbled into the chilling, opaque mist. “Something to believe in.” She was weary from Christmas shopping that began while pumpkins were still ripening on the vine. She was plagued with the knowledge that some folks placed a Christmas tree in every room of their house, while others were blessed to have just one.
If the initial figures are any indication, the town of Houlton is heading for another tax increase in 2013. But can taxpayers afford it?
That is the question sure to be on the minds of many as the town’s Board of Budget Review puts the finishing touches on 2013 municipal budget. The group is expected to give its final stamp of approval to the $9.474,134 spending plan Wednesday evening. From there, the town
I stood at the greeting card display, searching for the perfect Christmas card for my husband. Beside me, a charismatic gentleman wearing a green and white striped stocking cap pulled card after card from the slots. “I am looking for a card for my wife and I just can’t seem to find one that fits,” he mumbled.
While this time of year is typically filled with joy for many people, it is sometimes easy to forget that not everyone shares the yuletide spirit.
The holidays are a difficult and trying time for some folks. This year especially, more people are experiencing financial issues of not having enough money to get their children the gifts they want — or any gifts at all. It’s a tough decision for sure for those with economic needs. Do they buy their child a gift to put under the tree? Or do they spend their money to put food on the table?
Mom, Grammy McIntyre and I were on our way to visit my Great Aunt May. It was a bitter, brown and gray November day; one of many days that waited patiently for the cleanse of pure white snow, platinum frost and the glory of Christmas.
