Opinion

Have you ever wondered what’s on those “other” television channels? You know, the ones you don’t watch. I watch the low ones from the major networks: three, six, and so forth up to PBS and that one, only if it stars a good-looking hero and an impelling story … with emphasis on the good-looking hero. Then I skip to a couple of twenty-four-hour cable news channels … just in case Congress actually passes some legislation. It’s common knowledge that sports are not a priority of mine, so I skip those channels … unless my man-friend is visiting, and I pretend I’m a regular fan. 

“One thing for sure,” a reader mentioned the other day, “most of your columns are centered on your own ‘back when’ memories.” An easy counter is that just as many pieces are written about their “back when” recollections.

Some of the most poignant accounts are from folks 90 or more years of age. Engage them in conversation, however brief, and they’re apt to flip back memory calendars to the 1930s, when the Great Depression gripped our land.

The oil and gas industry in the United States is unique. It is made up of thousands of companies involved in exploration, production, transportation, refining and marketing of crude oil and natural gas from coast-to-coast and from Canada to Mexico and beyond.

My granddad worked for Buffalo Bill Cody.

No, he didn’t travel the nation with the old scout’s famous Wild West Show. But when the shoot-‘em-up extravaganza came to Austin in the fall of 1908 and again in1910, my granddad (L. A. Wilke, 1897-1984) played a role both important and minor – he helped reload the blank rifle ammunition so copiously expended during the performances. 

Years later, around 1975, Granddad recalled: 

Dear Editor,

It’s a crying shame that as of January 1st, older Americans and people with disabilities have been having to pay completely out-of-pocket for physical, occupational, and speech therapy as soon as a few weeks after a stroke or a fall.  

Many older individuals may be forced to ration their care. There’s no excuse for Congress to leave them out in the cold when they are struggling to cope with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, or other serious conditions.  

Thanks for the kitchen help

Following the water damage to our kitchen Jan. 17 many have worked to help Concerned Citizens. The Concerned Citizens Board of Directors and Director Russonna Jones-Briscoe would like to thank the following:

Jacksboro Fire Department, Duane and Janet Norvill, James Corbett, Church of Christ, Joe Underwood, Joe Henry Underwood, Kirby Stubbs, Chino Gutiérrez, Libby Gonzales, Greg Lewis, Mary and David Rix, Jennifer Myers, The Parish, Jacksboro Elementary School and Bill and Judy Stamper.

And on the fourteenth day, God approved the use of Duct Tape. At least that’s the way I see it. For a woman with three screwdrivers, a vice grip, and a circle saw that doesn’t have the regulation three prong plug, Duct Tape is the answer to many a dilemma. One such event happened a couple of weeks ago.

Rarely do guests at funerals “buy” officiants’ claims that we “gather together to celebrate the life of ____.” You fill in the blank. We’ve all “been there, heard that.”

Most are prone to think of funerals as marking ends rather than beginnings. Usually, grief engulfs us, dragging us far below the state of joy we’d prefer. Our spirits don’t seem to be on wings of eagles, soaring across sun-splashed skies.

Rarely do guests at funerals “buy” officiants’ claims that we “gather together to celebrate the life of ____.” You fill in the blank. We’ve all “been there, heard that.”

Most are prone to think of funerals as marking ends rather than beginnings. Usually, grief engulfs us, dragging us far below the state of joy we’d prefer. Our spirits don’t seem to be on wings of eagles, soaring across sun-splashed skies.