senior scribes
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Heroin And A Banquet, By Mona Lease
Hi all!! I read some time ago that BamBam was arrested for heroin trafficking. His parents had divorced earlier in his life. He really did not like his step-Dad. BamBam was the smartest of the bunch - not that the others were daft - just that he had common sense beyond his years...as well as book smarts. He played with my son when they were young. He was the one to tell my son to not get "out of sorts" when I said I'd have to... read more
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Up In Arms? By Mona Lease
Hi, all. Last week was a study in mechanical errors - computer, ipad, cell phone, etc. The last half of my column never made it to my editor. I believe this is important so, I am resubmitting this. The following is a lot of information in a short space. With the rampant heroin usage - why are all firearms for sale and personally owned - not under lock and key? Given the right circumstances - a BB gun can kill. It's not the ammunition - it's the... read more
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Up In Arms? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! The following is a lot of information in a short space. With the rampant heroin usage - why are all firearms for sale and owned not under lock and key? Given the right circumstances - a BB can kill. It's not the ammunition - it,so the power behind the ammunition that causes the problem. And - just like a pool game - the angle is everything. A Daisy BB gun - no pump action - exit end of the barrel flush on the metal casing of the outside... read more
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Attention Seniors… Beware of Sharks! By Donna Kemp
A feeding frenzy is about to begin.  No, I am not talking about real sharks.  I am referring to the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).  The Annual Enrollment Period is the time of year, set aside by Medicare, during which Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in or change their Medicare Advantage or Prescription drug plans.  The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7, although insurance companies and agents can begin... read more
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"Fight the Good Fight" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've heard the phrase "Fight the Good Fight." And I started wondering - what is the "good fight" - exactly? I do not believe it is a physical fight. But - is this fight about our lives - you know - laws and rules like - everyone having to buy health insurance...that does not cover much - that we need to violate our constitution - our rights and beliefs - that we have to provide health insurance (anti-abortion meds, etc.) for our employees... read more
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Keepers, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I had an unprecedented response - all positive - to last week's column. so - I dug a little deeper. Someone asked about the "Am I my brother's keeper" comment. In that comment's context - I Googled this - Genesis 4:9 of the Bible - (It's a Wesley Snipes movie, too!) Cain had killed Abel (his brother) over the fact that the Lord had looked favorably on Abel's sacrifice and not his (Cain's) - I guess there is always going to be someone... read more
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Sex or Love? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I had a conversation with a girl I've been mentoring. She had "been with a guy" - yes, you read it rightly. She wanted to know why it was different - why she had experienced things she had not before known existed. Aside from the fact that they are not married (and for purposes of this column's credibility, I will state that you should be married before "being with someone" of the opposite sex.) - I said - The difference is... read more
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Money talks, ice cream sings, From a CNO reader
One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate. I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed... read more
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Those Little Kitties, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I normally would not think too much about this but - I've had three people speak to me about a cat problem - one died on a reader's property and two more are sick and losing weight. These are all roughly three blocks from each other - as the crow flies. I did see the kitten that died - before the death - running and jumping. And after the death - just dead...no bloody fur or marks to indicate a hit by a car, fight, etc. So I did some checking... read more
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Just When Ya Think, By Mona Lease
There's nothing new under the sun; you find out it's true! Hi, all! I was nosing around the Fair thinking there was nothing new...same old oil and sugar. You know - deep fried pickles, twinkies, oreos, ice cream and sugary funnel cakes, elephant ears, etc. Then I heard Asian music?! I followed it to the Morris Elephant Encounter at the south end of the Fairgrounds. Hailing from Florida - Bill and Cindy Morris own the Encounter. While this is not "new under... read more
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Celebrating No. 88, Sent by a CNO reader
A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and orders a Scotch with two drops of water. As the bartender gives her the drink she says: 'I'm on this cruise to celebrate my 88th birthday and it's today.' The bartender says 'Well, since it's your birthday, I'll buy you a drink. In fact, this one is on me.' As the woman finishes her drink the woman to her right says 'I would like to buy you a drink, too.' The old woman says 'Thank you. Bartender, I want a Scotch with... read more
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Icon Friends? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I'm always amazed at how these columns form themselves and from where they originate. At the Fair, I was casually visiting a specialty clothing tent. In the street in front of the tent, a Father was telling his daughter he did not bring her to the Fair to argue with her. They entered the same tent as I and immediately the daughter started demanding her Father buy her this dress, this handbag, etc. He asked if she needed it and she got louder. With... read more
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Skip a Rope, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! When I was in elementary school, we had a list of four or five sentences. You had to put a number (1-4, in this case.) at the beginning of each sentence to list the order of priority. So it would be: You have one cleaning cloth you have to reuse. You need to do the dishes, clean the refrigerator, clean the toilet, and hand mop the floor. You may rinse out the cloth. Where do you start and end? Good Luck!! I sat at a campgrounds last Saturday watching a large... read more
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From The Bears? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've had this column in my head for years, now. So, consider this: Some 25 years ago I taught my son to read. We started with the "Berenstein Bears" - a gift from a paternal aunt of my son's. It worked best if he read a paragraph, I read one, and we continued that way - even Jr. High Literature Class. It was a time we shared in the dead of winter - a book and hot chocolate. One Berenstein book (in a series), had to do with brother and sister bear screaming... read more
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Of Beads and Baubles, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've read that the kiddies need to be protected - that there is an "age of accountability"  - that the accountability is a different age for everyone. I've read that working to get "ahead" is a good thing - it's the reason behind it all that matters. But - are we protecting the kiddies from what they really need? I've been mentoring a couple of people who do not know each other - that I know...and they have the same story. Behind the scenes is a lot of... read more
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Reflections, By Sharon Hopper
Yesterday my husband and I decided to go to The Gathering here in Greenville at the Garst Museum. To say the least we were both very impressed and awed at the information that was presented to the people who attended. It amazed me that there was so much variety of goods and information presented. If you liked shopping there was plenty to choose from. If you liked historical artifacts there was an abundance on display with knowledgeable persons to help you... read more
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Senior Smiles… Smart Kid - Student who obtained 0% on an exam
From a CNO reader - I would have given him 100%!  Each answer is absolutely grammatically correct, and funny too. The teacher had no sense of humor. Q1.. In which battle did Napoleon die? A .. his last battle. Q2.. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? A .. at the bottom of the page. Q3.. River Ravi flows in which state? A .. liquid. Q4.. What is the main reason for divorce? A .. marriage... read more
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Culture Shock! By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I had heard the rumors. Her Dad had told me face to face, that he had heard she was leaving - she had not told him, though. He said he did not believe it. I called Rannie the other day. She said - "Uh, Mona - I'm in Vegas." What? So - how is Vegas? She laughed, sighed, and gasped - "there's just no real words I know to describe it all." She's met people from countries she never knew existed. - met movie people on the street! Out there, they stamp your... read more
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Do You Remember? By Sharon Hopper
At the Summer Concert in the park last Sunday night (July13) the main circus theme was played and upon listening to that piece of music many many memories came flooding back from my childhood. I lived in a town where the big B circus came every year or so and it was a holiday of sorts. The big B stands for Barnum & Bailey Ringling Bros. Circus. The Greatest Show on Earth. My grandfather was a great fan of the circus and on circus day... read more
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Idle Talk? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! Many things amuse me - in a "do they know what they are really doing" sort of way. With all of the court action and what to do with the people who have broken the law - I'll elaborate. Monday, July 14th; headlines on the Greenville Daily Advocate said that Jason Hunt, 21 - "21" - was indicted for aggravated burglary - a first degree felony. He held a gun to a woman's head (his girlfriend), demanded she go with him, and threatened all else there. The paper... read more
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Just a Thought, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking again. Wow that can lead to some trouble. Wonder what people did in the old days to keep ahead of the weather we were having January 6 2014. They could not just listen to the weather forecast and run to the grocery store for bread and milk and a few comfort foods. They certainly did not have electric and just turn on a switch and it would get warm in the house. And the roads were not opened within hours of a snowstorm or plowed drifting... read more
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How Hurt Is Mad? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!!! I've been sitting on this one for awhile, now. I've spoken with a few people and they agree with me - so, if I am wrong - I am not alone. I've watched a "family" for the last 10 or 11 years. The Grandmother is about 50, I'd say. She has custody of her two grandkiddies - her daughter has no real responsibility on a daily basis...and is now pregnant with the third kiddie and living with another man. The Grandmother is not married to the daughter's Daddy... read more
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What Place? By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I was speaking to a friend the other day when a child's voice from an extension in another room started asking me what I meant by what I had said. Realizing it was her grandchild, I told my friend I'd let her tend to the kiddie and hung up the phone. The grandchild is 10. Pondering as I cleaned up my mid-morning snack mess, questions and thoughts took their turn at the forefront of my mind. The one that kept appearing was "A place for everything and... read more
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Senior Scribes… Don't Mess with Old People, From a Senior Scribe
The Old Timer's Hospital Stay... I am a sick old man. I was sick and in the hospital. There was one nurse that just drove me crazy. Every time she came in, she would talk to me like I was a little child. She would say in a patronizing tone of voice, 'And how are we doing this morning', Or 'Are we ready for a bath', or 'Are we hungry?' I had had enough of this particular nurse. One day, at breakfast, I took the apple juice off the tray and put it in my bed side stand... read more
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Back in Time… Evening on watch was exciting because of ghosts, By Al Bliss
During my first three months at Fire Control School, I would, based on a schedule for watch standers, be assigned a two hour watch in the building. The school had been built sometime in the Second World War. It was a two story building classically in the shape of H. The watch station was on the first floor in the middle of the H. One other descriptive note is that the building was cleaned after school in the evening, so... read more
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Back in Time… First Navy Tour: School in Washington DC, By Al Bliss
The first and surprising information about my almost a year in Washington DC was the title of the School.  “FIRE CONTROL” technician was added later after the school year actually started. As one of two boot camp lowlifes selected to go immediately after boot camp leave to a training facility, I selected this unit because it was in Washington DC where the ratio of women to men was extremely favorable.  I did wonder why it took sooo long to control a fire but... read more
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Real "Girl Talk" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! OK - this is for the girls - ladies - women. From last week's column - we don't get "off the hook" either. As much as it seems to go "against the grain" - we're gonna need to do some "guy stuff" with our guy. I do this stuff, too. I spoke to my Editor some time ago - he said to "write it." The words finally assembled themselves. On our household level - we're gonna have to get into each other's world...which means we're going to have to sit through a few... read more
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The trains in Greenville’s history, By Bob Rhoades
In addition to the Lincoln Funeral Train moving through Darke County, lots of other trains moved people to and from the Greenville Area over time, especially during WWII.  I have no knowledge of how many, if any troop trains left from Greenville Station on Front St., but do remember one train in particular after the war. Two months after my arrival on Feb. 3, 1945, my father, 1st Lt. Eugene F. Rhoades... read more
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"Fixin' It" By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is geared to you guys - sorry - maybe. Don't feel too badly - my son heard all this in his childhood up to 17. Since I've been listening to a few women talk daily - I figured now might be the perfect time. If you come home from a hard day at work; all you want to do is bathe, eat, & vegetate in front of the TV, computer, etc. and your wife (girlfriend, etc.) is upset with that - it is probably not your fault. This doesn't mean you're "off the hook"... read more
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Trip in Time…Wonsan Harbor North Korea, By Al Bliss
Wonsan Harbor is located on the East coast of Korea and a location actively concentrated on during the Korea War by the US Navy. The Maddox DD731 was frequently there because our ship was the home for the Squadron Commander, Captain Buckley who was in charge of removing Macarthur from the Philippines on his PT BOAT. Our Captain, Commander Hanna, and Captain Buckley would routinely man the bridge when the North Koreans shot at... read more
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Trip in Time… Class year on water tower, By Al Bliss
After, I think, the last football game in our junior year, Rusty Sweeney and I had a great idea that was to put our class numbers (date) up on the water tower next to the football field. After many many years it still seems that the climb up to the walkway around the water tower was just a little more than I anticipated. Climbing was hampered for each of us having a bucket a white paint, carrying a brush with an... read more
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Trip in Time… The Ice Machine, By Al Bliss
This was a project taken seriously by me but a joke to others because the ICE MACHINE WAS OLDER THAN DIRT. It was summer and hotter than a frying pan everywhere except the few spaces on the Marlboro that had miraculously found a working air conditioner. It seemed logical to get the ICE MACHINE  in operation so that everyone could have something cold. The process was very simple: energize the thing, it was about six feet tall, three plus... read more
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That's Just The Way She Is, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This column has been playing in my head for a while now...words came and went until they have gelled. So,consider this - A few people have agreed with me - so if I am on the wrong track - I'm not alone. A while back, a girlfriend of mine was found dead. With full confidence that if she were here, she would want me to write this - I'll continue. Gracie was a lesbian - not from the start, though. I knew her before that. We played together on... read more
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But What About-----? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was speaking with a woman the other day. We were on the phone - I could tell she was only half listening to me. I asked her if she was busy. She said she was only partly listening to the TV and just doing a crossword puzzle. I thought about our conversation - that's one thing - the TV is two - and the puzzle is three!? Multitasking immediately entered my mind. My mind took a veer I am not sure I wanted it to go. But, consider this... read more
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The Moral of the Story Is? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I read a story a very long time ago - seems there was a guy who wanted to destroy another guy's work - his "family" - as it were. The guy looked at the "family" from all angles. Should he just walk up to the man and see if he could trick him? - maybe tell a few lies or something? No - the man knew the rules. He'd never listen. The man and his wife were happy - blast it all. Wait - the wife!! He watched her for awhile - then he picked a piece of fruit off... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Remembering our heroes, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson offers her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time it’s Memorial Day. Wilson offers two poems, each addressing a different look at how we remember our heroes… and what they did for us. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy... read more
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Where Did They Go? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been watching a piece of property for the last few years or so, now. It sets in a very small village - no gas stations, no business at all - of any kind. A major highway runs through a small section of it. The realtor worked two interested buyers against each other and raised the buying price every so often until neither party bought it. Some time back, it finally sold. Now the new owner has torn down the house and all of the trees - all of them!! The new... read more
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A Warning? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I was speaking to a family friend yesterday. As we spoke further, an unsettling thought swirled through my mind. We spoke of our current President - how he got elected - twice...We dissected what promises were offered - and not upheld. We looked at how the whole Benghazi Tragedy happened. We traced backwards to our current President's campaign - remember? Remember the girls following him from one "Whistlestop Campaign" to the next... read more
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Angels of Mercy, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! With everything that's been going on - you all watch the news - I thought I'd dedicate this column to all of you "Angels of Mercy" disguised as Mothers - the ones that keep it all together and flowing - schedules, Dr. appointments, nutrition, education, vacation, laundry, dirty floors, dishes, toilets and the like. Here's to you… When God Created Mothers: When God created Mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the Angel appeared... read more
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I Know Why, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I remember the day so vividly - I can still feel the summer air and smell the hot asphalt. Bogey told me he just wanted a woman to share coffee with him - maybe a movie or a drive through the park. I told him he'd find her - it's a big world. He sighed and said he hoped so - he was not too sure. He landed in a Senior Living Complex. The next time I saw him - he had a huge smile on his face. He was having surgery. Yes readers, you read it rightly. The smile... read more
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Senior Sillies… Something for seniors to keep those "aging" grey cells active! From a CNO reader
1. Johnny's mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child's name? 2. There is a clerk at the butcher shop, he is five feet ten inches tall and he wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh? 3. Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? 4. How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet by four feet... read more
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Another Apology, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I owe an apology to Company 7 Barbecue/1001 S. Main St./Englewood, Ohio. I'm getting practice at saying "I'm sorry!" I've written to you all concerning a woman I know who was caught in a Meth Lab Bust. She got her kiddie back and had another one in the meantime. She said she was returning to the "pot-smoking scene" the day she was holding her "Freedom Papers" in her hand from the courts. She told me she's returned to it - earlier than the papers... read more
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May 16… Wear Purple for Peace Day, From a CNO reader
You'd think that this day originated in protest of a particular war or conflict. Or, perhaps it should have been conceived by the UN, or another peacemaking or peace-keeping group. Our extensive research found no evidence supporting the origin of this holiday stemming from these sources. Rather, we found this day to be a stellar event. It seems some of you out there fear that aliens from outer space consider earthlings to be too hostile (you've got that right)... read more
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Eclectic, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Eclectic is defined as "deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Now the definition does not fit exactly. But, see if you find any common ideas from the following. I thought they were disjointed thoughts. But, maybe they are not as disjointed as I thought. They are all from conversations I've had with people - who do not know each other. This one puzzles and troubles me the most. I actually saw all of this. The ad... read more
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"She" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I normally do not write columns "ver-batim" - word-for-word when people talk to me. But, this one just made so much sense - I wrote it the way it was said. "Mona, you need to write this. Whether anyone listens or not." She told me she'd "been there." There are so many nuances to this that I can not possibly look at them all. She told me she could not be sorry enough for her bad decisions. And they rarely had to do with alcohol or drugs! They were born of... read more
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"Imperfections" By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! My dog is roughly 10 and a half years old. She has "hot spots." The skin will turn red - she'll itch and dig - the hair falls out sometimes - it's a chore, to be sure. Her owner could not care for her. I got her when she was a year old. The hot spots came in the last 3 years. She has been a joy to me through it all. You know - aside from the fact that she physically can not lie to me - I do not think she would if she could - she asks little of me. She only wants... read more
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Starts With "R", By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been listening to people talk about the "Police Beat." I hear how they do not like it - at all...it's too "blow-by-blow." You faithful readers (thanks, again!) know how my mind works. From my readings of the "author" of the Police Beat - he has always shown you a path and given you the first step or two. You get to do the "math" - if you like. On this particular one - I'll do the math. Remember reading about the kid (25?) who took off... read more
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Only One Way, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've turned this over in my mind for some time now. And there is only one way to say this… only one way to look at it. And that is to look at the truth of it. Concerning the drug problem - here's how to make a dent (a huge one) in it: Common drug scenario - "Jiles, man you really came through for us this time!! Just when we thought there was no heroin (pills, pot, crack, cocaine, etc.), you went to Bubba. Man, I know you don't like him at all. (See how Jiles is... read more
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Hmm! By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! This could only be in my mind! But - I thought I'd share this idea with you. I was speaking to a girlfriend the other day. Our conversation turned to this: Have you ever noticed that (by and large) - almost by some cosmic (higher-up?) design - people from other countries (cultures?) are living and working here? Before I continue on, I'll put a parameter on this..There are good people and bad people in every culture (color,sex,etc.). And another parameter is... read more
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People and Money, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! He was a very young man for the job. He was inexperienced. But, he had a smile. He wore the right clothes - white shirt and black suit. He had a petite, lovely wife. She smiled, was poised, and spoke of the children. I'm speaking of John F. Kennedy - or, am I? He had the right family connections. He had political backers who knew their places - mostly silent ones. He came on strong - always with that charm and smile. A few good things seemed to happen... read more
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Probably Just Me, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Maybe it's just me - it probably is - just me. But - everyone - well; most people, agree that "everything is made in China." And that China is our enemy...that China owns us." But - I think we are paying China to be our enemy - to own us!! And here's how I come to that conclusion. Every year "'long 'bout school time" (August) - China ships stuff over here to us - to be "in style" when the kiddies return to school for another year of learnin'. Granted - someone... read more
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The Ride, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! How many of you remember going to the Fair and riding the biggest, tallest ride there  - The SkyDiver? It sat catty-corner from the Speed Office on the south end of the Fairgrounds. From the top-most car you could see all the way up to the Grand Stand! Remember the anticipation - how your heart beat faster? You were on the ride - it moved and stopped to load more people - "Come on" - "Hurry it up, already!" Then it started - slowly at first and picked... read more
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Lexophile: Love this stuff!, From a CNO reader
"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those that love using words in rather unique ways, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition to see who can come up with the best one is held every year. This year's winning submission is posted at the very end. When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months... read more
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Answering the Call, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! There has been so much to write about - I wanted to take a few sentences to tell you the following before I stat the column - or maybe it is the column - in a way. Friday, January 31, 2014 - on CountyNewsOnline - a headline read - "Boehner Hosts Ohio Job Creators at the State of the Union."  I had sent an e.mail to John's DC Office - to his secretary. That was last December - before Christmas. I sent it "From Darke County." I made a few phone calls to... read more
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Valentines Day verse for CNO readers, By Lois Wilson
Once again Senior Scribe Poet Laureate Lois Wilson is on top of the season with her insightful look at the important events of the day. This time its Valentines Day. Wilson offers four different thoughts about the annual tribute to romance. Wilson's completed set - four volumes - of published poetry is now available and is offered as a fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund. Enjoy great poetry and help a local... read more
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Getting to Know Hope, From Senior Scribe Marianne Clark
Another assortment of odds and ends from Marianne’s poet friend out west. I found the first one most amusing… I believe you will as well. They are all worth a read; I can identify with her perspective in the Clothes Horse. Editor. HERE COMES HOPE - I get up in the morning a shower to take. And sometimes I’m only half awake. Then the scented body wash starts a war with the shampoo, But I let them battle wouldn’t you? After... read more
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A Time For Everything, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! This column is sort of a "part two." I did not mean it that way - it just turned out that way. I knew last week about a gross child abuse situation in our county. Now that it made the headlines in a local paper - I will speak. I have spoken with a number of powerful people and organizations locally. I have asked them to start telling the kiddies and our young people to "Just Say No" to sex. They are told to say that to drugs. Imagine my surprise and... read more
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Jammin' Me, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Buy this insurance! If you are happy where you are; you can stay there! Now I have health insurance with a $2,000 deductible - for one person  My new insurance does not cover half of what the new policy does. (True Darke County story). We (the city) need to improve the street. It needs widened. We're taking some of your property for the sidewalk (oh, and you get to sweep it, wash it, shovel snow off of it, and if someone falls and breaks a... read more
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Watchin' the Money, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been listening to the conversations lately. It seems very few people are truly happy. "More money"  is what I hear. "If I had more money I could do this, that or, the other." I've watched "more money" appear - then another "problem" occurs - sickness sometimes. Usually something breaks. Somehow, the "needful broken object" is a television or computer. Now and again, it's a vehicle or appliance. For all the "needful" of the telly or computer - I've... read more
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How long is winter? By Sharon Hopper
This has already been the longest year I can ever remember and it is only January. The 18th of January to be specific. Already we have had more snow that has kept us housebound than in many a year. We have had a rainstorm that closed our road for two days. And we have had the coldest temperatures in a century and there seems to be no relief according to the forecast. My electric meter has been spinning for days and I am very thankful for that and my pipes... read more
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A-maze-ing!! By Mona Lease
Hi, all! "Betty Grable was always into drugs. She deserved to die."  "Hugh Heffner bandied about with girls young enough to be his granddaughters. He'll probably get a disease. (He can afford it, though.)"  "Those girls are gold diggers. They should get a real job like the rest of us."  "He's had six DUIs so far. And I heard he was into drugs....lock up your stuff. "Those people" steal to get their drugs"  "I won't go to his funeral - he's a child molester."  "She won't listen... read more
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For My Shipmate Jim Pope, By Al Bliss
The other day, I thought of my old shipmate and friend Jim Pope and considered only proper to share some of the unique times and experiences that we had together. In 1951, when I reported to Fire Control Class A school in Washington D.C. at the old Anacostia Naval Base, I met this guy named Pope. He was in the class ahead of me, so we were not in class together, but he did possess the most unusual walk/stride... read more
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Is It Really True? By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I trust you all survived our little "Arctic Blast!" As I write this, it is 9 degrees at the Versailles Airport. And it seems so much warmer now that the wind has mostly settled and we're on the plus side of zero - kinda hard to believe! I'd like to take credit for the following, but; I can't. Red Skelton (one of my all-time personal favorites) of Vincennes, Indiana; credits a teacher of his - a Mr. Lasser... read more
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Just a Thought, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking again. Wow that can lead to some trouble. Wonder what people did in the old days to keep ahead of the weather we are having January 6 2014. They could not just listen to the weather forcast and run to the grocery store for bread and milk and a few comfort foods. They certainly did not have electric and just turn on a switch and it would get warm in the house. And the roads were not opened within hours of a snowstorm or plowed drifting snow... read more
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The Magi, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! As usual - my brain started thinking "out of the box." With Christmas and it's usual display of the Manger Scene (Bees to whomever stole the Baby Jesus from the Greenville display!) and the Three Wise Men - I did a little checking and a lot of thinking. First - I could not find anywhere that there were 3 Wise Men - only "some Wise Men" or "The Wise Men." Perhaps three came from the gifts they brought - gold... read more
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Prosperity: A happy rewarding life, By Sharon Hopper
I have been thinking about time. Does it go to fast or does it go to slow. I think it depends on what one is doing and what one wants to do. If you are doing things that you truly enjoy then time seems to go by fast. By the same token if you are doing something or nothing that is productive then time seems to inch by slower and slower. Since I have retired time seems to drag a good bit of the time. However, I really don’t seem to... read more
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Our "Lady Liberty", By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I've been thinking lately - with all of the bad hype about the current president, the senators, and such - Why are people still coming here (the USA) to live? Why do they risk crossing the Mexican Border to get here? And that got me to thinking of the Statue of Liberty. So - with Wikipedia's help (God bless that public funded site!), I found - The Statue of Liberty is really "Liberty Enlightening the World." The French gave... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe… Come - Let Us Reason, By Mona Lease
Hi, all! So - I've been doing some research. In the state of Ohio - you do not have to have auto insurance. You need to prove financial responsibility. Land you own is not listed..however you can use "assets." And the usual bond stuff is listed. But; suppose you have a lot of acreage - 100's of it. And it's prime, producing land. (In Darke County, six months ago, a stream between two fields, with trees around the stream; sold for a reported $300,000. The stream... read more
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A Christmas Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
TIME TO EAT By Hope Louise Edwards Wills Gary Goat was thinking, “It’s almost Christmas, my, oh my. The farmer’s wife will make an apple cinnamon pie. Snicker doodles, Gingerbread and then my favorite thing for goodness sake, A three layered cream filled, chocolate cake.” Harry Hound came by and said,” Gary, what are you thinking about? It must be food, I have no doubt.” “Yes,” said Gary, “It’s the Christmas season, And that gives me a very good... read more
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Darke County Senior Scribe…Open Letters By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! Open Letter to a Daughter In-Law: You do not have to call me Mom or Ma'am. You can if you wish; but it is not necessary You see - I was once like you - young - in love - and the world was full of hope and promise. And, in many ways it still is full of promise. I have age on my side. I've learned a few things the hard way. I've learned not to take anything or anyone for granted. I've learned that people can and will let you down - whether they mean to or... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scribe…A Time For..., By Mona Lease
Hi, all! I've been reading, from various sources, about the insurance problems. And, it's curious to me - we are all saying the same thing. There are people who have said that they had a "near death experience." They survived and are going to spend this "new lease on life" doing worthwhile things - in some cases this has to do with advocating for the upholding of our constitutional rights - again theright to buy or not buy insurance. Much blood was ... read more
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A Holiday Offering, By Hope Louise Edwards Wills
READY FOR FALL IN THE FARMHOUSE Summer was winding down. It was almost fall. Fall on the farm was never dull. The farmhouse was in a real tizzy. Fruits and veggies to can kept Fannie Farmer slightly dizzy. Some things would be frozen as well, Warm peach pie was a favorite of the Farmer in the Dell. On a cold winter night he would ask, oh so nice, For just another little slice. Fannie thought blueberry crunch cake was just right For a cold winter... read more
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Musings of a Senior Scibe…To Tell The Truth, By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! I have a girlfriend from the hills of Kentucky. Whenever she had something she just had to say; she'd say it was "on her tongue" and it had to come off her tongue. Awhile back I wrote about the 14 year old girl and her 13 year old boyfriend - they had a spat - he gave her a beautiful bracelet - they swore their undying love for each other - life was good - he gave her a ring - life was great. Two weeks ago she sent me a text - they were through - she's single..."I'm... read more


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